5-Star Comedy Preview

Six international comedians in one huge show. Once again local producer, comedy.co.nz productions, has gathered an all-star line-up of international guest comedians to kick off the 2011 NZ International Comedy Festival.

Always a popular warm-up to the festival, the '5-Star Comedy Preview' kicks off at 8pm on Thursday 28 April at Skycity Theatre, the night before the official Comedy Gala.

This years Preview features the return of a couple of familiar faces, including New Zealand’s latest international success story, plus 4 brand new acts from the UK and Canada.

Timaru born, Sam Wills a.k.a. The Boy With Tape on His Face, was one of the breakout box-office hits on debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, 2010. He was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award at the Festival and has also just been nominated in the UK Chortle Awards for Best Newcomer in 2010.

The Boy With Tape On His Face is making a triumphant return to the 2011 NZ International Comedy Festival and kicks off with an appearance in the 5-Star Comedy Preview.

Also returning is Brit Terry Alderton, who made a huge impression at our festival in 2010 as the headline act in The Big Show at the Comedy Chamber. In 2011 he returns to the 5-Star Comedy Preview followed up by a solo season at The Classic in Auckland.

The 2011 5-Star Comedy Preview also features new faces, the ‘best of British’, Eddy Brimson, Gordon Southern and Mike Wozniak. They will be joined by Canadian Pete Johansson who is one of a handful of Canucks who have cracked the highly competitive UK pro circuit.

After nine sell out years (2002 to 2010), the 5-Star Comedy Preview has proven to be a very hot ticket as well as real crowd pleaser, and an ideal way to sample some of the laughs that will be the highlight of the 3 week festival in Auckland, Wellington and beyond. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets on sale from March 1st. Bookings at Ticketek on 0800Ticketek or online @ www.ticketek.co.nz.