The Oddfellows NZ International Comedy Festival

20 February 2006

The ODDFELLOWS NZ International Comedy Festival presents 3 WEEKS OF WORLD-CLASS COMEDY

Great comedy only gets funnier with age!

The ODDFELLOWS NZ International Comedy Festival is delighted to confirm the stunning line-up of local and international talent in 3 weeks of festival mayhem, with a programme of events proudly expanded in 2006 to celebrate the growth of NZ Comedy.

Standing proudly alongside the big name internationals, are our very own kiwi comedians, many of whom have experienced international success on the touring circuit. No longer able to be lumped into one group, The 2006 ODDFELLOWS NZ International Comedy Festival recognizes the exceptional pool of veteran, professional and emerging comedians with a new award, a series of new events and a greater selection of venues in this year's remarkable programme.

The madness begins the 12th of May, when the champagne event of comedy rolls out the red carpet, for a sneak preview of the very best of the fest. Hosted by the world renowned 'Godfather of Stand Up', Dom Irrera (USA) and filmed live for television the ODDFELLOWS Comedy Gala boasts some of the biggest names in international comedy including Andy Parsons (UK), Stephen K Amos (UK), David O'Doherty (IRE), Janey Godley (SCOT) and Danny Bhoy (SCOT). Local icons include Jeremy Corbett, Ewen Gilmour, Jeremy Elwood, Benjamin Crellin plus many more.

Auckland isn't the only place to party this festival. With a programme bigger and funnier than ever, Wellington audiences are also invited to celebrate 3 weeks of chaos at ODDFELLOWS First Laughs, the all new event showcasing the outstanding comedy playing in Wellington this festival season. Featuring The 4 Noels (NZ/AUST), Charlie Pickering (AUST) and Janey Godley (SCOTLAND), and local comedy heroes Dai Henwood, Rhys Darby, plus many more. This VIP event has a limited number of tickets available for the public and is certain to sell-out.

While the capital city has been busy programming a full tank of laughter, Auckland has been scouting for more venues that comedy can call home. The intimate experience offered to audiences at THE CLASSIC STUDIO returns along with two new comedy venues - THE TRANSMISSION ROOM and THE COMEDY UNDERGROUND. From the stage to the screen the laughter is reeling when THE ACADEMY CINEMA joins the festival with a highly anticipated series of films featuring the legendary comedian Bill Hicks.

If the last 3 weeks of comedy frenzy has left you 'pooped', hang in there, the best is yet to come!

Join comedians for the festival finale and awards showcase THE LAST LAUGH, featuring performances from our favourite internationals and the exceptional local comedians in the running for this year's big awards of comedy. Recognising our next generation of great comedians in the making, nominees for the prestigious 2006 ODDFELLOWS Billy T Award are joined by contenders for THE FRED, a new festival award honouring the achievements of our most established comedians and their potential for international export.

The Peoples Choice Award is back, giving audiences the opportunity to win major prizes thanks to Visa Entertainment and award their favourite performer in this year's great line-up of comedy. And now to the snorts, hoots, giggles, cackles, howls, guffaws and unidentifiable funny noises from the people who bring 3 weeks of great comedy to life.

WITH 29 venues, over 200 comedians, 101 shows, YOU'RE SURE TO GET THE JOKE!

ENDS

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