Get ready to unleash the laughter, as the 32nd NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo arrives this May for over three full weeks bursting with unparalleled hilarity and unforgettable live comedy.
With such a jam-packed program, it can be hard to choose who to see and when. But never fear, we have the down low on all of the must-see comedians, shows and events happening throughout the festival as it takes over the city centre!
Nazeem Hussain | SkyCity Theatre | 24 May, 2025
Nazeem is back in Aotearoa with his new show You Paid for This.
Nazeem Hussain has fast become one of the biggest stars of Australian comedy and a much-loved television and radio personality. His Netflix special Nazeem Hussain: Public Frenemy, filmed in Montreal at the Just For Laughs Festival, was released in 2019 and streamed globally in 180 countries, introducing Nazeem to a legion of new fans and critical acclaim.
He Huang | Q Theatre | 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 May 2025
The breakout star of last year's TV gala is back!
Unmarried Chinese daughter He Huang came out as a white man on stage in her last show. He thought she was a business tie and finger guns away from opportunity, respect and finally being able to understand bitcoin. It didn't exactly turn out that way. Instead, she now has a family to feed, a wife to please and has been tasked with solving all the world problems that her people (white men) caused.
This is her burden. White Man's Burden!
Best Foods Comedy Gala | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre | 02 May 2025
Of course, we had to include one of the biggest nights in New Zealand comedy in our round up!
The Best Foods Comedy Gala is back for another hilarious show-stopping sell-out, hosted by multi-talented comedy sensation, Hayley Sproull! Get ready for a massive celebration of the finest local and international acts on offer in the 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival Programme. Hayley will be leading an all-star line-up as this unmissable night serves as the curtain-raiser for the 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival.
Melanie Bracewell | Q Theatre | 21, 22 & 23 May 2025
Bad day? Time for a little treat. Good day? I think that deserves a little treat.
With the end of her twenties rapidly approaching, Melanie Bracewell unpacks the last decade of her life. Melanie promises to bring you her signature brand of relatable, goofy and punchline-heavy standup comedy. She promises she won't actually attack you.
Classic Comedy Fest Allstars | The Classic Comedy & Bar | 6 - 24 May, 2025
Littered with International and local headliners – Tues to Sat – across the 3 weeks of the Festival, the Classic Comedy Bar's Allstars nights are hot tickets during the festival.
Lookout in Week One (Tue 6 to Sat 10 May) for Special Guest headliner, ANDY ASKINS, and Guest MC DANNY WARD both from England. Check The Classic website for daily updates & line-ups as there will be plenty of surprise 'drop ins' and bonus features.
Guy Williams | Q Theatre | 8, 9, 10 May, 2025
Host of New Zealand Today (TV3 NZ/YouTube) & Nominee 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award for Most Outstanding Show, Guy Williams returns with his new show, If You Mildly Criticise Me I'll Say It's Cancel Culture and Turn To The Alt Right.
Award-winning comedian Guy Williams is best known for hosting the faux news show New Zealand Today and is a regular face on New Zealand & Australian television, including Taskmaster NZ, The Hundred with Andy Lee (Channel Nine), Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee NZ, Mondays Experts with Tony Armstrong (ABC TV).
Best Comedy Show on Earth | SKYCITY Theatre | 18 May, 2025
Experience some of the top Comedy Fest acts at this sensational stand-up showcase hosted by the delightful Becky Lucas (Just for Laughs Sydney Festival, Conan O'Brien).
Local and international acts deliver a night of total hilarity, with a little something for everyone! Featuring: Ray O'Leary, Kirsty Webeck (AU), Tom Cashman (AU), Pax Assadi, Brynley Stent, Takashi Wakasugi (AU/JPN), Michelle Wiley & Kajun Brooking.
Take a date or your mate; this is Sunday night done right!
Ahir Shah | Basement Theatre | 3 May 2025
Ahir Shah lands in New Zealand with his Edinburgh Comedy Award winning Ends. From modern marriage to global politics, Ahir delivers stand-up that makes you laugh, think and question the unexpected profundity of beans. Ahir has cemented his position among comedy's most compelling voices. Intelligent and hilarious. Don't miss it!
Check out more happening for New Zealand International Comedy Festival 2025.