Ed Byrne returns to host Old Mout Cider Comedy Gala

Ed Byrne returns to host Old Mout Cider Comedy Gala & OId Mout Cider First Laughs

NEW ZEALAND COMEDY TRUST PRESENTS

OLD MOUT CIDER COMEDY GALA – LIVE AT THE CIVIC &
OLD MOUT CIDER FIRST LAUGHS – AT THE OPERA HOUSE
Hosted by Irish comedy legend Ed Byrne

Now into its 23rd year, the 2015 NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider, is set to kick-off with a holler and a roar, bringing the laughs to Auckland with the Old Mout Cider Comedy Gala, and to Wellington with Old Mout Cider First Laughs. Back with some of your absolute favourites and plenty of fresh talent from all around the world to give you a delicious taster of what’s on offer over the three weeks of the Comedy Festival.

Irish comedian Ed Byrne is back for the first time in six years to host these riotous occasions. Over this time Ed’s been super busy, with multiple appearances on The Graham Norton Show,his very own sitcom Ed Byrne’s Just for Laughs and presenting on What’s so Funny on BBC Radio.

Joining Ed Byrne live at The Civic at the Old Mout Cider Comedy Gala are top international acts including the hilarious American cowboy Wilson Dixon; Canadian wild-man Craig Campbell; Irish/American stand-up Des Bishop who The Scotsman describes as “funny & erudite”; Tom Binns as cult-sensation the Hospital Radio DJ Ivan Brackenbury (UK); alongside the ever-loved hometown favourites Dai Henwood and Urzila Carlson. But the comedic firestorm doesn’t stop there, with exciting talent burning up the Gala stage for the first time – including Brit Nish Kumar who Chortle.co.uk describes as a “combination of books smarts, righteous passion and sardonic wit, Nish Kumar is the Asian answer to Jon Oliver”, 2014 Billy T Award Winner Guy Montgomery, and more to be announced.

It’s also exciting times for Wellington, with Ed Byrne heading down to the capital to launch the Comedy Festival in style at Old Mout Cider First Laughs at The Opera House on Monday 27 April. Alongside Ed to make the night special are Dai Henwood, Urzila Carlson, Craig Campbell and Des Bishop; the charming British stand-up Carl Donnelly; and Steve Wrigleyis back from the US, with more comedians to be announced.

Ticket’s for these events go on sale this Thursday at midday, get in early to get the best seats. Watch what happened at last year’s 2014 Old Mout Cider Comedy Gala when it's replayed on TV3 this Friday 13 February at 9:35pm.

The 2015 NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider takes place:
• Auckland: 24 April – 17 May
• Wellington: 27 April – 17 May
• 2degrees Comedy Convoy (nationwide): 12 May – 23 May
Full Comedy Festival line-up and tickets for the whole Festival go on pre-sale on Wednesday 25 February at midday, to sign up for pre-sale access head to comedyfestival.co.nz.

Old Mout Cider Comedy Gala
Friday 24 April, 8pm
Live at The Civic, cnr Wellesley & Queen Sts
Tickets $79.90 - $94.90 + booking fee
09 970 9700 // ticketmaster.co.nz

Old Mout Cider First Laughs
Monday 27 April, 7pm
The Opera House, 111-113 Manners St
Tickets $76.50 + booking fee
0800 TICKETEK (842 538) // ticketek.co.nz

For a full line up of performances, booking details & more information, visitcomedyfestival.co.nz

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