Those who laugh first, laugh best

April 2, 2008
Attn Arts and Entertainment Reporters

Those who laugh first, laugh best

Hold on to your hats folks, it's showtime! The New Zealand International Comedy Festival 2008 is ready to blow through Wellington like a hurricane of hilarity, kicking off with the gala premier of FIRST LAUGHS, the opening night showcase of the biggest laughs in town.

Following last years hugely successful Comedy Festival, which saw Wellingtonians flock to comedy events in unprecedented numbers, this year's festival is bigger than ever before.

First Laughs kicks off the festival on Sunday, April 20 at The Opera House on Manners Street. Hosted by local boy done good, Dai Henwood, First Laughs brings together the talents of Arj Barker of Flight of the Conchords fame (USA), Josie Long (England), John Fothergill (England), Ben Hurley (NZ), and 2008 Billy T Award nominees The Lonesome Buckwhips, Simon McKinney and Steve Wrigley.

The move from last year's venue the Paramount Theatre to The Opera House has been made due to audience demand with sell out houses in 2006 and 2007. Tickets are on sale now and audiences are advised to book ahead for this high profile and fast selling event.  

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival begins in Wellington on April 20 and ends on May 10, featuring a world-class line up of local and international comedians appearing in 41 shows, delivered across 173 performances at 12 venues.

International headliners include Flight of the Conchords' Arj Barker (US), Ireland's David O'Doherty, Scotland's unmissable Janey Godley, if.comedy Best Newcomer award winner Josie Long and Tony Lee from Canada. Also, be sure to check out The Big Show international comedy showcase featuring Neil Delamere (Ire), John Fothergill (UK), Eddie Ifft (US) and Aussie Mickey D.

Kiwi talent is led by NZ's favourite bogan Ewen Gilmour, femme fatales Michele A'Court and Emma Olsen, local comedy icons Steve Wrigley and Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, high profile ex-pat Ben Hurley, and award winners Jeremy Elwood and Jerome Chandrahasen

2008 New Zealand International Comedy Festival
April 20 – May 11

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