High Ratings are a Joke!

Media Alert: For Immediate Release

The NZ International Comedy Festival

High Ratings are a Joke!

With the first week of the 2008 instalment of the NZ International Comedy Festival, there is a great deal to celebrate.

The Cadbury Crunchie Comedy Gala, screened on TV2 this past Wednesday (23rd April), surpassing all expectations and was the most viewed programme that day. The comedy extravaganza received a share of 43.3, ‘handsomely’ winning its slot.

The Auckland night sky turned yellow on Saturday as the SKYCITY tower lit up to celebrate the successes of the festival in its first hilarious week. The yellow glow continues at SKYCITY throughout the duration of the festival acknowledging that this event has got so big it deserves a sky full of comedy gold.

Audience numbers have also risen sharply, with ticket sales having picked up in the last week even though Festival pre-bookings were lower than previous years. “Despite the impact of the predicted economic downturn, this year’s Festival took off after the opening night with many shows selling out their seasons” said Festival Director Hilary Coe.

The inaugural Nickelodeon Kids’ Comedy Season has also been a big success, with large crowds attending the festivities in its first week. Howard Read, who was involved in a well-received segment on TV3’s ‘Campbell Live’, with his show Little Howard and the Magic Pencil of Life and Death, captured the imaginations of families who attended this NZ premiere. The second week is ready to rock with the award winning puppeteers Men of Steel looking to attract increased audience numbers in the 6-12 year old age group.

With another fortnight of shows, including a number of comedians crossing over from Auckland to Wellington and vice versa, this year’s Comedy Festival continues its march through to the grand finale with Last Laughs, home of the Billy T Award and FRED Award ceremonies, on May 11th at SKYCITY Theatre.

For more information visit www.comedyfestival.co.nz

ENDS

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