A trio of shows touching on mental health, colonisation and the realities of step-parenting have been nominated for the biggest prize in New Zealand comedy.
Guy Montgomery, Brendon Green and Jamaine Ross have been named as the 2023 nominees for the Fred Award at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.
The award, named after New Zealand comedian John Clarke’s legendary character Fred Dagg, has been running since 2011 and recognises the best show by a New Zealand comedian in each year’s festival. Dai Henwood is the only comedian to have won it twice, while other previous winners include Rhys Darby, Rose Matafeo, Chris Parker, and reigning winner Eli Matthewson.
Guy Montgomery’s My Brain is Blowing Me Crazy sees the podcaster and TV host touch on his experiences as a step-parent, mixed in with commentary on topics ranging from the climate crisis and drugs to his favourite letters and idioms.