Laugh 'til you cry

A happy Jason Cook. Photo / Supplied

The Comedy Festival promises disgust and delight in equal portions this year, as some of the world's leading stand up acts are confirmed for the 2009 line-up.

Festival favourites Danny Bhoy (Scotland), Ed Byrne (Ireland) and Mark Watson (Britain) return with all new shows, alongside Janey Godley (Scotland) and the grand master of them all, comedy king Steve Coogan.

But it's the return of Englishman Jason Cook that has us really excited, following last year's startling, raw show My Confessions, which left many an audience member with a tear in their eye. This year, Cook returns on a lighter note with the show Joy, which comes with the warning: "May contain moments of unadulterated happiness. If cynical, please stay away."

If that doesn't sound quite your bag, Carey Marx (Britain) may have some laughs for you with his top 10 countdown of the most offensive things in comedy.

From the local boys, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer presents Promo Girls Aren't Models alongside his C4 compatriot Dai Henwood. Simon McKinney, Ben Hurley and Steve Wrigley will also be in attendance, along with a host of other local and international visitors.

For a full line up see www.comedyfestival.co.nz.