Easily the biggest and best night of comedy every year, the Best Foods Comedy Gala rounds up Aotearoa’s highest calibre comedy talent, guaranteed to have audiences laughing for hours. Hosted by Rhys Mathewson, this will be the ultimate night out for a guaranteed good laugh, on Friday 9 September at The Civic in Auckland and Friday 30 September at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.
Joining the already hilarious line-up of homegrown talent is more of everyone’s faves from the stage and screen:
Kura Forrester is blazing trails through Aotearoa’s comedy scene. After receiving the 2019 Billy T Award for her show Kura Shoulda Woulda, Kura cited “finding the funny in honesty” as her approach to creating her hilarious shows. Appearing in Golden Boy and Educators, as well as a regular on Shortland Street, Kura has shown her prowess in both serious and comedic acting, both playing up the dramatics as well as providing the comic relief. Kura’s outrageous stories and warm presence are sure to have you in stitches.
Fresh off of THREE’s Dancing With the Stars, Eli Matthewson is having a major moment. Eli’s amazing stand up is backed by his strength in writing, as head writer on Have You Been Paying Attention? and with writing credits on Golden Boy, as well as winning the Director’s Award at the 2019 NZ International Comedy Festival. The 2021 Fred Award winner is taking his show Daddy Short Legs to Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.
Pax Assadi is back for what’s sure to be another ripper Best Foods Comedy Gala set. Since hosting the Best Foods Christmas Comedy Gala in 2020, Pax has been working non-stop, creating the smash hit show Raised by Refugees, touring with Frickin Dangerous Bro – On the Road, as well as curating the newly announced lineup of The Comedy Mixtape. He’s just been announced as the new co-host of The Great Kiwi Bake Off. Thankfully we’ve nabbed a spot in his busy schedule for the most wonderful night of comedy of the year!
The shows are both on a Friday night, so if you’re visiting from out of town, it’s a great way to start a fun weekend break in either Auckland or Wellington.
The Auckland Best Foods Comedy Gala is being filmed exclusively for THREE.
Proceeds from this event will support the New Zealand Comedy Trust, who support the local comedy industry through development initiatives and producing the NZ International Comedy Festival.
2022 Best Foods Comedy Gala
Auckland
Friday 9 September, 8pm
The Civic
Cnr Queen Street and Wellesley Street West
Tickets $45 – $135*
Click here to book for Auckland
Wellington
Friday 30 September, 7.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre
111 Wakefield Street, Te Aro
Tickets $55 – $115*
Click here to book for Wellington
*booking fees apply