On the eve of this comedy feast, TimeOut asked British star and host of the show Jason Cook, along with Irish charmer Des Bishop to spill a few of their festive secrets.

It's more than six months to next year's comedy festival, but the Billy T Award nominations for up-and-coming stand-ups have been announced.

Terry Alderton's multiple-personality routine comes complete with sound effects, writes Scott Kara.

Jacqueline Smith's week of TV, movies and music.

A boozy Saturday night crowd wants easy gags. Thankfully Gordon Southern, the host of The Big Show - one of the more glamorous daily events at the festival - was full of them.

Scott Kara's week of TV, music and movies.

The NZ Comedy Festival is set to unleash itself upon the funnybones of Auckland and Wellington from April 29. TimeOut has rounded up a dozen or so local and international stars of this year's fest to discuss their approach to funny.

He's best known to Kiwi audiences as Dave, but Arj Barker tells Jacqueline Smith he hopes his Flight of the Conchords' character no longer overshadows his stand-up career.

He became a star for his fearless stupidity but now Steve-O is attempting his wildest act yet - stand-up comedy. The Jackass stunt clown talks to Scott Kara.

Steve Wrigley is a one-man musical master in his latest comedic venture. Jacqueline Smith talks to him about the story behind Kevin.

The NZ Comedy Festival is set to unleash itself upon the funnybones of Auckland and Wellington from April 29. TimeOut has rounded up a dozen or so local and international stars of this year's fest to discuss their approach to funny.

The NZ Comedy Festival is set to unleash itself upon the funnybones of Auckland and Wellington from April 29. TimeOut has rounded up a dozen or so local and international stars of this year's fest to discuss their approach to funny.

The NZ Comedy Festival is set to unleash itself upon the funnybones of Auckland and Wellington from April 29. TimeOut has rounded up a dozen or so local and international stars of this year's fest to discuss their approach to funny.

The NZ Comedy Festival is set to unleash itself upon the funnybones of Auckland and Wellington from April 29. TimeOut has rounded up a dozen or so local and international stars of this year's fest to discuss their approach to funny.

The NZ Comedy Festival is set to unleash itself upon the funnybones of Auckland and Wellington from April 29. TimeOut has rounded up a dozen or so local and international stars of this year's fest to discuss their approach to funny.

The NZ Comedy Festival is set to unleash itself upon the funnybones of Auckland and Wellington from April 29. TimeOut has rounded up a dozen or so local and international stars of this year's fest to discuss their approach to funny.

Comedian Rhys Mathewson shares his travelling tips.

Like a Valentines' restaurant buffet, the offerings of the New Zealand Comedy Festival are diverse. Fortunately for comedy lovers, the quality is better, writes David Farrier.

Raybon Kan returns to the stage for a show about laziness - and why it has been a leading force in human affairs, writes Barney McDonald.

Winter is all very exciting really, isn't it? Time to buy new boots, watch excessive amounts of TV and frequent cosy bars.

Funny man Greg Proops is heading our way soon to "poison everyone with my opinions". He talks to Barney McDonald about the importance of laughter in bad times.