The NZ Comedy Festival is set to unleash itself upon the funnybones of Auckland and Wellington from April 29. TimeOut has rounded up a dozen or so local and international stars of this year's fest to discuss their approach to funny.
From: New Zealand
As seen on: Stand-Up for Christchurch, newspapers and poster with lots of stars.
Name of festival show (and how long did it take you to think it up?): The Boy with Tape on His Face. The show has been in development for about five years and is still getting better at every festival.
Conceptual description of festival show in 10 words or less?: Stand-up without words, drama without acting, mime with noise.
Are props required? If so, what's the most important one?: The tape.
Can we bring our mum?: Sure.
If you don't have another telly/radio/ whatever gig, what would you like it to be?: The live show is where the jokes are at their finest. No TV editing or longer set-ups, just comedy how it should be presented.
How many Auckland comedy festival appearances is this for you?: Sixth or seventh, can't remember.
What have you learned from your past festival appearances?: Once you have the Facebook page, the poster and the wacky/zany/kooky promotion sorted then it's time to start working on getting the show together. In reality it's best to make sure your show is going to be good before you start asking people to pay for a ticket.
In a year like 2011, what is there to laugh about?: Some of the shows that will only have a Facebook page, the poster and the wacky/zany/kooky promotion.
Who's your favourite live comedian of all time and why?: "Of all time" hasn't happened yet, but I do like Doktor CocaColaMcDonalds and Wacko and Blotto.
Complete this sentence "Please come to my show because ..." If you don't someone else will take your seat.
* You can see Sam Wills' show at The Comedy Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, May 10-14
