Kiwi funny woman keen to deliver dose of laughter

News release
November 23, 2011

Kiwi funny woman keen to deliver dose of laughter

A big dose of laughter is coming Christchurch's way - and comedian Michele A'Court can't wait to deliver it!

She has signed on to host Nothing But Stand-Up: The Divas at the Stronger Christchurch World Buskers Festival, beginning January 17, and is excited about the chance to bring some top-class to comedy to quake-hit Christchurch.

"Every time I've been in Christchurch I get a real sense that people really want to go out in groups and enjoy themselves so I'm happy to do what I can to make that happen,'' says A'Court.

"Comedy is such a great release of tension, and a fantastic way for people to share an experience. When we're all laughing at the same joke, we feel connected, which is a gorgeous thing.''

A'Court's nightly show will bring together some of the funniest women the festival has ever presented. They represent three countries. Kehau Jackson (USA), Urzila Carlson (South Africa), Cal Wilson and Justine Smith (NZ) will all join her on stage during the course of the 10-day festival.

A'Court says she had no trouble persuading any of them to join her in Christchurch for the festival: "They were all totally keen. There are some entertainers who, understandably, are nervous about spending any length of time in Christchurch but all these particular women are totally up for it.

"It's going to be amazing. These women are at the top of their game and each brings a different perspective on life and laughter. I worked with Kehau several years ago in Australia and she is a fabulous woman with a great take on life; Cal is my oldest comedy friend - a local girl who now has a hugely successful career in Australia; and Urzila is my favourite new face on the New Zealand comedy circuit. We're going to have a blast!''

A'Court herself is a veteran of the World Buskers Festival, having taken part in it for several years, but she rates the 2011 festival - which took place just four months after Canterbury's first big quake - as her favourite.

"There was a special sense of community and a keener hunger for entertainment than I have ever felt before. We felt very welcome and loved every second of it,'' she says.

When A'Court was asked if she would take part in the 2012 festival she didn't hesitate in saying yes. She is hoping that 10 days of fun and outrageous entertainment will help Christchurch people to recover from the traumatic events of the past few months and give them a reminder that life still goes on and wonderful things still happen.

Nothing But Stand Up: The Divas will be on every night of the festival from 8.30pm in Hagley Park's big inflatable dome. If you're 18 or older, you can secure a seat in exchange for a donation on the day of the show from 11am at the WBF Bookings Booth (be quick as there are only a few hundred seats for each show) in Hagley Park events village - which is being renamed Busker Park for the duration of the festival.

For more information about the show and other acts performing in the Stronger Christchurch World Buskers Festival check out www.worldbuskersfestival.com.

ENDS

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