Tag: NZ International Comedy Festival

NZICF 2016: Frenchy – World’s Worst Adult

Frenchy

With over two hundred million views and one-and-a-half million fans on social media, Frenchy’s online reputation precedes him. This show comes with a warning that it contains offensive material which is accurate yet all the same is arguably putting it mild.

World’s Worst Adult is an off-color escapade in to what Frenchy refers to as his ‘immature brain’ in which there are no rules or boundaries and certainly no decorum. From unapologetic sexist jokes to pedophilia and even bestiality, no crude stone is left unturned as the most controversial of subjects are tackled without so much as batting an eyelid.

Weaved among the profanities and obscenities were amusing tales which included recollections from his surprising former life as a high school teacher as well as some hilariously outrageous sex encounters. Along the way, we were also treated to some audaciously tongue-in-cheek, bawdy songs one of which gave the world of Harry Potter a whole new outlook.

Frenchy pairs his twisted sense of humor with his underlying comedic sensibility to form just the right blend of shocking yet still somehow genuinely funny material. He uses his sociable manner with his cheeky charm to superb effect; as vulgar as some of his jokes got – and there were a lot of them – he never once lost the crowd.

It’s no easy feat delivering a show that is designed to offend yet is mindful to not cross the line to tasteless territory. The key to enjoying this show is to dispel all thought of what’s right or appropriate and just indulge in the hilarity Frenchy has unabashedly unleashed from topics of which laughter is an improper response.

Needless to say, Frenchy is not for everyone. If you don’t offend easily though, World’s Worst Adult is a gasp-inducing, no holds barred hour of gloriously filthy and irreverent comedy that doesn’t shy away from laughing at the taboo things in life.

4-stars

World’s Worst Adult is on just one more time – tonight at Q Theatre at 9pm. For more details and to book tickets, click here.

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NZICF 2016: Rhys Mathewson – Nouveau Rhys

Rhys Mathewson

Rhys Mathewson has been in show business for ten years and is heavily in debt which is very likely correlated. To commemorate this, he has a twenty-one-year-old hidden talent he wishes to share with us all.

Nouveau Rhys sees Mathewson change things up a bit by adding a bit of performance flair to his set. The show kicks off with a quite literally stomping opener which incorporated some brilliant toilet humor one-liners that worked an absolute treat with the audience.

After such a vigorous start, the direction of the show was uncertain and you wondered how Mathewson could keep the momentum going but he does so impressively without difficulty. It’s easy to forget that he has been in the circuit for a decade considering he is only twenty-five. He displays a confidence and ease on stage that could rival other more seasoned comics.

Over the course of the hour, Mathewson thoroughly entertains the audience with his intelligent and exceedingly witty commentary about various things in life. We learn about the time he heckled a bus driver, his hatred for ‘Irish tap dancing’ and how he measures time using food. He also shared some amusing and interesting opinions which included what he thinks of democracy and why the Lotto is a government conspiracy.

Mathewson’s casual, conversational style makes the show incredibly easy to just sit back, absorb and engage with. His greatest strength though is in the richness of the material itself which possesses a maturity and well-honed comedic dexterity that is well beyond his years.

Nouveau Rhys delivers a pitch-perfect set of sharp and endlessly hilarious anecdotal comedy that will have you in stitches. Mathewson’s charisma as an entertainer coupled with his undeniable talent at comedy make for an utterly enjoyable hour.

5-stars

Nouveau Rhys is on at The Classic at 10pm until May 14th. For more details and to book tickets, click here.

NZICF 2016: Nic Sampson – Nic Sampson Has Fallen Down a Well

Nic Sampson

What happens when you fuse comedy and theatre together and want to see if people would be concerned or couldn’t care less at the prospect of a ‘white man in trouble’? You get Nic Sampson Has Fallen Down a Well.

In essence, this fifty-minute piece fuses together a solid repertoire of stand up with some comically exaggerated showmanship. It sees Sampson exercise his comedic and performing chops to deliver one brilliantly absurd, absurdly brilliant show.

From having conversations with strangers at bus-stops and discovering the wonders of nine dimensional cinema to playing the guy who has to fail guide dog puppies, Sampson’s material had great entertainment value and showed excellent comedic instincts. Along the way, different characters come into the mix with Sampson embodying each one to comedic effect.

In the wrong hands, a concept like this could easily veer into self-indulgent territory. Sampson toes this line well and even at it’s most farcical, it somehow still just works. His self-deprecating style of observational comedy pair well with his theatrical delivery to form a lively and boisterous comedy experience.

The premise to this show and how Sampson lets it unravel might be lost on some and if you are someone that just wants to see a straight stand up show then this is probably not for you. Judging by last night’s crowd though, Sampson has found a niche in comedy that overall translates extremely well.

Nic Sampson Has Fallen Down a Well is an offbeat, deftly written show that is a little bit dramatic, a lot eccentric and consistently funny. This cleverly conceived piece will give you more bang for your buck and is an enjoyable late night comedy treat.

4-stars

Nic Sampson Has Fallen Down a Well is on at The Basement at 10pm until May 14th. For more details and to book tickets, click here.

NZICF 2016: El Jaguar – In Fiesta

El Jaguar

Clad in a wrestling mask and revealing outfit to boot, El Jaguar is quite the silly sight to behold. He takes to the stage with gusto and excited vigor however this is short-lived as he promptly tells the audience that the show has reached its peak and to lower their expectations.

This self-deprecating view of his abilities – which he even graphs visually for us – is punctuated by his desperate need to please and this becomes the source of much of the entertainment in the show. Though there are a few awkward moments and there isn’t really any tie-in or reason behind the costume, for the most part In Fiesta is an enjoyable affair.

2015 was the worst year for El Jaguar and consequently he wants to focus on living a life that is filled with moments of joy, happiness and laughter. Thus El Jaguar is hosting a fiesta and we are all invited to join in on the festivities. The hour is spent planning and preparing for what he describes will be an ‘anti-climax’. Crisps are shared, party poppers passed around and we get to know each other along the way.

The strength of this show lies in the crowd banter that takes place. At its core the show centers around and thrives off crowd interaction and Derek Flores, the man behind this masked maverick, pulls this off admirably. He is a skilled improviser and incredibly quick-witted, seamlessly engaging with the crowd and bringing everyone together through their responses.

In Fiesta is absurd as it is amusing, celebrating the good and bad in life in the form of riotous antics and festive merriment. It is a lighthearted, off-the-cuff comedy that is loads of fun, wildly frenetic and gleefully exuberant.

4-stars

In Fiesta is on until May 14th at the MonteCristo, 53 Nelson St at 8:45pm. For more details and to book tickets, click here.

NZICF 2016: Ismo Leikola – Observing the Obvious

Ismo Leikola

The title ‘Funniest Comedian in the World’ – awarded to him at an international stand up competition in 2014 – is quite a reputation to live up to. This is Ismo Leikola’s New Zealand debut though judging by the turnout, he looks set to be a Kiwi favorite.

Leikola takes to the stage in the most unassuming, cordial way and the crowd immediately warm to him. His awkward disposition coupled with his seemingly anxious tics and fidgety mannerisms are endearing and all part of the show’s idiosyncratic charm.

Observing the Obvious unfolds as a series of concise and witty observations of the everyday things in life – including comical stories from his marriage – that amuse and baffle him. The brilliance of this show lies in Leikola’s perceptive ability in exposing and poking fun at the often illogical, blatantly apparent aspects of life that have been hidden in plain sight.

Silent letters in English words, the dichotomy of ethical eating, toilet signs and even the humble earthworm all get given new perspective. The audience are consistently reminded of his Finnish roots as he openly fumbles on words and draws cultural comparisons, effectively playing the ‘bewildered foreigner’ to humorous effect.

Though there were a few lulls, they seemed to be more from the audience not picking up on the more subtle jokes than anything else. He recovers from these moments well, either simply moving on or sometimes even playfully explaining to the audience what we missed.

Observing the Obvious is an offbeat, excellently crafted hour of quirky and insightful one-liners that pack a comedic punch. Ismo Leikola’s undeniable dexterity at this style of comic misunderstanding, especially with English as his second language, is impressive and a must-see.

4-stars

Observing the Obvious is at The Classic at 8:30pm until May 14th with an extra earlier show (at 5:30pm) on the last day. The season is already close to selling out so get in quick before you miss out! For more details and to book tickets, click here.

NZICF 2016: George Egg – Anarchist Cook

George Egg

George Egg likens the art of anarchist cooking to that of casino card counters, the difference with him being the ‘best practitioners don’t get caught’. Fueled by a desire to best over-priced hotel food, he decided to come up with innovative solutions to creating meals within the limited means of a hotel room.

Anarchist Cook blends cooking with comedy to form a unique and fascinating concept of a show that is part engaging discourse, part cooking demonstration. The stage is set to mirror a typical hotel room which Egg uses to impressive effect to effortlessly whip up three appetizing courses.

Over the course of the hour, hair dryers, towel rails, irons and coat hangers take on new meaning and purpose. Egg has the audience completely captivated as he proves that anything is possible with a little bit of creative thinking and a can-do attitude.  From making cheese in the bathroom to flipping pancakes over an upside-down iron, this really is anarchist cooking at its best.

In between the chopping and poaching, Egg keeps the audience entertained and engaged with lighthearted banter as well as amusing food-based material. His genial, good-humored persona and enthusiasm for what he does is endearing; before we know it we too are invested in his plight and excited for what is coming together in front of us.

Anarchist Cook will give you an entirely different outlook on cookery and the boundless culinary potential a hotel room has. It is a brilliant premise that is deliciously crafty, delightfully ingenious and has to be seen to be believed. Be ready to soak in the smells and bring your appetite with you.

5-stars

Anarchist Cook is on at the Herald Theatre at 7pm from May 10th – 14th. For more details and to book tickets, click here.

NZICF 2016: Lloyd Langford – Just The Right Level of Welshness

Lloyd Langford

After a successful debut season last year, Lloyd Langford is back on our shores with a new show. Just The Right Level of Welshness, he explains, was a prematurely selected show title and that really it should have been named ‘Rascal’ so as to tie in better with the theme of the show: pleasure.

Langford’s material was made up of sharp and witty observations about a range of topics which included terrorism, kinky sex games and even the weather. His deadpan delivery in that distinctive Welsh brogue pair brilliantly with his mildly self-deprecating sense of humor and is a big part of the show’s appeal.

Having spent some time in New Zealand, a significant portion of his set is spent sharing with us the things he has discovered from his travels. He fondly pokes fun at the things that amuse him like our nonchalant attitude towards living with volcanoes, our ‘flag debacle’ and the Kiwis’ commitment to providing their guests with some good tucker. There was also a hilarious bit about the Mad Butcher which was a particular crowd-pleaser.

Langford also imparts some fascinating facts he has acquired due to his thirst for attaining new information. From sex fetishes and bizarre cosmetic procedures to what the native kakapo are doing wrong which is causing them to be extinct, his desire to be well-informed added another comedic element to his routine.

Just The Right Level of Welshness is a solid repertoire of superbly crafted observational comedy that is delightfully engaging and exceedingly entertaining. Langford’s easygoing style along with his intelligent, humorous musings make for an easily enjoyable hour.

5-stars

The Auckland season for Just The Right Level of Welshness is at The Classic from May 9th – 14th at 7pm. For more details and to book tickets, click here.

NZICF 2016: Paul Douglas – True Detective

Paul Douglas

Paul Douglas wanted to be a part-time comedian and part-time detective when he grew up. Unfortunately the latter has not quite come to be although he has been to one potential crime scene.

True Detective is an hour of amusing anecdotes from Douglas’ life which eventually culminate to the day he got to realize his dreams of becoming a detective. The show starts with a hilarious dilemma he faces while in a trampoline park with his nephew which subsequently becomes the springboard for further stories.

McDonald’s characters are discussed, drinking habits are assessed and a joke about skid marks leaves quite the impression. Douglas is a confident and adept storyteller, seamlessly moving from one tale to the next. He plays off the crowd’s reactions well and his affable persona make him easy to engage with.

The highlight of the show is the final story where a routine visit to his grandparents’ turns hairy. Armed with his hangover and a group of ‘free range geriatrics’ for company, Douglas gets the opportunity to play detective. The narrative is engaging enough with many comical parts and an excellent finish though I felt it could have been not quite so drawn out and a lot tighter.

True Detective has many laugh-out-loud moments with some great punchlines and clever use of wordplay. It just needed more detective material. That aside, Paul Douglas’ keen comedic eye and his witty often sarcastic style of humor made for an entertaining hour.

3-stars

True Detective is on for another two more nights (until May 7th) at 10pm at The Classic. It then heads to the Cavern Club for its Wellington run from May 10th – 14th at 8:30pm. For more details and to book tickets, click here.

 

NZICF: Joel Creasey – The Crown Prince

Joel Creasey

Joel Creasey is hell bent on being famous – this is the over-arching theme of The Crown Prince. A video montage at the top of the show which featured his many TV appearances in Australia and beyond indicate that he is well on his way to achieving that goal.

This is Creasey’s New Zealand debut and though the evening’s crowd is relatively small, this doesn’t dampen his spirits in the slightest. He instantly warms to the audience with his quick wit and humorous candor; you could just tell at that point that you were in for a good time.

The show is essentially an unashamed bitching session in which he shares and moans about his recent experiences. Many anecdotes centered around his funny and sometimes outrageous celebrity encounters like being besties with Playboy bunny Kendra, feuding with Russell Crowe on Twitter and obsessing over former Belgian tennis player Kim Clijsters in his teenage years.

From amusing recollections of his time on Australia’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! to a horrifying-yet-still-hilarious breakdown and one night stand following a breakup, there are plenty of comedic gems to be found in his routine. He delivers all these effortlessly in rapid succession and with a sass and self-deprecation that is irresistibly entertaining.

The Crown Prince is a fast-paced, deliciously irreverent hour of anecdotal comedy that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Creasey’s acerbic brand of humor along with his animated, conversational storytelling style and personable disposition make for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

4-stars

The Crown Prince is on for two more nights (until May 7th) at 8:30pm at the Herald Theatre. For more details and to book tickets, click here.

NZICF 2016: Tessa Waters – WOMANz

Tessa Waters

What happens when a star falls in love with a rock and they merge? A self-loving, fun-loving, ready-to-party sexually liberated goddess called WOMANz is born.

When Tessa Waters first takes to the stage, we are confronted with art thrown at our faces, comical demonstrations of ‘stagecraft’ and talking vaginas. There is a nervous energy and slight confusion in the air as the crowd try to work out what exactly it is we have signed up for.

WOMANz is a scintillating, uninhibited hour of boisterous, raucous and audacious merriment punctuated by energetic dance and riotous repartee. It is a celebration of life, love and womanhood among other things. Along the way this goddess from the stars teaches us the walk of glory, crumping and even allows time for some (optional) solo crotch appreciation.

Waters took great care in involving everyone in the night’s shenanigans while still being respectful of people’s personal boundaries which is not usually typical in this sort of show. Thus though this show is probably not for everyone, even if you are more shy and reserved, you can stay right in your comfort zone. This mirrors the over-riding message of the show, that the important thing is to ‘do you’.

Waters is the consummate stage performer who uses quite literally everything in her arsenal to put on a stomping good show. Her energy is infectious and you can’t help but be seduced by her charisma. This larger-than-life character she has created is vivacious and undoubtedly cheeky yet still manages to come across endearing and in some ways relatable.

WOMANz is deliciously risqué, fabulously facetious and wildly entertaining. It is a frenetic and exuberant physical comedy that no words can fully encapsulate – just go and experience it for yourself! (You’re welcome.)

4-stars

WOMANz is on at the Montecristo, 53 Nelson St at 9:45pm until May 8th. The show then starts its Wellington run in the Fringe Bar at 8:30pm from May 10th – 14th. For more details and to book tickets, click here.