Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Chris Martin

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Chris Martin

1) Tell us what your show is called this year? Chris Martin: Spot the Difference.

2)  Why? Because my brain spend a lot of time studying the minor differences in the most mundane and everyday observations. And who doesn’t like the game Spot the Difference?


3) Can you give us a few hints as to what broadly your festival show is about?
It’s about very little apart from a man who has an over-thinking idiotic brain who feels the need to tell you his opinions on ‘earth shattering’ subjects such as coffee, dogs & Tupperware.

4) How much time have you spent crafting the show over the past 12 months since the end of the last festival?
The whole time. I’m constantly adding and removing material. I get bored very quickly of saying the same words out of my face a lot. 

5) The comedy festival is turning 21 this year – it’s a big age 21 – what are your memories of being 21? Or if you’re not old enough yet, you lucky person, what are your hopes for being 21?
When I turned 21 I got a free eye mask & socks set from my Uncle Peter that he got on long haul flight. That was his main present to me. I still haven’t forgotten how stingy that was. Every year for his birthday I send him some used sweets wrappers.

6) The Comedy festival is one big party and catch up for a month - is there anyone you’re looking forward to seeing over here either socially or on stage?
Jonah Lomu. He’s doing a show this year, right?


7) What’s the comedy scene like at the moment who do you rate and why?
I rate a lot of my peers. James Acaster who’s making his NZ debut has a great whimsical style & also Ellis James is brilliant story-teller. Check them out.

8)  What’s the best piece of audience interaction you’ve had?
Last time I was in New Zealand before I’d said a word a man at the back shouted “Go Back to England”. Turns out he was also from England. We realised it would affect everyone else’s night a lot less if he went back instead. I believe he left in floods of tears…

9) What’s the most memorable part of performing for you within the last 12 months?
Supporting Milton Jones at the Apollo was pretty special. Performing to several thousand people is pretty exhilarating. It’s as great a feeling as when you bite into a chocolate biscuit and find out there’s surprise caramel inside.

10) When we say New Zealand International Comedy Festival to you, what’s the first thing you think of?
Sushi. You guys need to get a few more sushi shops in Auckland, especially. I don’t think 400000 is enough.

11) How would you persuade people to come and see your show?
By telling them you don’t have to leave a tip as I know how much Kiwis hate tipping.