Comediens Converge On Wellington For Car-Free Showdown

Comediens Converge On Wellington For Car-Free Showdown

Some of New Zealand’s best known comedians are revving up their engines while others are tying their shoe laces for the Car-Free Comedy Showdown at Te Papa on Saturday 22 September.

Regular stars of TV3 series Seven Days, Urzila Carlson and Steve Wrigley, will captain teams of Petrol Heads and Transport Tree Huggers, to debate the merits of that much loved Kiwi institution, the car.

Hosted by Wallace Chapman, teams include Ian Harcourt and Greg Ellis from Wellington company The Improvisers, local comedy star Jerome Chandrahasen and Auckland-based Justine Smith.

The event is being organised by Greater Wellington Regional Council to celebrate World Car-Free Day.

Fran Wilde, Chair of Greater Wellington, says the comedians will thrash out the good, the bad and the ugly of all things transport.

“New Zealanders love our cars, we own lots of them, love driving them and even dedicate our Sundays to cleaning them.

"They connect us with people and places, help create our sense of identity and can be a private karaoke studio in traffic.

"But is there a dark side to all this fun? Can our love affair with the car last the distance?”

Fran Wilde says the debate is a light-hearted approach to quite a serious issue. “In the last 20 years an increasing number of kids have been driven to school.

"This is an entire generation, or two, of Kiwis who’ve missed out on the fun and the important life skills of walking or cycling independently.
"If we continue this trend, Kiwis’ health is ultimately the biggest loser.
“The Car-Free Comedy Showdown is a timely opportunity to reflect, in a light hearted way, on how we’re travelling in Wellington.”
The Showdown will run from 6pm at Soundings, Te Papa on Saturday 22 September.

Tickets are free but seats are limited so make your bookings now: carfree@gw.govt.nz

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