‘I think she’s having a fit!’ – NZ comedians share their festival horror stories

Every comedian has at least one horror story. We asked some our favourite funny people for their festival nightmares, and we got back stories ranging from lost luggage to accidental hypnotisation. I just arrived in Melbourne to find out my venue is double booked and now I have to do my show at another time … Read more

‘The Fuq Boiz are not what you think’: Talking with Auckland’s super-surreal new comedy duo

Comedians Hamish Parkinson and Ryan Richards have formed a new act for this year’s comedy festival. Spinoff Comedy co-editor Natasha Hoyland has a chat with the Fuq Boiz over Facebook Messenger.   Hamish Parkinson: Oh, we’ve already lost Ryan. Maybe something awful has happened to him. Is he still alive? We better call the cops and … Read more

‘Your offensive material isn’t edgy, it’s offensive’: Professional comedians’ best advice for rookies

Ever wanted to try out comedy? Ever wanted to be scared off doing comedy forever? We asked a few comedians for their tips on doing stand-up comedy for the first time. “Don’t bother trying hard, because you will just get your period in the finals and lose to someone from Wellington.” – Billy T winner Rose … Read more

The Spinoff’s Unnamed Comedy Festival Podcast, week one: early starts, late arrivals and why you must go Camping

We didn’t know what to do about the Comedy Festival, so convened a motley trio of know-nothing punters to talk about it. Host Alex Casey is joined by The Spinoff editor Duncan Greive and internet sensation Paul Williams to get amongst week one of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival. The trio discuss the Comedy Gala, 5.30pm … Read more

Behind the LOLs: Hamish Parkinson illustrates his comedy writing process

During the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, ‘Behind the LOLs’ will reveal the inner workings of some of our finest comedy talent. Today, Hamish Parkinson reveals his four-step process for comedy success. Book tickets to 2015 Billy T Award winner Hamish Parkinson’s NZ International Comedy Festival Show: Moon Baby