KEY POINTS:
The annual comedy festival made a cracking start on Friday night with the sold-out Crunchie Comedy Gala at Auckland's St James Theatre.
Twenty local and international comedians took to the stage throughout the night, delivering snack-sized samples of their unique comic styles.
Irish comedian and Father Ted star Ardal O'Hanlon hosted the evening, delighting the audience with his easy charm and quick wit.
Other highlights included Australian funnyman Carl Barron and Canadian comics Craig Campbell and Jason John Whitehead.
An edited version of the evening will screen on TV2 this Wednesday, at 9.30pm, and again on Friday night at 9.30.
During the comedy festival, local and international acts are performing throughout the the country.
- Flash NZ Herald
