Celebrity Picks 2024

We asked celebrities who they were looking forward to seeing at this year's comedy festival... Read on to check out their picks and discover someone new today!

Jump to:
Alice Snedden
Barnie Duncan
Chris Parker
Guy Montgomery
Guy Williams
Joe Daymond
Paul Ego
Ray O'Leary
Rose Matafeo
Suzy Cato

Radio Hauraki:
Jeremy Wells
Greg Prebble
Keyzie
Matt Heath
Mike Minogue

Abby Howells: 
"So original and funny, the time whips by, I couldn't imagine a person not enjoying her comedy, would recommend it to anyone (except my enemies who I want to punish by making them miss out)." 
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Courtney Dawson:
"Do you not like to laugh? Because that’s the only reason I could imagine not going to this show. The jokes come thick and fast, Courtney is so easy to watch and so fucking funny." 
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Celeste De Freitas:
"Kura Forrester is directing and that’s basically the biggest endorsement you could possibly get. I’ve seen sneak peaks on Instagram and I have no doubt that this show is going to be an absolute riot! Can't wait to be in the audience cheering this on!" 
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Lana Walters:
"Lana is basically our funniest story teller and stand up, she’s such a good writer and just as good a performer. It is such a gift whenever I get to see her perform, and now I'm sharing this gift with the world!" 
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Brynley Stent:
"Brynley has been hustling away mastering the form of solo performer sketch comedy for a few years now. She has a twisted and brilliant mind, this show is about irrational fears. I honestly can't wait to see what she's been cooking up, and find out what in fresh hell a pus goose is?"
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

David Correos: 
“He's the most unique voice we have in comedy at the moment and doing at such a high and elevated level. A lot of people characterise him as chaotic, but there is a real genius to his chaos which makes him in my eyes one of the most special acts we have in the country”
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

 Jack Ansett: 
“One of the funniest people on the internet for me, but better than that, he's just as funny in real life. I think his show this year is about how he trolled the Grey Lynn Community Page, which kept me so entertained online and I imagine is going to make for a wickedly funny hour.”
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Becky Umbers: 
"Getting funnier every year! Also love comedy about animals (because animals are funny!)"
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Henry Yan: 
"New comedian, funny comedian, going to be a big comedian in a few years."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Laura Daniel: 
"One of our funniest acts is coming back to the world of solo performance and I‘ve seen about forty minutes of the show. What a treat to have her back!"
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Wilson Dixon: 
"Not a wasted word or sentence, what a treat to have back on our shores."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Advait Kirtikar: 
"He brings a masterful understanding of comedy to every show he does whether that be through misdirection, callbacks, all that s---. My only piece of advice will be if you watch Advait and you think you know where the joke is going, no you don’t."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Auntie Lianne: 
"Authentic, raw, herself. I dunno what it is about Lianne but she just cracks me up. She brings warmth to the stage that I feel like I know her way better than I do, and I personally have an affinity to comedians like that. Maybe it’s a brown thing, but laughing for us is quite vulnerable, for us to laugh is because we trust you, for us to trust you is because we like you, that’s why brown people cover our mouths when we laugh."
BUY TICKETS Wellington

Hoani Hotene: 
"He’s genuinely a comedic genius. That phrase means different s--- to different people but to me I don’t use that for people who make people laugh, I think everyone can do that. I reserve it for people who do stuff on stage that I think only they can do. They can’t be replicated, can’t be copied, he’s someone who’s style you’ll see mimic’d by younger comedians in years to come and to me that’s not only the greatest compliment you can give a comedian, it’s a marker to me at least that someone’s a genius."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Kajun Brooking:
"I’ve worked with Kajun a lot through the years. One thing with Kaj is I’ve said to many people through that period that I think he fully encompasses what is special with Maori humour and brings that authentically into both the modern day, and the performing arts spaces that we have in stand up.”
BUY TICKETS Wellington

Guy Montgomery: 
"I so admire and enjoy how Guy’s comedy mind works, I find him absolutely hilarious. I’m not at all surprised that he is crushing it in Australia and playing big, big venues and he absolutely deserves to be doing the same here."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Ian Smith: 
"When Ian was in NZ for his previous festival he had one of the best standup sets I’d seen in a while…also one of the funniest gags I’d heard in a long time - something about naming your dog 'I wish I had a dog' so that when you called its name at the local park and it came to you, people would go “Oh my god, that’s amazing!” Made me laugh so hard."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Paul Douglas: 
"It’s so great to have an additional funny NZ standup called Paul on the scene so I can relax a bit! I did a Paul Paul Tour with Paul D in 2022 and he is consistently excellent all the damn time - If you’re looking for a brilliant storyteller and a great joke writer, Mr Douglas is your man."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Henry Yan: 
"One of the most unique and offbeat comedians I have ever seen. His unique delivery has seen him captivating audiences and he's already won national stand-up competitions in Australia."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Ian Smith: 
"One of the best hours of comedy I've ever seen came from Ian Smith, and we're so lucky to have this Brit returning to our shores. He was nominated for the prestigious Best Show award at the last Edinburgh Fringe so buy tickets before he sells out."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Jack Ansett: 
"One of the funniest, hard-working comedians in New Zealand right now. His dedication to the bit and his refusal to sit around and wait for things to be handed to him saw him make a name for himself online when he entered himself into the Weet-bix kids tryathlon, or snuck into a political party. A 2023 Billy T nominee, see him now before he's selling out arenas."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

James Mustapic: 
"His comedy is perfect, the shows are so well-structured with perfect callbacks, and no one wields a powerpoint quite like James Mustapic. I've already seen a preview of this show so I can guarantee it's great."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Anthony Crum: 
"I have never seen Anthony. One of the best thing's about a comedy festival is seeing someone you've never seen before. This is something I would see because I like the poster and Anthony was great in the one improv show I have done with him."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Brynley Stent: 
"Brynley never fails to make me laugh. Not only is she a very good person, but she is also an amazingly talented comedian. A truly one of a kind mind — there’s no one else like her in Aotearoa!"
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Johanna Cosgrove: 
"Johanna’s last show was one of the most fun experiences I had at the Melbourne Comedy festival this year, so I expect nothing less from her next one. It will be wild and fun and very funny."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Wilson Dixon: 
"Wilson Dixon will always be one of my favourites. I have one of his CDs from 2009. A national treasure, even if not technically from this country."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Becky Umbers: 
"I can’t wait to see/hear Becky Umbers perform, too! Becky’s cheeky humour is gonna gettcha – just like her seagull twin is gonna get that chip! Luckily, although the odd “word” bomb might be dropped, she can’t actually fly so her fabulous humour and a load of great jokes is all she’s going to “drop” on the night!"
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Chuckle Monsters: 
"Thank goodness because laughter is the best medicine and we could all do with a good dose of the giggles and the gaffs right now and what better place to get your laughter on than at the Covert Theatre where there is some seriously funny business goin’ on, all year long, with their Improv performances, workshops and kids programmes, but especially during the Festival with the Chuckle Monsters."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Dr Joel Rindelaub: 
"Then for the bigger kids, how about Dr Joel Rindelaub – a real scientist who reckons Science Is No Joke, and it’s not, though this self-confessed science nerd is like a Suzy’s World episode on Happy Gas and you and your whānau are bound to learn something amongst the chuckles."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

James Mustapic: 
"And for the real big kids you can’t go past James Mustapic and I’m not just saying that because I got to meet his amazing mum in his new series James Mustapic His Mum a Man. I’ve not seen him perform live but he seemed so lovely and polite when I met him. I may be in for an education – but I’m sure it will be fun(!!!)"
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Melanie Bracewell: 
"[Mel] used to work with us! Good to see her career blossom since she's flown the Radio Hauraki nest... I hope she remembers who we are when she's world famous."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Two Hearts: 
"They're always funny, always great use of music, plus Two Hearts is the title of one of my favourite Phil Collins songs, so bonus points for that."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Brynley Stent:
"I saw [Brynley’s] show at the last NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo and it was hilariously absurd - am keen to be surprised again."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Melanie Bracewell:
"Mel used to work here, she's hilarious on stage and off, plus she's successful overseas now eh so, keen to see how her comedy has evolved."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington 

Ray O'Leary: 
"Ray's one liners on 7 Days and his imagination on display in Taskmaster were so funny, recently he has been touring the world with Mel Bracewell (and dossing with her in Oz too) so will probably have some good yarns to draw on."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Tony Lyall: 
"Tony has great banter on the Alternative Comedy Collective and in the last stand up show I saw him do he made some great 90s references, what a decade, what a Great NZer."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Courtney Dawson: 
"Had the pleasure of attending a BYO evening with Courtney recently, where she was ridiculously funny. Have seen plenty of her stand up in bits and pieces over the last few years, so excited to she a full show!!"
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington 

David Correos: 
"Love David, he’s an absolute nutter in the best possible way. His nervous awkward energy always makes me cringe/laugh!"
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Jed Parson: 
"The idea of a Christmas comedy musical in May is extremely ridiculous. Jed’s a talented chap so I’m excited to see whether this is a success, or a massive failure. Either way it’ll be entertaining!!"
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Jesse Griffin's Late Night Jazz Scat: 
"After seeing Jesse’s cousin Wilson Dixon on several occasions, I know that this will make for a delicious cocktail of ridiculousness."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

David Correos: 
"His show's called "I Can’t Stop Vibrating"... and knowing David you can see why. He's always high energy, and always brings a great show!"
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Guy Montgomery: 
"Good mate who's doing great things over the ditch - let's see what [Guy] can bring back on home turf!"
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Courtney Dawson: 
"One of my favourite kiwi comedians, Courtney is an incredibly gifted performer, particularly when you take into account that she has barely been performing for 5 years. Funny for all ages and can’t recommend enough."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Dr Joel Rindelaub: 
"Dr Joel is an actual doctor as well as an actual comedian. That’s a good enough combo for me. He has an upcoming podcast that is both science-y and funny and I think he’s he only person qualified to operate in this space."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

James Mustapic: 
"Winner of CTI and all round legend, I’m a huge fan of James’ odd tempo and delivery. A very funny man, and if you haven’t seen his TV show James Must-a-pic his Mum a Man, on TVNZ+, then please, treat yourself."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

El Jaguar: 
"I think El Jaguar is the most underrated comic in NZ. He is the best MC I have seen on our stages, and his joy and playfulness and tight butt all work together to make the greatest of all comedy packages. Go See Him."
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Imaan Frank Hadchiti: 
"I first met Imaan in 2011 at the Adelaide Fringe. He was in a toga, I was in a toga, it was destiny. I have loved every Imaan show I have seen since then. He is one of the most charismatic performers I know, has killer stand-up chops but on a dime can pivot into real weird biscuits. We had him as a guest at a Cupido Stupido last year and his performance that night is still talked about in near mythological terms."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Nicko Vella: 
"Dog is his first solo show and it is H.O.T. I had seen him in action doing Live Reel stuff and he is so great off the cuff with a crowd, but this show is a beautiful melange of woofs. I am also directing it so I feel confident I can put a 10/10 AA+++ stamp on it. Plus dogs rule."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

Trygve Wakenshaw:
"OK, I am bit biased because this man is my best friend and also someone I have been making work with for 20 years, but he is a legit genius. I am not sure if the current New Zealand population understands that one of our own is considered one of the greatest living mimes but he is. Mime doesn't really describe what Trygve does, though. If you have not seen him, just make sure you go. He is doing a solo for 1 night and is a maestro."
BUY TICKETS Auckland

All of the Billy T Nominees: 
“The Billy T Award is an iconic part of kiwi comedy culture. There’s nothing else like it - 5 acts doing their 2nd or 3rd shows audition and compete to win Billy T’s famous yellow towel! This competition is so stupid and so awesome at the same time…even the list of losers is impressive including Rhys Darby and Urzila Carlson aka two of our most successful comedians! This year the Nominees are bloody strong: Advait Kirtikar, Lana Walters, Liv McKenzie, Rhiannon McCall and Tough Tiger Fist. Go see all of them and then yell “the judges were off their face” at the Last Laughs final show.”
Auckland & Wellington

He Huang: 
“Before you dismiss my picks when you realise that He is my friend, please realise that I’m a sycophant. I'm identifying rising star’s and clinging on to them so they will hire me as their opener when they become famous! Newly moved to Australia He has a unique perspective so go see why she’s been setting that country alight… it’s because her jokes are HOT FIRE!”
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Henry Yan: 
“Another Kiwi up and comer - Henry put NZ comedy on the Map last year when he won Australian Raw, he has a unique style and delivery and he’s so positive and loveable it’s impossible to not to want to be his mate (look at me networking).”
BUY TICKETS Auckland 

Hoani Hotene: 
“Funny, interesting and original. That's basically the highest praise you can give a comedian. Joe Daymond called him a Genius… That is a crazy thing to say! I would only use “Genius” to describe three people: Mr Bean, myself, and ‘post setting himself on fire after freebasing cocaine Richard Pryor’. It takes a lot of years to get to the levels of us three… but I believe that Hotene is one of NZ’s brightest new talents and I can’t wait to see his show.”
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Liv McKenzie: 
“Liv is one of my top 3 kiwi comedians to watch and the only one from that list that I’m watching unironically. She’s naturally hilarious and a certified mad dog. Last year I watched her walk out for a huge show opening for an American act and she riffed a killer 15 about her chaotic life events from that very day! To pull back the wizards curtain: no one does this, this is a crazy thing to do! The only reason I know it was genuinely improvised is that was that I was there! Iconic shit. Sorry I’m about 5 years behind on my buzzwords and catch phrases.”
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Takashi Wakasugi: 
“Wildly charismatic Japanese Australian who’s hilarious and wholesome. I reckon you could take your mum along! Do not bring your mum to my show, and do not bring my mum to my show. Mum don’t come to my show.”
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington

Tom Cashman: 
“Dude does comedy in a different way. He’s fresh off an amazing run in Melbourne, I reckon Tom is hilarious and change of pace which is especially good for freaks like me who watch too much stand up.”
BUY TICKETS Auckland & Wellington