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Dai Henwood may be notorious for playing funny buggers, but this is no joke. He and C4 are on the hunt for fresh comic talent, with the chance to perform with Henwood at this year's Comedy Festival.
Dai's Protege Project will select three aspiring comedians - with no live stand-up experience - and pit them against one another for the esteemed prize of opening for Henwood at his festival shows in May.
Since winning the Billy T. Award in 2002, Henwood has become one of the country's leading stand-up comics, with sellout seasons at the past two festivals. He says he's often approached by young cats wanting to get into the industry and decided this was the best way to give them a crack at it.
"I want to give them the opportunity of going on stage in front of a massive crowd and see if they can handle it."
But Henwood's not worried about being outwitted by the new talent.
"I'm only going to give them five minutes," he laughs. "I'll have one of those walking sticks with a hook on the end and just pull them offstage."
Video entries for the project open today, from which Henwood will choose three finalists. They will then go on to perform a live gig at a secret location before the winner is announced.
Henwood says there are no rules when it comes to being funny.
"The hardest thing is not trying too hard. Often it's not about the material, it's about the delivery of the material. You know when you see someone if they're naturally funny or not."
As well as the chance to perform with Henwood, the winner will receive a $1000 cash prize and a host of other choice stuff.
To enter, see www.c4tv.co.nz. Entries close March 20.
