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Mary Poppins - Auckland - Review

The magic of Mary Poppins has well and truly arrived in New Zealand and the opening night in Auckland was nothing short of spectacular .

Arriving to a red carpet, the Civic Theatre looked primed for a special night and if dancing statues, bottomless handbags and magical umbrellas aren't special then I don't know what is.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's smash hit musical brings us this much loved story which has been brilliantly adapted from the books by P.L Travers and the classic 1964 Disney film.

Most of us will have memories of Mary Poppins from the film with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke so this production will always have those to live up to.

However the stage production, first opened in 2004, has proven to be a worldwide success and now it's New Zealand's turn.

The story of the magical nanny who comes to help the Banks family at No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane features many of the films classic songs by the Academy Award winning Sherman Brothers, as well as additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

From the moment the curtain goes up you enter a spellbinding world. I believe the first gasp was at the wonderful set design which allows pieces to open, close, slide and lower from the roof. It reminded me of reading a popup book as a child and how you felt you could just jump inside. I was particularly impressed by the bank scene.

It's wasn't long before the toe tapping began as I was swept away by the infectious music that seems to be somehow an innate part of childhood.

The choreography by Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear is of course magnificent and all perfectly executed by this immensely talented cast. One particular number deserves a special mention for it's especially complex routine, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is the best musical dance number I've seen!

Simon Burke and Pippa Grandison as George and Winifred Banks

The Banks family tell a story of love, struggles and hope depicted perfectly by the forever cheerful Mrs Winifred Banks ( Pippa Grandison) and the more stiff and authoritative Mr George Banks (Simon Burke). Their story of financial, work and family troubles is a timeless yet modern one. The younger cast members Hattie Hook and Ky Baldwin, playing Jane and Michael Banks, were very accomplished performers and did an amazing job in these demanding roles proving themselves to be consummate professionals.

To read the full review and others like it check out my site Keeping Up With NZ!

Have a look at our pics from opening night on our Facebook page.

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Springing forward and Keeping Up!

Well it's almost spring time and definitely time for an update!

I have been busy building the new brand Keeping Up With NZ a new one stop culture shop for New Zealand.

I have been overwhelmed by the response and interest in this new site so I am so pleased with the results so far. It's is so nerve racking trying new things but the buzz when they go well is indescribable.

Since I launched the new site in July I have featured a variety of events from the NZ International Film Festival to various theatre productions and other performing arts. Although I was covering events on my blog Keeping Up With The Grid I really wanted to make a New Zealand focused website and create a collaborate space for creatives.

I am letting KUWNZ grow organically and have been pleased with the results through social media channels so far. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter but we have yet to add content to our Youtube channel so watch this space!!

As we build our brand and relationships we hope to bring our audience lots of variety and lots more content. Although many think that this country moves pretty slowly I have to say that funnily enough it really is hard to Keep Up With NZ! Therefore we are always on the look out for other arts and culture enthusiast around the country who would like to join our little collective of culture vultures.

If you are interested then please do get in touch here.

So as we spring forward I can't wait to see what the next season has to offer us.

Thanks for all the support so far!

Ingrid

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Win a Double pass to Regrooved NZ featuring Slynk!!!

Want to get your boogie on for FREE this weekend? Well Keeping Up With NZ are making that happen!!

We have two double passes to give away for Regrooved NZ weekender. (One for Rakinos and one for Leigh Sawmill Cafe)

The number one party rocker Slynk is back for two shows in New Zealand.

Australia's Ghetto Funk producer/DJ will be at the Leigh Sawmill Cafe this Friday 31 August and Rakinos on Saturday 1 September.

Anyone that has experienced a Slynk set in the past will tell you it's simply not to be missed. Across the board phat funk floor fillers, special edits, chunky hip hop, drum and bass, breaks and a whole lot more expertly smashed together in his distinctive style.

To be in with a chance of winning a double pass to either of these gigs simply name one of the venues Slynk will rock the turntables for your dancing pleasure in Auckland.

Enter here! with the subject 'Slynk' along with your answer in the message box and please state which event you want to attend.

To get yourself in the mood listen or download to the REGROOVED Takeover of last week's ILL BEHAVIOUR Radio Show on Base FM. DJ Beatmaster and special guest Funk Ferret (REGROOVED NZ) play Hiphop,Funk, Mash-ups, Nu Funk Breaks and much more!!!

http://soundcloud.com/beatmasterwright/regrooved-nz-ill-behaviour

Noiseworks Entertainment in association with Ghetto Funk present Regrooved Weekender feat Slynk.

Leigh Sawmill: Fri 31 Aug - Slynk (Aus) w Zane Tee, Adam O (AV set), Funk Ferret, DJ Alias & Randomplay

Rakinos: Sat 1 Sept - Slynk w Randomplay, DJ Alias, Adam O (AV set), Funk Ferret & MC Mikey Rockwell

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Eat, Pray, Laugh! Barry Humphries Farewell Tour - Auckland

Where do I begin talking about this utter legend? Well I suppose I could start with saying that going to see Barry Humphries live really is as great as you’d expect.

Performing his swan song ‘Eat, Pray, Laugh!’ for New Zealand audiences, we get to see our favorite characters from the last six decades from this iconic Australian performer.

The Honorable Sir Les Patterson will leave even the most experienced ears blushing as he dishes out innuendoes and blue jokes during his first outing as a celebrity chef. Les doesn’t let a few trouser coughs stop him as he leers and jokes through the first part of the show. Some audience members nearer the stage may have wished for an umbrella during parts of his performance.

We also met a new charater, Les’s Brother the Rev. Gerard Patterson, who makes a brief but unforgettable appearance due to his fondness for a certain young male pianist.

Arriving with a puff of smoke was Sandy Stone, who took the show in a more sombre, but poignant direction with a beautiful monologue and tear jerking exit.

However it was the Dame herself that stole the show!

Before the show, as we shuffled along in the queue waiting to get to our seats I had a good look around at our fellow audience members.It was pretty clear who their favourite character was.

Sparkly frocks, feather bowers and large bright spiraling glasses adorned many ladies, and indeed gentleman around us all clutching their wepon of choice, the Gladioli of course!

I met these two lovely ladies before the show, true fans!

In true Edna style the second half opened with all the pomp and ceremony you would expect from this queen of the comedy stage.

Dame Edna Everage is every bit as sharp and clever as she has always been. A joy to behold with a fearless wit and even more fearless and envious style.

She refers to us as having taken the Edna pilgrimage and praises all her fans even those in ‘the cheap’ seats, or as Edna puts it ‘Les Misérables’.

You can read my full review on www.keepingupwithnz.com

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Keeping Up With Interview - Eddie Numbers

This week  we have been Keeping Up With Auckland based Hip Hop group Eddie Numbers.We have been fans ever since seeing them live in February, which we wrote about here. Ingrid spoke to Eddie Mohan, MC, ahead of their video release party on the 28 July for the track Never Rap Again.

Photo credit Oscar The Grouch

So what can you tell us about your new video?

” I can tell you that it wouldn’t have happened without the help of Andy Day , The Cut Press and Jack Riddell. Just like all our videos it was without any funding help so thank you to the people I just mentioned for making it happen. In terms of the storyline I don’t want to give to much away so come to the release party 28 July and be the first to see it.”

Is this the first single from your album?

“I guess so but I wouldn’t really call it a single, we just wanted to make a music video for this particular song. I have a lot of respect for the DJ’s and stations that play our music they don’t need to be told which song to play. Also we were intent on people respecting this record as an album so when talking to stations we gave them the album and basically said play what fits.”

What inspires you to write music?

“My surroundings are what inspire me and my life is where I get my lyrics from.”

If there is any poor souls out there who don’t know Eddie Numbers can you tell our readers who are Eddie Numbers and what are they about?

“Eddie Numbers are a 5 piece Alternative Hip Hop band, members being myself Eddie or Edgar to my mum , Tyla Pere , Regal , Baz and Ben Healey on Guitar. We are five totally different people from totally different backgrounds I can only speak for myself so perhaps the below video would answer this question best.”

To read the full interview go to our site Keeping Up With NZ!!

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Guru Of Chai - Indian Ink - Q Theatre

Awaiting the start of the show on opening night of Guru of Chai my eyes darted around the small and simple set surveying the array of instruments on the stage, but I was still none the wiser as to what was to come.

Enter a poor chaiwallah,  (Jacob Rajan) an over excited, animated, bucktoothed Indian tea seller, and Dave (David Ward)  his muted friend. They were ready to tell us a story, to allow us to be relieved of our emptiness, escape our ‘painful urinations’ that we inevitably suffer from and enter their world to become enlightened! 

Jacob Rajan in Indian Ink's Guru of Chai - Photo from www.qtheatre.co.nz

It was with this introduction that we were transported to a chai stall in a hot Bangalore Central Station. Accompanied by Dave, who provides both harmony, melody and atmosphere throughout the 90 minute performance, our raconteur told the tale of the abandoned seven sisters who sang for a living at the Chai stall all those years ago.

What followed was nothing short of enchanting and magical, but also hilariously funny. Using the Indian fairytale of ‘Punchkin’ as inspiration, Indian Ink Theatre Company have produced a modern spin on the ancient art form of storytelling.

The plot has all the twitsts and turns one should expect but what wasn't expexted was how expertly Jacob and David would collectively bring these characterss, places and emotions to life. Jacob's portrayal of our canny narrator, with a penchant for cock fighting, is brilliantly funny and endearing. A few useful props where key in some of the joy, laughter and sadness but other than that only one ruled the stage and that was Jacob.

The beautiful music and song composed by David Ward enabled the audience to drift further into this world and his talent only hightened our senses to become effortlessly  immersed in the compelling yarn being spun on stage.

After the performance I lost count of how many conversations I overheard praising this inspiring and heartwarming tale told so expertly by the talented duo. The most notable comment I heard was one lady saying 'I just thought all those people were there! He brought everyone to life!'

Justin Lewis – Indian Ink Theatre Company

Speaking after the show director, writer and executive producer, Justin Lewis announced a future season in New York and the beginnings of a Film.

 Jacob Rajan speaking after opening night at Q Theatre

This show is an original and modern triumph in storytelling and compelling theatre. A fantastic show that really should be everyone’s cup of tea!

Guru of Chai is on at Q Theatre, Auckland until the 21 July and opened this week.

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Run! Slip! Spring! at Q Theatre

This week it is the 15th anniversary of one of Auckland’s most inspiring dance companies.

Touch Compass Dance Company presented Run! Slip! Spring! at Q Theatre in Auckland to a much appreciative audience.

This unique company features dancers with disabilities in a show that was like nothing I had ever seen before, a true original which redefines not only what dance is but also who should be able to dance.

Each piece evoked new emotions as the vast stage was used to its fullest through movement and use of props. 

The use of live vocals from Tracy Z in the performance was especially poignant and powerful.

I particularly enjoyed the performance from Jesse Johnston-Steele, who I later found out has been with the company since day one! His energy and enthusiasm was infectious.

Jesse Johnston-Steele and Melanie Turner from Touch Compass Dance Company

I second half of the show and uses aerial bungee allowing for a whole new experience to a dance show.

It's a shame that I have not seen any performance, let alone dance, that featured disability before.

Founder Catherine Chappell was emotional in her post performance speech making it obvious just how dedicated and proud she is of her uniquely talented dancers.

Founder of Touch Compass, Catherine Chappell after the show.

I found this show both inspiring and challenging and it definitely opened my eyes to how we move and how dance can incorporate all types of movement. A great live arts experience!

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Square Eye Pair - Basement Theatre - Auckland

In the 90's Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy called television  'the drug of the nation.'

Square Eye Pair have used this drug as their muse and created a fun and clever comedy production around the friendship of two twenty something TV obsessives, Richard and Max. 

Part of a generation raised by the 'idiot box' these two odd ball best friends tell us their story from the very inception of their bromance.

Like all good TV schedules we get soap opera, drama, flashbacks, classic movies and infomercials, not forgetting the odd break for some gaming too!

Richard, Hamish Parkinson, was described as being like a 'giant praying mantis' in his school days due to his unconventional looks and skinny fame. He seemed to have a mixture of Emo Phillips and Rik Mayall about him, with over the top expressions and awkward body movements. I really enjoyed his performance and felt that he was able to showcases his talents well in this show.

Max, Eli Mathewson, is still carrying the emotional weight of his previous teenage obesity and so has escaped in to this permanent state of man-child which is mostly amusing and entertaining but sometimes moving.

Max and Richard make for a hilarious double act who not only give a great comedic performance but also have some brilliantly written dialogue with a fantastically fun use of language.

Their lives also include a few female incarnations who were played by  Elise Whitson . She represents the outside world with all the fear and joy it involves. She is expertly comical while taking her time in the limelight to shine. Elise is a real asset to the cast.

The action is predominately set in the lounge of Max and Richard's digs which enables them to play around with their modest set which fits perfectly with these young quirky characters.

Slightly unexpected was the plays mature side which added a depth that was surprising but didn't feel out of place.

This enjoyable play will flood you with pop culture references that are smartly intertwined with what turns out to be a strong comedy with a message, I am sure they have made 'Dawson Leery' proud!

For more info go to http://www.basementtheatre.co.nz/ and Awesomeness 

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Smash Hit Musical Mary Poppins is coming to Auckland in October!

On the 18 October the World’s most supercalifragilistic musical opens at The Civic in Auckland!

Based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, MARY POPPINS, the world’s most magical musical arrives in New Zealand and lucky Auckland will get a chance to see this amazing show for a limited season!

The New Zealand production of MARY POPPINS comes direct from a sell out  Australian tour, and follows productions in London, New York, and Holland as well as as British and North American touring productions.

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher for Disney Theatrical Productions this is truly a show not to be missed!

“A roof-raising, toe-tapping, high flying extravaganza” New York Daily News

“The music theatre event of the year” The Sydney Morning Herald

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Call 0800 BUY TICKETS

Visit www.marypoppinsthemusical.co.nz

In Person Aotea Centre Box Office, Auckland or any Ticketmaster outlet

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Lenny Henry - Cradle to Rave - ASB Theatre

Lenny Henry has been on TV my whole life and is a total legend as far as I am concerned! Some achievements that spring to mind are; winning New Faces, various variety and comedy shows, his own light entertainment shows, co-founding Comic Relief and later became an actor in TV shows like Chef. He has also recently won best newcomer in the London Evening Standard theatre awards, for his debut Shakespearean role as Othello.

So even with this history and feeling that I know this great entertainer, I still didn’t know what to expect from his live show??

Last night Lenny brought his autobiographical musical journey to Auckland’s ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre in his one man show ‘Cradle to Rave.’

Photo from http://www.the-edge.co.nz

The show covers the huge part music has played in Lenny’s life. This very personal anecdote explores his influences, memories and the power music has had over him.

The show started a little late due to a delayed flight, but only moments after an impatient audience member shouted ‘Lenny you’re late and you know you are’ he was on stage. There was no need to worry about this expert performer as he made the audience his own within seconds, silencing our friendly heckler for the rest of the show.

He began by warming up the crowd and getting us up to his energy levels. Soon he knew us well enough to call us ‘Auck’ and we were in full Lenny swing.

He was highly animated as he briskly bounced around the stage often interacting with the first few rows of the audience, returning to include them throughout his two hour performance.

Although I thought of Lenny Henry as ‘comedy establishment’ his performance was fresh and modern and is by no means dated or cheesy, unless done deliberately, Theophilus P.Wildebeeste springs to mind!

We could all relate to his excellent observations on dance moves through the decades in which he moved superbly. His impersonations, both musical and otherwise, are spot on and often random and surreal.

How does this all fit in to his musical journey? Well the show manages to weave through more traditional stand-up with a theatrical narrative style where music is played for comedy or dramatic effect, even with Lenny tinkling the ivories. It also covers Lenny’s musical career and talents which all come together flawlessly and never feel overly rehearsed enabling him to keep credibility with his stand-up roots.

His talent for music is obvious and his passion for it extremely infectious culminating in a finale that is sure to have everyone smiling as they leave!

If you want to find out how we get from Coldplay to slavery or hear Winston Churchil to the soundtrack of Back in Black then this is the show for you!

Lenny Henry has been a performer for as long as I can remember and this show proves the stage is exactly where he belongs and he’s not going anywhere!

He performs in Wellington at Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, 27 June!

Thanks to Elephant Publicity. 

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KAHA - Atamira Dance Company - Q Theatre

Just over an hour of powerful ideas, movement, sounds and bodies graced the stage of Rangatira, Q Theatre last night.

The winter solstice and Maori New Year, Matariki, set the perfect time for the Atamira Dance Company to showcase, KAHA Short Works 2012.

This varied programme features both new works and old favourites in a show intended to share the strength and diversity of these admirable dancers.

During the eight performances the audience is taken through an emotional and cultural journey, introduced by artistic director Moss Patterson. 

Moss's genuine passion, warmth and love for this art shines through in his performance, choreography and introductions. He really creates the community and spiritual feel that sets this show apart. 

From a powerful opening Haka to the playful Poi E Thriller, this is New Zealand contemporary dance at it's most innovative. Strong imagery and costume design really added to the atmosphere and execution of the individual pieces. The stage seemed vast as you were transported from one scene to another through many emerging personalities.  

For those who are not that accustomed to this type of performance in contemporary dance there are some more challenging pieces, but it's not intimidating and the nature and ethos of this company should clear any apprehensions.

Judging from the reactions on the night the audience were thrilled and moved by this programme which plays at Q Theatre until the 23 June.

KAHA is a fantastic celebration of Maori culture as well as a verifiable demonstration of New Zealand's world class creativity and choreography in contemporary dance.

Atamira dance company should be proud of these works!

Further performances during Matariki are listed here.

Thanks to Elephant Publicity! 

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Flight of the Conchords – Auckland Town Hall

Last night I was reunited with my ‘queue buddy’ whom I had spent over three hours with one early April morning while we waited excitedly to get our tickets for last night’s show, Flight of the Conchords, at Auckland’s Town Hall. Finally the night was here and we stared down at the stage, filled with various instruments and two empty chairs, with the same anticipation we had felt when we finally bought our tickets.

The evening began with excellent stand-up from Arj Barker, aka Dave from the Flight of the Conchords TV show, who got the crowd going and only slightly damaged the set. He was a great warm up who had the audience in hysterics over his paranoia of that one surviving germ not killed by the 99.9% Toilet Cleaner, creating visuals in my head of a Rocky esque germ working out under the lid of my loo!

He also commented on his literary taste with his love of Lord of the Rings and Peter Jackson, but not in the context you would expect. He is a confident but laid back comedian who was welcomed by the audience. Overall he was a great start to the show and his jokes are still making me smile as I write this. Unfortunately I failed to get a picture with him twice last night, firstly by just staring at him resulting in my walking in to another women, and secondly by tweeting too much to notice he had already left!! 

Here is the slightly stalking picture I did get of Arj Barker!

On to the main event now, and the Town Hall erupted with woops and cheers as Jemaine Clement and Brett McKenzie walked on stage in silver jackets with their heads in boxes and they launched into the electro sounds of ‘Too Many Dicks On The Dance Floor’. A swift and impressive costume change (turning the tinned foil covered boxes around) lead them into their next tune, and the audience into the future, with the track ‘Robots’ where all the ‘humans are dead’.

This was the start of our journey with these two impressively talented musicians and comedians. Once de-boxed and primped by Matt, the tour hairdresser/soundman/tour instagramer (@mattdshane) they weaved their music around their crazy anecdotes of being ‘on the road’!

The Conchords can jump around sounds and genres, and do so extraordinarily easily, as they work their way through the instruments we see on stage including; maracas, a triangle and a wooden wazinator!!!  They were also joined on stage by cellist Nigel Collins, and Arj Barker returns for few guest appearances too!

Flight of the Conchords on stage at Auckland's Town Hall along with Nigel Collins (PHOTO:Ian Wright)

We were swept out of the future and in to the past with the brilliant story of how to woo a lady in the ‘Summer of 1353’. Later we travelled Across to Europe for ‘Foux da Fafa’ and experienced the synthtastic 'Inner City Pressure', the sweaty eyes of 'I'm Not Crying' and the joys of ‘It’s Business Time’ all arranged around the most excellent of carefully selected mood lighting. It should go without saying how amazingly talented these two are, but I really was blown away by the consistently high standard of their performances.

Their set featured songs new and old with ‘classic hit followed by classic hit’, as Brett commented, leading to their ultimate finally and one more very special final costume change.

Thankfully the standing, cheering and wooping audience meant we got our much demanded encore ending a brilliant and unmissable two hour show that I would gladly watch again and again. 

The tour continues around New Zealand until 2 July, returning to Auckland on the 29 June and 1 July http://flightoftheconchords.co.nz/on-tour/

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TRIBES - SILO THEATRE - Maidment Theatre - Opening Night Review

TRIBES is a British play by Nina Raine. Silo Theatre presented their opening night of the Auckland production on the 8 June at Maidment Theatre.

The play opens amid a passionate and animated discussion around the dinner table of a middle class British family. 

This free spirited and creative family is dominated by their hilarious father Christopher, Michael Hurst, as they swear, shout and talk over each other seemingly indulging in the sounds of their own voices.

However one character is notably quieter, the deaf son Billy, played by Leon Wadham. Billy watches and follows the conversation with his eyes only occasionally speaking up to ask 'what did you say?'

The amazing unawareness of his bohemian brood to notice him leads Billy to eventually make an announcement, a declaration that will thrust his reluctant family in to the world of Deaf people and signing. He is in love.

The arrival of Billy's girlfriend Sylvia alters this family forever.

Sylvia teaches Billy Sign Language. This is a world where Billy can finally be heard, but one that alienates and frustrates his family. His parents always wanted him to fit in, not be ‘different’ or ‘disabled’.

Billy has two siblings. Fern Sutherland expertly portrays his sister Ruth, the twenty something trying to find her identity which currently is in the guise of an Opera Singer. She is kind but unfocused and craves attention. 

His older brother Dan starts the play as a bolshie bossy bigger brother who teases and torments Ruth, as all good older brothers should, but it is his love and jealousy of his brother Billy that brings this character’s journey to a head.

Dan, played by Emmett Skilton, goes through a metamorphosis of regression throughout the play and Emmett was able to communicate the character in a sympathetic way captivating the audience emotionally.

Billy’s eccentric mother Ruth is played to maternal perfection by Catherine Wilkin. She is funny and quick and reflects perfectly the juggling act of parent and wife adding her quirky expressions making her a delight to watch.

The play beautifully uses a backdrop of subtitles and music to jump the audience out of the action and in to the characters subconscious, as well as a device to interpret the sign language. It is a very powerful tool that adds to the plays overall emotion, the first use of which produced audible gasps from the audience.

Billy’s autocratic father, although funny throughout, highlights the danger of thinking we know best. Michael Hurst portrayed the strength and stubbornness of this somewhat selfish character in a warm and amusing way and superbly delivers a lot of the best lines in the play.

Ingrid Grenar and Leon Wadham who played Billy

The most interesting character relationship is between Billy and Sylvia. Both deaf, but Billy from birth and Sylvia is going deaf. One of the lines that stuck was Sylvia telling Billy 'I never knew going deaf would be so noisy!'.

Sylvia was played by Jodie Hillock and she has a very tough character to play. Jodie does well to bring the new energy and ideas the Sylvia creates from that first moment when she bursts in to the lives of this messed up family, flipping their world upside down. Her exchanges with Billy’s father were particularly well played.

The overall star performance has to be Leon Wadham's. He portrays Billy's strengths and weaknesses subtly and with great honesty and depth. He is clearly a young actor with the breadth to carry off this challenging role and he does so absolutely and thoroughly, producing an enjoyable, funny, heartwarming and emotional character.

The reactions of the audience during this opening night were audible throughout producing laughter, gasps and tears.

This play will make you laugh almost all the way through while also managing to raise questions about society, family, love and expectations but especially about how we communicate with each other.

TRIBES will stay with you and no doubt spark new discussions amongst your own family.

You can watch Nina Raine’s Tribes at Maidment Theatre from the silo Theatre Trust until 30 June

Sign Language Interpreted performances : Mon 11 & 18 June

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Lenny Henry brings 'Cradle to Rave' to New Zealand!

One of Britain's biggest and iconic comedians will be performing his show Cradle to Rave in Auckland and Wellington this month.

Since winning New Faces at 16, Lenny Henry has added many strings to his bow. Along with his beloved stand-up comedy he has become a well-loved entertainer and earned his stripes in the acting world, recently winning critical acclaim for his portrayal of Othello.

Lenny brings his show 'Cradle to Rave' to New Zealand which talks about one of his greatest loves, music!

This autobiographical stand up show allows Lenny to indulge in his favourite pleasures of comedy and music. Taking the audience on a journey from his teenage Elvis impersonations to the Hip Hop that caused a missed cue during his Shakespearian début!

Lenny Henry will be at ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland on 24 June and Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington on 27 June.

Find out more about Lenny on his official site here.

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Some Ponsonby Street Art I guess it's a Mon-Key, or 3 of? Or just a brand new Kate Sylvester ad?

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Keeping Up With NZ 'The Griddy's' Comedy Awards 2012! Winners Announced

The ticker tape has settled on the stages of this years New Zealand International Comedy Festival with the climax of the announcements of the Billy T and Fred Comedy Awards at Last Laughs.

After watching 26 shows I enjoyed the festival so much I wanted to find a way to celebrate my favourite shows.

From the middle of the Festival I began selecting my favourtie shows to put together a shortlist for 'The Griddy's'which you can see in full here.

I have now made my decisions so here are the very first Griddy award winners!

And the winners are ......................................................................................

It was incredibly difficult to choose winners out of so many fantastic shows but the one's that I have picked are both truly original shows that are part of making live comedy the exciting and evolving art form it is!

The Boy With Tape On His Face - More Tape

‘I am certain in the hands of this muted mastermind that every show will end as this one did, with a standing ovation!’

Read my full review here.

Also thanks to 'the Boy' who helped with the naming of these awards!

Marcel Lucont - Gallic Symbol

‘He really is a pleasure to watch as he cleverly plays his quirky observations in his refreshing style of such obvious disdain that he will have you in fits of giggles.’

Read my full review here.

It was incredibly difficult to choose winners out of so many fantastic shows but the acts I have picked are both truly original. Their shows reflect their part in what makes live comedy the exciting and evolving art form it is!

The Griddy's are based purely on my own opinions and do not represent the views of the NZ International Comedy Festival.

If you want to have your event featured on my site or simply want to know more about me please get in touch!

All quotes are from Keeping Up With The Grid! reviews.

Writing © Keeping Up With The Grid!/Creative Sidekick 2011 - 2012

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Last Laughs ! New Zealand Comedy Festival 2012

What a great show to finish on! Last Laughs did not disappoint with both the Billy T and Fred Award finalist doing their thing on stage which produced a range of fantastic performances.

Hosted by Te Radar, a full house at SKYCITY Theatre must have all had their favourites but there was no question that all the comedians were deserving winners.

Starting with the Billy T’s, first on stage was my favourite Guy Williams, whose understated and low energy style was a hit. Second on was Tevita Manukia who summed up the similarities between threesomes and weddings!

The finalists of the 2012 Billy T Award.

He was followed by the quirky Rose Matafeo who gave the audience an insight in to her mind through her lists and love of cat stickers. Next on was Tom Furness, he was a surreal comedian who wants us to bring back ‘crisp packet’ humour! Then the final Billy T nominee, TJ McDonald, gave us clever observations with some gentle ribbing of New Zealand politics.

A definite highlight of the night was the 2012 RAW Comedy Quest Winner, Jermaine Ross, who was brilliantly funny and performed some fantastically confident and smart material that proved him to be a star of the future.

Next up were the ‘big boys’, the Fred finalist Rhys Darby, Brendhan Lovegrove and The Boy With Tape On His Face.

The Fred Award Finalist 2012

These guys could not fail to fulfil their status as consummate performers and crowd pleasers as they all received warmth, rapturous applause and laughter from the audience.  Whether you had seen, or missed out on these sold out shows it was a great final chance to catch a glimpse of their genius or to relive some of the best bits!

Following the second interval we were treated to some special International guests, Gordon Southern and Marcel Lucont!

I absolutely loved both of their shows so I was delighted to see them again. Gordon brought his usual brand of silliness and one liners, along with his trusty sound effects box. He busted out some short sharp raps, including a soon to be hip hop classic about the middle ages.

Gordon Southern and Marcel Lucont

However is was Marcel Lucont who stole the show, this understated comedian had the audience in the palm of his hand, so much so that he managed to crowd surf all the way up the vertical seating of the SKYCITY Theatre! Absolute genius and one of my favourite NZICF moments of 2012.

The time had arrived for the big announcements! Guy Williams won the Billy T Towel, handed over by previous winner Nick Gibb, and Rhys Darby took the Golden Gum Boot Fred Award.

I was so chuffed for Guy Williams as I had championed him since seeing him at Ben Hurleys New Faces show in Week One. I think he will go far in his career and I can’t wait to see what he does next. The Billy T Award not only includes the iconic yellow towel but also $2500 prize money plus a guest appearance on TV3 hit show 7 Days! These awards honour one of New Zealand’s greatest comedians, the late Billy T James.

Rhys seemed genuinely humbled and proud when accepting his award from Jan Maree, a comedian he had been a Billy T finalist with in 2001!  The Fred Award recognises and celebrates Rhys’s outstanding achievements in comedy in New Zealand which had taken him all the way to Hollywood. He finished his acceptance by promising to bring This Way To Spaceship back home following his UK tour and season at the Edinburgh Festival.

It was a fantastic end to a fantastic festival where New Zealand can be proud that live comedy is alive and well and thriving.