Comedian makes light of ridiculous studies

COMEDIAN Urzila Carlson is heading to Palmerston North. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Much-loved comedian Urzila Carlson is heading to Palmerston North this month as she tours the country with her 2017 NZ International Comedy Festival show Studies Have Shown.

Carlson, who first took to the stage in 2008, has become a household name as a regular on TV3's 7 Days and has since earned an array of awards including Best Female Comedian at the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 New Zealand Comedy Guild Awards.

She was also named People's Choice Award two years in a row at the International Comedy Festival.

South-African born Kiwi comedian Carlson says that when you hear the words Studies have shown you know you are about to hear something ridiculous.

"Who pays these people to find out whether cockroaches can read? Who cares? Really. These studies just add to the everyday stresses we have day-to-day. Don't give your kid this, don't give them that. I mean seriously it's enough to drive you completely nuts."

Carlson promises the show will be both funny and informative as she shares what she has discovered during her own look into the bizarre world of scientific studies.

"To be fair, if someone said, 'Here is $25m and seven years to establish whether cockroaches like reading', I'd take it," she says. "I'd sit on my bum for seven years, then on the last day I would jot a few things down and then declare the research inconclusive and say I needed more time.

"I mean let's face it, the majority are inconclusive in the end." Her show will also touch on the kind of research she feels would be more beneficial to everyday people.

"How about they give funding to scientists to come up with a way to eradicate the unibrow, or those weird thin white hairs you occasionally find attached to your face?"

Studies have Shown is at the Regent on Broadway at 7.30pm on Friday, June 23.

Tickets from ticketek.co.nz or, phone (06) 357 9740 or email bookings@regent.co.nz.

GIVEAWAY

The Manawatu Guardian has one double pass to give away to the show. Email editorial@guardiannews.co.nz and tell us what is the most ridiculous thing a study has shown you. The winner will be drawn June 15. Please include a daytime phone number in your email.