Stand-up Central

If you’re looking for a laugh, you’re in the right place. Cityscape has the inside scoop on the booming local comedy scene and we’re dishing it out for you.

After dark, the streets of Christchurch come alive as venues across the city fill with laughter and show how our local comedy scene is a hotbed of talent. With one of the biggest comedy scenes in New Zealand per capita, we Cityscapers are spoilt for choice and are able to get our comedy fix seven nights a week. If you’re new to the scene, here’s where you’ll find the funnies.

The art of improv is always entertaining. If you love watching performers think on their feet as they come up with all kinds of wacky scenarios, Scared Scriptless is a must-see. It has run continuously for the past 28 years and is sure to have you in stitches. The show goes down every Friday and Saturday night from 10:15pm at the Court Theatre, where you’ll find the Court Jesters ready for whatever’s thrown at them. Get thinking before you arrive as this one has plenty of interactive moments, too. Make a night of it and grab a pre-show feed from one of the many stellar dining establishments in the area including Town Tonic, The Miller Bar & Café, Touch Indian Restaurant or Kumo Japanese Restaurant.

If you’re looking for a pick-me-up come Monday, get on your bike and head to The Pedal Pusher in Addington, where you can have a chuckle each fortnight while you fill up on tapas and escape the rat race. On the last Monday of the month you can also dine at Dux Central in the intimate Emerald Room and enjoy the open mic night on offer. While the floor is open to all performers, it’s mostly comedians you’ll find up on the Dux stage (and they’re sure to keep you on your toes!). Indulge in some pizza and enjoy one of more than 70 choices of wine on offer while lol-ing along with the crowd.

On Tuesday, pull up a pew at the Kensington Fun House open mic night. Here you can tuck into their bar menu, have a beverage or two and if you’re brave enough, sign up and give it a go. Across town, have a laugh at The Carlton, where they host both new talent and seasoned professionals. Grab a bite from their tempting snack menu and don’t forget to order a cheeky craft beer to wash down all those gags.

Hump-day Wednesday is always cause for celebration! Treat yourself to a snicker at the buzzing Strange & Co, where they open the floor and allow the night to take strange – and sometimes awkward – turns. The bar took home Best Regular Show at the Christchurch Comedy Awards in 2017 and 2018, so you know you’re in for a wild ride.

On the last Thursday of the month, you can pop out of town and take in the fresh sea air at the weird and fabulous Wunderbar in Lyttelton. The funky atmosphere is a great environment for brewing comedy, and with plenty of disco balls you can have a boogie at the same time. Your sides will be splitting in New Brighton every second Thursday where Level One Craft Beer and Coffee Bar serves up classy beach vibes with a side of humour. Sip on a coffee, wine or craft beer in the ‘laxed environment while the comedians entertain you.

Let off some steam on Friday and pop back to Kensington Fun House for their stand-up showcase. This one is run by people who love to laugh for people who love to laugh. You’ll find the best local comedians performing alongside national and international guests.

Your cheeks will be aching by the end of the comedy week, so feel free to take Sunday night off. While there aren’t any regular comedy shows running on a Sunday, you can still tickle your funny bone – multiple times a week if you’d like – when the Comedy Carnival rolls into town from September 7 – 21. The biggest and world's most southern festival of comedy will take over city venues with more than 15 comedians performing. And on Saturday 28 September, you can get your fix at Laugh at the International Comedy Night at the Lincoln Event Centre.

FUNNY BUNCH

The niche profession of comedy requires a thick skin, a receptive attitude and the ability to wear many hats. A commitment to this is what has shaped the thriving and supportive comedy scene we have in Christchurch today. It’s through this encouraging scene that we have seen countless talented comedians grow beyond the city. There’s Cal Wilson, who co-founded the infamous Court Jester improv group in 1990, Rhys Darby (aka Murray Hewitt in Flight of the Conchords) and Eli Matthewson, who was part of the writing team for Funny Girls and has made appearances on 7 Days.

If you think stand-up is just a hobby, think again. In a city flourishing with emerging comedic talent, many of those that Cityscape spoke to had comedy as their top priority, and in some cases their full-time job. The consensus among aspiring comedians is to immerse yourself in the scene, record your shows to play back, and listen to your audience.

Read the Q&As from some of comedy's best:

Simon Kingsley-Holmes

Bec Sandys