Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Idiot of Ants

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Idiot of Ants

1) Tell us what your show is called this year?
Our show this year is called ‘Idiots Of Ants, Model Citizens’


2)  Why?
Comedy festivals always ask for the title of your show six months in advance so as they can start compiling their brochures. Six months before the Edinburgh festival where we first performed ‘Model Citizens’ we planned to write a show about air fix models that came to life and took over the world. It was a terrible idea, terrible. We binned it and just wrote an hour of the funniest sketches we could think of. Only the name remains.

3) Can you give us a few hints as to what broadly your festival show is about? Sketch comedy is what we do best. Fast moving, joke filled big silly comic ideas performed slickly and with maximum razzmatazz. There is no story as such, it’s just the best stuff that fell out of our comedy brains over twelve months.

4) How much time have you spent crafting the show over the past 12 months since the end of the last festival?
It’s been a tough year.
Because we won the NZ Comedy Festival Best International Act Award last year we felt a tremendous pressure to bring back the best show that we could muster. We spent eleven months panicking and one month writing funny bombs. All we gotta do is light da fuse a dem funny bombs gonna blow your butts off.

5) The comedy festival is turning 21 this year – it’s a big age 21 – what you’re your memories of being 21?
Wow! 21! Old enough to drink alcohol in Fiji! Congratulations Comedy Fest!

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 met so many lovely people at last years festival. It seems that NZ folk are super generous, last year two people allowed us to stay in their house when we messed up our hotel reservations and girl lent us her car.
We had a fantastic festival last year and we are eager to return. We will be drinking at the Q bar, join us, bring snacks.

7) What’s the comedy scene like at the moment who do you rate and why?
There is so much great work being created at the moment and so much of it is coming to NZ. Check out Ellis James and James Acaster, two acts who had amazing Edinburgh Festivals.
And please please please see clown Dr Brown. There is nothing better than good clowning, hilarious.

8)  What’s the best piece of audience interaction you’ve had?
Once, at a gig in London, we were doing a sketch in which we picked on a man in the third row. It was only when he stood up that we realised how big this guy was, he was seven foot tall and built like a brick shit house. It turned out that he was a professional wrestler. The night ended with this guy on stage demonstrating wrestling moves on us. We spend a long time trying to write sketches that are funny… but nothing is as funny as watching Elliott squealing and giggling simultaneously as he is put into a wrestling move called the ‘double chicken wing’.

9) What’s the most memorable part of performing for you within the last 12 months?
There is a sketch in this show where Jim drops his trousers. At a gig in a full 400 seat theatre one of Jim's nuts escaped his undercrackers. Jim has very dangly nuts, like the nuts a very old man might have . Half the audience was treated to this monstrosity… The others could not work out what all of the giggling was about. Andy got very close to the nut. It was very traumatic.

10) When we say New Zealand International Comedy Festival to you, what’s the first thing you think of?
Last year's trip to the festival was our first time visiting New Zealand, so when we think of our trip we think of bungee jumping on lake Taupo, the Skyjump at the Auckland Skytower and the Fear Fall at the Rainbows End theme park. We did a lot of plummeting in New Zealand… all except for Elliott, who was too scared and spent the whole trip holding the coats.

11) How would you persuade people to come and see your show?
We think that this is the best show that we have ever written. We love it, and we have n awful lot of fun performing it. We honestly think that, if you come along, you will have a good time.
Also, we have booked a really big venue for our show this year. The cost of putting on this show is very very high. If you don’t come then we stand to lose a lot of money. So do come. Please. Please please please come. Our children need shoes. 

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Tom Furniss

Comedy Fest Questionnaire: Tom Furniss

1) Tell us what your show is called this year? The Diary of Gordon Leaf Cooper


2)  Why? Because it’s based on a diary I found that belonged to a 16-year-old called Gordon Leaf-Cooper in 1984. I’ve crafted most of the really sad things from his diary/life into comedy.

3) Can you give us a few hints as to what broadly your festival show is about? Tragedy, heartache, and dysfunctional families, set against a backdrop of 1984 Whakatane.


4) How much time have you spent crafting the show over the past 12 months since the end of the last festival? A long time. It has occupied my thoughts for maybe 20 hours a week for the last 6 months. But in actuality, this story has been 29 years in the making (since 1984).

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 21. I was probably at my most prolific with women (3) and dangerously good at drinking beer (averaging about 7 a Saturday). It’s a much simpler time now, but my body and my facebook timeline will never forget 2009/10.

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?
My friends who come to my show. Unfortunately I don’t see them much anymore, such is life (c’est la vie). But they always come out for my show and I love their support/making them laugh.

7) What’s the comedy scene like at the moment who do you rate and why?
It’s good. There’s a young Italian woman named Shem who is doing fantastic things ATM. She’s legally blind and missing her right arm from her elbow down, and the way she turns that misfortune to comedy is masterful. Also, Whitecliff the Dog man, this old guy who does puppetry with taxidermied dogs—weird but wonderful.

8)  What’s the best piece of audience interaction you’ve had?
I once put a heckler down really good in the front row. But he got the better of me. He just waited and waited, then ‘pow!’ out of the blue he jumped up and down trailed me when I wasn’t looking. It was a 60% successful down trail, and I think the front 3 rows may have got a glimpse of the tip. Full credit to him.

9) What’s the most memorable part of performing for you within the last 12 months? Last Laughs at last year’s festival. Getting to perform with the likes of Rhys Darby, Boy with Tape, Brendhan Lovegrove, in front of a big audience of my peers was super cool.

10) When we say New Zealand International Comedy Festival to you, what’s the first thing you think of? Shem, the blind one armed Italian comedian. Probably cause I mentioned her 3 questions ago, but she’s also on my mind.
11) How would you persuade people to come and see your show?
Well, I probably shouldn’t promise anything, because it’s tentative, but I believe Shem is going to do 5 minutes at the top of my show. Not to be missed if it goes down.

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).