Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Raybon Kan

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Raybon Kan

1) Tell us what your show is called this year?

RAYBON WITHOUT A CAUSE

2)    Why?

I’m a rebel. In the sense that I disagree with what I’m told. It’s a guarantee that if you tell me something is a rule, I’ll disagree with it. It’s glamorous to be a rebel, but probably you’d get the exact same result from a mopey teenager. Mopey Teenager Without a Cause doesn’t have the same ring.

3) Can you give us a few hints as to what broadly your festival show is about?

I’ll explore ten commandments then divide them by seven sins. Then I’ll go forth and multiply the answer by the average lifespan and the number of stars in the sky.

4) How much time have you spent crafting the show over the past 12 months since the end of the last festival?

Last year’s festival has finished? I still have tickets! I don’t craft shows. I prefer a show to ferment. I like to open the cap on a show and wonder what it smells like.

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?

21, now that’s a blast from the past. When I was 21, it was still safe to be 21: Facebook and the Internet (and probably even high-speed faxing and long-distance calling) hadn’t been invented. There was still this thing called privacy. If you suffered a black-out or memory loss, the whole world wasn’t going to remind you about it forever.

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?

It frightens me to look at the program. I shall try to see everyone who’s not on exactly at the same time as my show. If my show comes on late, blame the other show I was watching for not finishing on time.

7) What’s the comedy scene like at the moment who do you rate and why?

Comedy is not a scene. It’s a collection of misfits. It’s a symptom of something more serious. I’m still going thru a Louis CK phase, mixed with a Stephen Colbert phase. You can go crazy analysing why you like something, but the feeling is: “Wow, I wish I’d thought of that.”

8)  What’s the best piece of audience interaction you’ve had?

My favourite interaction is when the audience interacts with Ticketek. Or eventfinder. Or that guy selling his free ticket on the street.

9) What’s the most memorable part of performing for you within the last 12 months?

I MC’ed a ball in Dubai. It was super-fancy, black-tie and beyond, during the Dubai Sevens. The trip over was so fancy I forced myself to stay awake the whole time to feel I was enjoying every minute.

10) When we say New Zealand International Comedy Festival to you, what’s the first thing you think of?

It’s this thought: didn’t I do this already?

11)   How would you persuade people to come and see your show?

I promise them an epiphany wrapped in a catharsis, sprinkled with gritty bits of truth that will stick in their teeth. And you can quote me on that.

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Hayley Sproull

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Hayley Sproull

1) Tell us what your show is called this year?
Outsiders’ Guide

2)  Why?
Because it is a whirlwind guide to life, and the reason yours doesn’t work.

3) Can you give us a few hints as to what broadly your festival show is about?
It’s about those elephants in the room that we all experience at one point or another shown by two hilariously tall and awkward comedians.

 4) How much time have you spent crafting the show over the past 12 months since the end of the last festival?
All my time. I’m a joke a minute machine.

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?
I’m 23 so 21 seems almost too long ago to remember. I was drunk a lot, and also was at drama school, which is potentially the worst combination in the world. I lived on my own in a 70’s vibe house, so a lot of parties, a lot of carpet stains. From drinks. And spray paint.

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?
Last year I worked really hard to get Billy Connolly to come and see my show, and he didn’t. And I will never forgive him. So if he would like to fly back over to Wellington and apologise, then I look forward to that. Otherwise, Terry Alderton gave me some very good advice last year, and I would like to let him know how it played out (which is that it played out very well, chur Terry).

7) What’s the comedy scene like at the moment who do you rate and why?
I think the comedy scene is changing. At least I like to think it is. Right now I’m digging on original comedy theatre. For obvious reasons. (If it’s not obvious, it’s because original comedy theatre is what I make)

8)  What’s the best piece of audience interaction you’ve had?
I ate a lovely old man’s frozen yogurt. He had come in with it, and I was improvising with the audience when I forgot what I was supposed to say next. To fill in time, I grabbed this poor man’s tub and his own personal teaspoon and dove right in. I got through half his tub before I remembered where I was in the script and handed it back. He didn’t miss a beat – he licked the spoon while eyeballing me, and then quickly ate the rest while laughing his little pants off. We will share that bond for life.

9) What’s the most memorable part of performing for you within the last 12 months?
My show from last year’s festival Miss Fletcher Sings the Blues has been a gem in my life this past year. But my most memorable performance would have to be it’s very first performance. I had made it in my lounge and it hadn’t been seen by anyone but myself and the reflection in my piano. It could have gone so wrong. Luckily, it went so right.

10) When we say New Zealand International Comedy Festival to you, what’s the first thing you think of?
A big yellow man who is laughing at me.

 11) How would you persuade people to come and see your show?
I won an award last year. So you know I’m funny.

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Jarred Fell

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Jarred Fell

1) Tell us what your show is called this year? XTREME

2) Why? I wanted to lift the bar this year by doing Tricks and routines so insane people couldn’t figure out and were so random for words . Taking it to the next step !

3) Can you give us a few hints as to what broadly your festival show is about? Well…Involves..Illusions and Tricks that I have dreamed up , from one XTREME to the next.

4) How much time have you spent crafting the show over the past 12 months since the end of the last festival? Have adapted this show over 2 years and hasn’t been ready till now , Looking forward to doing it for ONE NIGHT ONLY.

5) The comedy festival is turning 21 this year – it’s a big age 21 – what you’re your memories of being 21? Or if you’re not old enough yet, you lucky person, what are your hopes for being 21? Woooah Yea 21 was a great year for me! …Comedy was taking off , The Yardy was empty and also 21 shot glasses !

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? Festival time is amazing . We get to catch up with close friends who we’ve met or grown up with in this world of entertainment. Looking forward to catching up with Sam Wills, Heath Franklin and a whole bunch more of close friends!

7) What’s the comedy scene like at the moment who do you rate and why?
I believe the comedy scene is great in NZ. People to look out for that are just exploding the last year of course are good friends Urzila Carlson , Guy Williams and a new comer Matt Stellingwerf - this guy will be big watch!

8) What’s the best piece of audience interaction you’ve had? I always have audience interaction, that’s half my act. I have had people faint watching my needle through arm but a great time was having someone being blindfolded onstage. The whole audience snuck out of the room …was very freaky !

9) What’s the most memorable part of performing for you within the last 12 months?
Every show is memorable for me. Would have to be trying out part of this show and having such a strong reaction for the tricks - I was blown away.

10) When we say New Zealand International Comedy Festival to you, what’s the first thing you think of? Smiley Face!!...Family!

11) How would you persuade people to come and see your show?
I hate self promotion...but all I can say is... this show is so out there and crazy it’s the biggest yet and ..It's only ONE NIGHT ONLY at The Town Hall. So Come along and I'll even invite ya to the after party for another 21 shots!

Comedy Festival Questionnaire: Urzila Carlson

Comedy Festival Questionnaire: Urzila Carlson

1) Tell us what your show is called this year?
The long flight to freedom

2)  Why?
Because the flight was long and I feel free where I am now (with clothes on)

3) Can you give us a few hints as to what broadly your festival show is about?
It’s about moving to NZ from SA and the adjustments to living here, the similarities and the hilarity that is my life.

4) How much time have you spent crafting the show over the past 12 months since the end of the last festival?
I’ve been thinking about it all year but only started writing it a month ago.

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?
I loved being 21! My skin was great and my hair was great. I also only got my license the week I turned 21 so I felt very free and adult!

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?
Yes! It is a great time to catch up and this year Geraldine Quinn from Australia will be hitting our shores and she is extremely funny and well worth a see!

7) What’s the comedy scene like at the moment who do you rate and why?
The comedy scene is great, in my opinion it always has been. It’s not fair to ask who I rate, I rate everyone! I think if you want a safe bet for a show, try one of the big line up shows you can’t go wrong and then pick who you want to see from that.

8)  What’s the best piece of audience interaction you’ve had?
I was talking about dieticians, and there was a table full of dieticians right in the front and I said well atleast you aren’t the ones from TV judging us….and they were! It was Claire Turnbull and her mates.

9) What’s the most memorable part of performing for you within the last 12 months?
I did a gig for Just for Laughs in Sydneys Opera House. That was mind blowing.

10) When we say New Zealand International Comedy Festival to you, what’s the first thing you think of?
The Classic Comedy Bar on Queen Street

11) How would you persuade people to come and see your show?
I’m not above begging.

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: James Roque

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: James Roque

1) Tell us what your show is called this year?
James Roque is Chicken!
2)  Why?
Because it’s true! I have the award for most chicken person on Earth (self-awarded)

3) Can you give us a few hints as to what broadly your festival show is about?
The show is me trying to face my fears by laughing at them. It’s going to be terrifying. I may or may not cry. No refunds if I cry.

4) How much time have you spent crafting the show over the past 12 months since the end of the last festival?
What I should say is “Heaps! I spent the whole 12 months just non-stop writing.” But what I will say is “I played too much Pokemon and wrote jokes sometimes”.

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?
I actually only turned 21 last year! My favourite memory is going up to my younger cousin and asking “Do you remember the show Hey Arnold?” and him replying with “What’s that?” and me feeling real down about it.

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?
I’d be too scared to list names in case I miss anyone. (But really I don’t know enough people to justify catching up with them! Comedians, if you are reading this, let's be friends so we can catch up one day)
7) What’s the comedy scene like at the moment who do you rate and why?
The comedy scene is awesome! I’m really stoked to be a part of it – especially as one of the younger comedians. There’s such a talented group of younger comics doing their thing at the moment. I have a lot of love for Fanfiction Comedy and I’m honoured to be part of it. They will go far for sure.

8)  What’s the best piece of audience interaction you’ve had?
One time I was doing my joke about how ridiculous the Filipino accent sounded and a Filipino woman in the audience tried to heckle me. Only thing was she had such a strong Filipino accent that I didn’t even need to rebuttal it. It was almost cheating. Don’t heckle me with a Filipino accent.

9) What’s the most memorable part of performing for you within the last 12 months?
Performing as part of Minority Report (with Eli and Edith) last year! Had heaps of fun performing that one and we were extremely proud of the show we created. It was really rewarding to know that we could put a show on all by ourselves. Also, I got to MC a Raw Comedy night at the Classic not too long ago. It was crazy having all the new aspiring comedians asking me for advice, ‘cause it wasn’t that long ago that I was in their shoes. I just wanted to go “I’m just as lost as you! WHY ARE YOU ASKING ME FOR ADVICE!?”

10) When we say New Zealand International Comedy Festival to you, what’s the first thing you think of?
The vibes. I know that’s really broad, but I just love that feeling in the air when the festivals on. It’s like a mixture of nervous energy, stress and happiness. I dig that because it makes all the comedians step their game up and rise to the occasion.

11) How would you persuade people to come and see your show?
Everyone has fears, guys! If you help me get over mine, I might even help you get over yours during the show. Also, I will give you a ride home if you need it (you must provide the car).

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Sam Smith

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Sam Smith

1) Tell us what your show is called this year? Samantics


2)  Why? The show is about antics and my name is Sam.

3) Can you give us a few hints as to what broadly your festival show is about?
I love pranks and games, and this show is a celebration of them through jokes and music.

4) How much time have you spent crafting the show over the past 12 months since the end of the last festival?
I started working on it before the end of the last festival actually. I’m constantly thinking about it. I carry a little notebook around with me that I write ideas in, and then I’ve been road-testing the material since about November last year. During the night I’ll wake up and write things down. Last night I wrote “Alphabet rap”. Don’t know what I was thinking there, but don’t worry – it hasn’t made it into the show.

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?
I was at University in Dunedin and on my 21^st birthday two of my friends held their joint-21^st. So my memory of being 21 was spite.

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?
So many! I’m looking forward to Tom Green, Wayne Brady, Arj Barker and Jarred Christmas coming back to NZ. And I’m trying to get to all the local Wellington comedians’ shows; Brad Zimmerman, James Nokise, Jerome Chandrahasen, Adam Wright & Rick Threlfo, and especially the local line-up shows. Any show with a pun title is right up my passage. I’m especially looking forward to Nick Gibb and TJ McDonald’s show Anglo Sexin’.


7) What’s the comedy scene like at the moment who do you rate and why?
Thanks to shows like 7 Days and Jono and Ben at Ten we’re seeing more comedy on TV and it’s getting audiences out to live shows. I really rate all the Billy T nominees this year. I’m going to all their shows and I can’t wait. Those guys and girl are going to be big names in the near-future – so check ‘em out before you have to pay megabucks to see them.

8)  What’s the best piece of audience interaction you’ve had?
Most of them are nice. The worst is the time I asked a kid how old he was and he said 37 and he wasn’t a kid he was a midget. That was awful.

9) What’s the most memorable part of performing for you within the last 12 months?
Unfortunately the most memorable gigs are the bad ones. The free gigs where people don’t care that there’s comedy on and don’t listen and talk and ruin the show for everyone else.

10) When we say New Zealand International Comedy Festival to you, what’s the first thing you think of?
The first time I did it in 2003 as part of Class Comedians. I won the Ultimate Comedian’s Comedian award. I still have the certificate in the draw of my desk.

11) How would you persuade people to come and see your show?
I’m trying to publicize the show through messages in bottles this year. I’ve got them ready; I just need to go down to Oriental Bay on a busy day and throw them in the sea. Will it work? We’ll see.

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Secret Policeman's Ball

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Secret Policeman's Ball

1) Tell us what your show is called this year?The Secret Policeman’s Ball

2)  Why?

Because Amnesty International has been putting on comedy shows under this banner since the early 70’s and who are we to mess with that?

3) Can you give us a few hints as to what broadly your festival show is about?

It’s about good times and hilarity while at the same time raising funds and awareness for Amnesty International.  We ask all of our acts to take part in a show celebrating freedom of expression, so we leave it pretty open for the acts.

4) How much time have you spent crafting the show over the past 12 months since the end of the last festival?

Planning a comedy show is a big job, fortunately I don’t have to write the material but preparing the show and coordinating the acts is a big task, I started thinking about this years’ show almost as soon as the 2012 show was over.

5) The comedy festival is turning 21 this year – it’s a big age 21 – what you’re your memories of being 21? Or if you’re not old enough yet, you lucky person, what are your hopes for being 21?

Amnesty turned 21 in 1982, in that year we launched an appeal for a universal amnesty for all prisoners of conscience and collected 1 million signatures, we also reaffirmed our opposition to inhumane treatment of those persecuted because of their sexuality. Most disturbingly, back in 1982 the people of Syria were demanding freedom and the regime  under Bashir Al-Assad’s father,  was suppressing them. They endured a 27 day military assault on Hama and it’s estimated that 250,000 people may have died.

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?

We’re looking forward to seeing all of the acts who are part of our show and hopefully meeting many more who’d like to take part in the future.

7) What’s the comedy scene like at the moment who do you rate and why?

I’m not really in a position to comment on the state of the comedy scene, there are certainly plenty of comedians in NZ and a lot of them are supportive of us so we love everyone who has been, is, or wants to be involved in our show.

8)  What’s the best piece of audience interaction you’ve had?

Our triumphs don’t really happen on stage but one of the best pieces of audience interaction for us came when our supporters took action to stop the execution of Troy Davis in 2011, so many New Zealanders went online to take action that the Georgia Parole Board’s IT team blocked the petition.

9) What’s the most memorable part of performing for you within the last 12 months?

I’m not a performer but I think we performed well in acting on behalf of Malala, the young Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot in the head by the Taliban for her education & women’s rights activism.  To see Malala recover and then be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize has been pretty awesome.

10) When we say New Zealand International Comedy Festival to you, what’s the first thing you think of?

The Secret Policeman’s Ball

11) How would you persuade people to come and see your show?
I’d tell them it’s the best value showcase of the festival, not just a great line-up of NZ and International acts but the Secret Policeman’s Ball is comedy legend and with all proceeds going to a great cause how could anyone refuse!