“Swift and Shift” deliver the laughs on time.

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“Swift and Shift” deliver the laughs on time.

COMEDY CENTRAL AUGUST 2009 PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

AUCKLAND, Thursday 23 July, 2009 – From the creators of popular Aussie comedy “Fat Pizza”, Paul Fenec and company bring their latest “fly on the wall” sitcom, Swift and Shift Couriers, to our shores – only on Comedy Central New Zealand.

Premiering on August 13th, “Swift and Shift Couriers” shows the politics, the people and the events that sculpt the worst courier company in Australia. The show features one of the most diverse ensemble of performers, including Australian game show legend Ian Turpie, radio and television personality Amanda Keller, Rose Tattoo front man Angry Anderson and a strong Kiwi cast. Where the company can’t deliver their packages on time, they more than easily deliver the laughs.

Hailed as an “immediate sensation,” with a “talent [that is] undeniable”, Demetri Martin’s series, Important Things with Demetri Martin continues throughout August, every Friday at 8pm. Important Things with Demitri Martin mixes his irreverent stand-up comedy with sketches, animation, studio bits, and music to explore one "important thing" per episode - like Power, Safety or Chairs. Martin's jokes, drawings and hair play major roles in the series, which on it’s American debut was Comedy Central’s most-watched series premiere since 2003’s “Chappelle’s Show”.

Comedy Central NZ also brings to you exclusive premieres of HBO Stand Up Specials from the cream of the US comedy crop. Hollywood’s latest star Dane Cook recorded his stand up show “Vicious Circle” across two sold out nights in Boston in front of a total of 36,000 fans proving himself one of the hottest tickets in comedy, while frequently cited as an influence to today’s procession of comedians, Dave Chappelle’s stand up “Killin’ Them Softly” gives credence to just how insightful and sharp he can be.

Joining them is an esteemed member of the comedy fraternity who helped pave the way for comedians to enter the mainstream media. Bob Saget became famous through “Full House” as a squeaky clean father – however, the dark side of Saget is shown in all it’s shocking glory with “That Ain’t Right”. Many might be more accustomed to Dana Carvey underneath glasses and long blonde hair as “Wayne’s World” character Garth Algar – however the former “Saturday Night Live” member cuts his teeth with “Squatting Monkeys Tell No Lies” and explains to audiences what that sentence means. Last, but by no means least, Roseanne Barr, for some the queen of comedy in the early nineties, launches into a new phase of her career, slimmed down, “Blonde and Bitchin’”, and at her “take-no-prisoners” best.

The tale of Cyrano de Bergerac get’s an 80’s retelling with Steve Martin’s “Roxanne”; the long nosed Martin begins his noble quest to court the titular character Roxanne, played by 80’s pin up Daryl Hannah. Meanwhile Bruce Willis (by means of his voice), John Travolta and Kirsty Alley team up in the ever-popular “Look Who’s Talking”, which went on the spawn two sequels and a sitcom in the 90’s.
Just For Laughs continues throughout August also, this month featuring the comedic talents of “Police Academy” star Michael Winslow (USA), Ian Coppinger (IRE), Dom Irrera (USA) and a star turning performance from Tim Allen (USA) – this was the performance that put him and his alter ego, Tim “The Toolman” Taylor on the map.

• Swift and Shift Couriers. Premieres Tuesday August 13 at 7:30pm
More information and videos at http://www.sbs.com.au/swiftandshift
• Important Things with Demetri Martin. Continues Friday’s at 8pm.
• HBO Stand Up Specials Premieres Saturdays at 9pm (Dane Cook – August 1st, Dave Chappelle – August 8th, Bob Saget – August 15th, Rosanne Barr – August 22nd, Dana Carvey – August 29th)
• Roxanne Premieres Thursday August 6 at 8:30pm. Look Who’s Talking. Premieres Thursday August 20 at 8:30pm.
• Just For Laughs. New shows premiere Friday’s at 9:30pm
ends