New Zealand Humour - Comedians

Comedians

Some of New Zealand's best known comedians have for many years been working almost exclusively in Australia. This includes John Clarke, known to New Zealanders as Fred Dagg, who played the stereotypical farmer with precision and style. His wit has in recent years allowed him to extend his repertoire to a series of biting satires, particularly of politicians. He has also found an outlet in television series such as The Games and films such as Death In Brunswick.

Other examples include Tony Martin of 1980s sketch show, The D-Generation fame. Three compilations of the national radio program Martin/Molloy earned him ARIA awards. He has also written and directed the movie Bad Eggs.

Pamela Stephenson was born in New Zealand, made her name in Australia, went to Britain and starred in the sketch comedy Not the Nine O'Clock News and currently lives in America with her husband Billy Connolly.

However it was Billy T James who was to dominate New Zealand comedy through the 1980s. His first major role being the lead in TVNZ's Radio Times. James went on to gain his own self titled show. Loved and hated for his irreverent portrayal of Maori, his characters, along with John Clarke's Fred Dagg were, until very recently, to set the benchmark for New Zealand comedy.

Alan Brough appeared on Spicks and Specks as a writer and team captain. In 2004 he was one third of the radio show Tough Love with Mick Molloy. He has also appeared in several movies such as Bad Eggs

For several years during the 1970s and 1980s, New Zealand television featured a satirical send-up of current affairs entitled A Week of It. This series, and particularly its two main stars, David McPhail and Jon Gadsby, became for several years a mainstay of New Zealand comedy.

One of New Zealand film director Peter Jackson's first films was Meet the Feebles, a riotous sexual puppet romp that ends in mass murder.

Some more recent New Zealand comedians worthy of mention are:

• Michèle A’Court, notable female comedian.
• Jim Hopkins, most notable for his red-rimmed spectacles.
• Rhys Darby, stand up comedian most notorious for his portrayal of Flight of the Conchords manager 'Murray'.
• Raybon Kan, former journalist and lawyer turned comedian.
• Cal Wilson, appearing on Thank God You're Here several times and performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival numerous times. Her career in Australia extended to a regular drive-time radio show and weekly coverage of Australian Idol.
• Jeremy Elwood, who has been a New Zealand resident for ten years. During that time he has established himself as a rising star of the local stand-up comedy circuit. His routine combines social commentary with music and song.
• Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement form the partnership Flight of the Conchords, their work including the HBO television series, which followed "the trials and tribulations of a two man, digi-folk band from New Zealand as they try to make a name for themselves in their adopted home of New York City".
• Taika Cohen (also known as Taika Waititi), Academy Award nominated film director and stand-up comedian. Most recently director and star of the 2010 film Boy.
• Benjamin Crellin is considered the black sheep of New Zealand comedy. He makes heavy use of irony and satire. He featured regularly in the Kiwi comedy circuit prior to his move to the UK. He has previously toured Canada, South Africa and Australia
• Rhys Mathewson is the 2010 winner of the prestigious Billy T award. With this award, he joins the ranks of Dai Henwood, Steve Wrigley, and many of New Zealand's most celebrated local comedy stars.
• New Zealand also has an ever-growing crop of exceptional newcomers, soon to break out onto the comedy scene. Some notable new comedians are Rose Matafeo, Heidi O'Loughlin, Rhys Mathewson, Guy Williams, TJ McDonald, The Comediettes (consisting of Sarah Harpur and Jim Stanton), Brad Zimmerman, Urzila Carlson, and Fasitua Amosa.
• Jarred Christmas is an ex-pat New Zealand comic, who makes his living in the United Kingdom. He does much work with the BBC, and won the Chortle comedy award for Best Compere.
• Madeleine Sami is a Fijian Indian/Irish comedian from Auckland. She is best known for the TV series Super City and performing in the play No2.