Fans of live comedy, get ready for a slew of international and local talent bringing the laughs to Christchurch over the next few months.

From the UK comes Kevin Bridges, Bill Bailey and Russell Howard; from the US, Iliza Shlesinger; and from Australia, Carl Barron.

The 7 Days team swoops in for a live show, and Christchurch’s Jo Prendergast unleashes the dodgy parenting advice of her alter ego, Jo Ghastly.

Meanwhile, don’t forget the locals at Good Times Comedy Club and The Court Theatre’s Scared Scriptless, bringing you the laughs since ages ago.

Time to get your diary out and mark these dates:

7 Days Live

Host Jeremy Corbett leads a cast of comedians in an evening of stand-up followed by a no-holds barred version of 7 Days, live and uncut. Christchurch Town Hall, Fri 1 September.

Iliza: Hard Feelings Tour

American comedian, actor and television host Iliza Shlesinger has made a name for herself with high-energy shows that play on the absurdities of modern life. She has six Netflix stand-up specials to her name: Hot Forever (2022), Unveiled (2019), Elder Millennial (2018), Confirmed Kills (2016), Freezing Hot (2015) and War Paint (2013). Aurora Centre, Sat 2 September.

Jo Prendergast: The Cool Mum

Christchurch psychiatrist, author and comedian Dr Jo Prendergast unleashes the dodgy parenting advice of her alter ego, Jo Ghastly. The one-woman show about parenting teenagers riffs on topics in Dr Jo’s book When Life Sucks, which takes a more serious look at the perennial subject. The Piano, Sat 23 September

Carl Barron: Skating Rink for Flies

The gentle Aussie larrikin has headlined at every major comedy venue and festival and is one of the most sought-after comedians worldwide. His clean jokes and trademark relaxed delivery have won him legions of fans. In his new show, the master of observational humour asks how ants feel, among other things. Isaac Theatre Royal, Sat 7 October.

Bill Bailey: Thoughtifier

Seamlessly blending his prodigious musical talent with a fresh take on some of our oldest jokes, Bill Bailey has rambled his way into the hearts of many Kiwis over the decades. He brings his new show, Thoughtifier, to town as part of a nationwide tour. Christchurch Town Hall, Sat 4 November.

Kevin Bridges: The Overdue Catch-up

There’s a lot of observational comics out there but it’s the little things that lift Kevin Bridges’ comedy to essential status. His eye for detail gives him the edge. This is his fifth live stand-up tour, having previously performed to sold-out audiences in Australia, New Zealand and all over Europe. Christchurch Town Hall, Wed 8 November.

Russell Howard: Live

British stand-up Russell Howard is practically an adopted Kiwi now after he was able to bring his last show, Respite, to sold-out New Zealand audiences in the middle of COVID lockdowns. He will return in what are now happier times although still with plenty of absurdities for him to pick away at as he sets the world to rights. Christchurch Town Hall, Fri 2 February, 2024

Every week

Big Laughs Pro Comedy Night

Christchurch’s biggest regular comedy show with local, national and sometimes international comedians. Good Times Comedy Club, Saturdays.

Fresh Comedy Open Mic

With a different line-up and MC each week, you’ll see comics spinning new jokes, fresh gags and novel concepts every Wednesday. Good Times Comedy Club, Wednesdays.

Scared Scriptless

New Zealand’s longest-running improvised comedy show has The Court Jesters turning wild audience suggestions into hilarious comedy art. The Court Theatre, Fridays.