A brief intermission: Auckland’s live industry takes a nap

Just over a week ago, Auckland had a full slate of live events going ahead. But this week and next? Silence. Sam Brooks reports on how returning to lockdown has affected Auckland’s live scene. If you were an Aucklander leaving the house on Tuesday morning, you might have been leaving that house with a full … Read more

Sam Brooks on Dialogue: Identity and why you should absolutely come see it

Dialogue: Identity, proudly supported by The Spinoff, is a one-off storytelling event at Q Theatre this Friday, May 19. One of the performers, Sam Brooks (who also happens to be our Comedy co-editor), introduces the show here. By now I’ve been in two workshops for the storytelling show Dialogue: Identity, which is the latest in … Read more

Comedy Festival review: James Nokise is the winner on the day

Sam Brooks checks out James Nokise’s new sports-focused show, and discovers an hour that’s much more than just jokes about rugby. James Nokise: Talk A Big Game At this point in his career, James Nokise is a New Zealand institution. Whether its from his comedy (So-So Gangsta, The Bronaissance), or from his award-winning theatre (Rukahu), Nokise … Read more

‘We’re all craftsmen. Performers are athletes.’ James Nokise on creating comedy out of sport

James Nokise is known for his political comedy and theatre, but his show this year pivots to focus on a subject largely untouched by New Zealand stand-up comedy: sports. Sam Brooks talks to Nokise about the reasons for the change, and what’s so funny about sport. Sam Brooks: So you’re known for doing a lot … Read more