Many have it within, but to stand and deliver in front of a live audience takes a totally different talent.
Stand-up comic Justin "Gish" Hansen is a natural and Wanganui is in for a treat when he makes his last New Zealand gig for the next few years when he delivers his unique brand of comedy at The Riverside Bar in Taupo Quay tonight.
Born in Rotorua, Gish was pushed into the comedy business by friends about four years having honed his musical skills at a school run at Purnell House in Wanganui. Much of his early stand-up routines included musical parodies inspired by his heroes Billy T James, Kevin Bloody Wilson and Rodney Rude. The latter pair, of course, are Australian and that's where his immediate future lies.
"Billy T was there for everybody, but much of my stuff has been influenced by Kevin Bloody Wilson and Rodney Rude. The music parodies remain a big part of my act, although I've added a lot of gags since," Gish said from Greymouth yesterday.
The name Gish is short for "Biggish - without the big bits" by his own admission.
