Comedy Carnival Bringing Joy To Canterbury

Media Release: Friday 6 November

Bringing Joy To Canterbury With The Gift Of Giggles

AotearoHA Comedy Carnival - Free Christchurch Show Announced

After the Canterbury earthquake, the producers of the NZ International Comedy Festival wanted to do what they could for the people of Canterbury - they decided they could bring a laugh to those who deserved it the most and help bring back a little joy to the Canterbury region with a free Christchurch show.

"Following the hard times that Cantabrians have faced over the past couple of months, the New Zealand Comedy Trust is thrilled that we can provide free tickets to the AotearoHA Comedy Carnival." Kylie Aitchison, Managing Director, NZ Comedy Trust

People from all over New Zealand can personally nominate a Cantabrian that needs a night of laughter- free of charge. Perhaps you know someone who suffered damage to their home and needs to forget their troubles for a night. Or you could nominate a person who helped you in your time of need; did someone get their shovel out and dig silt from your drains? Or offer you some much needed moral support? Now is your chance to thank them and share a little joy through the gift of laughter.

And laugh they will at the AotearoHA Comedy Carnival; Australian Peter Helliar (Rove) is at the helm, acting as ring master to a colossal amount of talent and pure funniness. Audiences will marvel with wonder at New Zealand's own Sam Wills as he performs Boy with Tape on his Face, without speaking a word the Kiwi comedian made a big noise at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe, receiving 5 star reviews and performing to sell out audiences. Boy with Tape on his Face conjures the heart-rending poignancy of Buster Keaton and mingles it with mischief and piercing wit that leaves an audience enraptured.

Next on the bill is Australia's Sammy J & Randy; up for 'Best International Show' at the Festival this year, they are back to dazzle you with their 'filthy, frenetic and gloriously funny' comedy (Chortle - UK). TV star Ben Hurley (7 Days and host of 2010 Vodafone NZ Music Awards), and winner of both the Billy T & Fred Awards is on the bill along with Jarred Fell (NZ) who will command the stage combining fast-paced razor sharp wit and a tornado-like approach to magic, gore and comedy.
A new addition to the line up, making her NZ debut is Celia Pacquola (AUS), described as "Jaw achingly funny. Her delivery is sharp and her timing just right" (The Age - Aus), she won the 'Best Australian Show' at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Jeremy Elwood (7 Days), who won 'Best Comedy' at Dunedin Fringe this year is well known for his hilarious take on the world around us, no news story is safe from his questioning mind.

No one deserves a joyful night out more than the people of Canterbury, so get online and let us know who you reckon could use a belly-aching good time. Laughter is contagious, so share the joy and nominate your friends or general good buggers at www.comedyfestival.co.nz

A big thanks to Cadbury Dairy Milk, whose support has enabled us to make this concert free for the people of Canterbury.

AOTEAROHA COMEDY CARNIVAL

Wednesday 8 December at 8pm
James Hay Theatre, Christchurch
(All tickets are free for Cantabrians - get nominating at www.comedyfestival.co.nz )

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