Your Ultimate Guide to the 2026 NZ International Comedy Festival at The Hannah
There’s a certain ‘je nais se quoi’ when the NZ International Comedy Fest rolls into town. A loosening of the collar, a sparkle of mischief, a sense that anything might happen once the lights go down. For a few glorious weeks, The Hannah will be buzzing. The usual rhythms give way to something faster, looser, and a little more playful – and we love that the audience shifts with it.
Wellington has long punched above its weight when it comes to producing exceptional comedic talent. We love seeing those artists return sharper, more confident, and often carrying the glow of international stages. And we know they too love the opportunity to reconnect with the city and its cheese scones that fuelled the early stages of their career.
May is a month where things feel a little less buttoned-up. A little more daring. A little more alive. The rules soften, the laughs come easier, and the theatre becomes a space not just for storytelling, but for joy — bold, irreverent, and just a little bit flirty.
Need help figuring out which shows to get along to? Here is The Hannah’s ultimate comedy fest gig guide, depending on what personal circumstance(s) you find yourself in…
First Date – James Mustapic Yourself Up And Get Back On That Saddle Girlfriend
If you’re looking for an antidote to the awkwardness of a first date, this is The One. James Mustapic has been through a lot in the past year. He’s written a brand new show about it. Join him as he ‘pics’ up the pieces and gets back on that saddle, girlfriend! This is a show that will gas you uppp so by the end of the date you’ll either be bound together in fits of giggles or confident enough to keep rolling through ’em.
James Mustapic is a New Zealand comedian on stage, screen, and YouTube. He has created the television shows Abandonment Issues and James Must-a-pic His Mum a Man, has starred in the show Queer Academy, and has been a reporter for Seven Sharp. James’ affable charm and great puzzle skills won him Celebrity Treasure Island 2023.
Bring Ya Mum – Abby Howells: The Cave
Abby Howells is the Mum’s Comedian. Earnest, sweet, with incredible outfits – and one of the most relentlessly original comedians on the circuit. If you want to take your Mum some place intriguing and full of mystery and nostalgia, the answer is surely The Cave.
What is The Cave? Well, you’ll have to come to find out*. Does Abby know what The Cave is? Oh yeah, don’t worry about that. According to Abby, “The Cave is funny (hopefully hahahah) The Cave is nice, I reckon come on in.”
“The Cave is delightfully unhinged and packed with curveballs, as Abby regales us with rants and anecdotes (and a thought experiment) with earnest conviction.” - Joanne Zou, Melbourne International Comedy Festival
The Cave performs three times in Wellington, including an NZSL-interpreted and Relaxed performance at 5pm on Saturday 16 May.
Abby Howells has a doctorate in theatre, presumably because she loves it so much, and won the Billy T Award in 2023. This tells us (but also, we know from experience) that this is undoubtedly a very well put together, clever show that is worth… hunkering down in.
*It’s Abby’s childhood bedroom. You’ve got to write these blurbs so early these days.
Whole Gang Hits the Town – STAMPTOWN
You’ll want to gather your crew and step out of the group chat for this one! Clowns are going nuts for it: an explosion of variety and energy on this very stage!
The New Zealand Comedy Trust presents –STAMPTOWN.
This is not a “sit nicely and chuckle” comedy show. Stamptown is a raunchy, chaotic, full-throttle variety fever dream – equal parts stand-up, cabaret, circus, drag, performance art, and “how is this even happening right now?".
Hosted by international chaos merchant Zach Zucker, Stamptown has become a New York Times Top Comedy Pick and has packed out rooms at Netflix Is A Joke, Just For Laughs, Edinburgh Fringe, Glastonbury, SXSW, Lincoln Center, Soho Theatre, MICF, and Off-Broadway – basically, anywhere people like their comedy sweaty, surprising, and slightly unhinged.
Every lineup is stacked with wildly entertaining acts from around the world, and the energy is the point: you’re not just watching a show, you’re getting swept up in it. Think big laughs, big swings, and the kind of “we have to bring friends next time” night you’ll be talking about all week.
Someone You Are Trying to Impress – Laser Kiwi: Everybody Knows (also works for someone you love!)
Picture this, you’re sitting in the audience watching the spectacle that is Laser Kiwi, and your date says, “WOW, this is amazing!”.
That’s it. That’s the moment you’re looking for.
Kudos for knowing about this show and for knowing it would impress your plus one.
Buckle up for a wild ride in this visual, audial and conceptual extravaganza.
Armed with world-class circus skills and their signature brand of surreal sketch comedy, Laser Kiwi will attempt the impossible: articulating that thing we're all thinking. Imogen, Zane and Degge will make you laugh, gasp and maybe even agree on something for once.
Developed in partnership with Auckland Live and Hannah Playhouse in Aotearoa NZ.
Friend Who Won’t Shut Up About the Election – James Nokise: Now Hear This
It’s Election Year and it affects us all. But none so much as the friends, family and partners of the most politically-engaged. Let James Nokise feed them some juicy political satire. Something substantial to keep their spirits up until 7 November.
A line-up show featuring some of the Festival’s best comedians doing political material in an election year. Hosted by James Nokise – co-founder of NZ’s longest-running political satire PSA, and nominee of ALL THREE big awards at the NZ International Comedy Festival:
2 x NOMINEE: Billy T Award for an outstanding emerging performer - 2005, 2006
WINNER: Fred Award for Best NZ Show - 2019
WINNER: Topp Prize celebrating a ‘wild-card’ in the NZ comedy scene - 2024
Come down for a comedic, possibly cathartic, rabble-rousing collective poking fun at the powerful during these chaotic times.
James Nokise has been making us laugh since the early 2000s. He was nominated for the Billy T Award in 2005 and 2006 and performed in eleven NZICFs before winning the Fred Award for best New Zealand show for God Damn Fancy Man.
His work is highly political, tackling such issues as addiction, racism, and society’s expectation of men. In addition to his stand-up, he writes for theatre, television, and worked with Radio New Zealand to make Eating Fried Chicken, a podcast interviewing well-known New Zealanders on the topic of mental health.
Your Best Mate’s Kids – Sounds Funny with Suzy Cato
Lumped with your best mate’s kids because you forgot you agreed to babysit? Bring them to this show and pat yourself on the back!
Suzy Cato has gathered her friends, Chris Lam Sam, Zappo the Magician, the Wellington Carnival Band, and Barry Prescott for a special show in Wellington and it SOUNDS FUNNY, for kids of all ages (especially 5 and up)!
Gather your whānau and friends and join them at the Hannah Playhouse for an hour of silliness, then they will open the mic for Kid Comedians! Do your kids have a joke they want to share? This is the show for them!
Suzy Cato is a New Zealand children's entertainer who has been on NZ TV screens for literal decades. She is best known as the host of several New Zealand children's television programmes, most notably Suzy's World and You and Me
But honestly, if you haven’t heard of Suzy Cato then we need to talk.
Person Who Needs a Pick-Me-Up – Bubbah: Lonely Fans
There’s no escaping the infectious energy that Sieni Leo’o Olo brings to the stage, and that is exactly why you need to bring a pal who needs a pick-me-up along to this one.
Now based in Samoa, Bubbah has swapped the chaos for coconuts but don’t get it twisted, her mind is louder than ever. The “simple life” has sparked some wild realisations, and she’s ready to unpack them all, live and unfiltered.
Raw, hilarious, and a little bit unhinged, this show dives into identity, desire, and the messy truths we usually keep to ourselves. Expect bold takes, sharp punchlines, sexual themes, strong language, and that signature out-the-gateness and honestly who knows what else!
Come for the laughs, stay for the heart… and maybe leave a little bit exposed.
Someone who can’t make up their mind – Joe Daymond’s Comedy Mixtape
You’ve given them options, they’re a bit non-committal, but definitely the kind of person who will love something on the comedy fest lineup. This is your safe-and-hilarious bet.
Joe Daymond has recently moved to Australia and — as one of Wainuiomata’s finest exports — is destined to follow in the footsteps of Russell Crowe, Pavlova and Crowded House. A.K.A. something beloved by Australians that they will unsuccessfully try and claim as their own.
Joe exploded on to the comedy scene in 2020 winning the Best Breakthrough Act at the New Zealand Comedy Guild Awards and being the youngest person ever to sell out Auckland’s prestigious SkyCity Theatre – not just once, but twice. Joe has performed at the Sydney Opera House as part of Just for Laughs Australia, as well as appearing as a guest on TV shows such as Have You Been Paying Attention NZ, 7 Days, and Celebrity Treasure Island.
He is the creator, star and director of the Comedy Central series, Bouncers, which saw him nominated for Television Personality of the Year at the 2023 New Zealand Television Awards. Joe has also started to make strides in the US, becoming the second Kiwi ever to perform in the Main Room at the world famous Hollywood Comedy Store, being invited by comedian Noel Miller to open for him on his US national tour, and supporting the like Bill Burr and Theo Von both in the US and around New Zealand.
Comedy Fest has a way of drawing in a whole new crowd. It opens the doors to people who might not otherwise find themselves in a theatre seat, and that’s no small thing. For artists who move between disciplines — theatre-makers, storytellers, performers who thrive in both dramatic and comedic worlds — it creates a rare and valuable overlap. New audiences, new energy, new possibilities.
However you like your comedy — chaotic, clever, heartfelt or completely unhinged — there’s something waiting for you in this year’s lineup. So gather your people, take a punt on something new, and let yourself be swept up in the fun.
You can explore the full programme and find more information here.