Comedy Central

The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival became comedy central yesterday (Monday June 28)
as the cream of New Zealand’s comedy and entertainment world hit town for the Canadian Club Comedy Gala.

In front of a sell-out crowd, an all-time stellar comedic line up took to the stage at Queenstown’s Memorial Hall with Ward and Tutheridge easing the crowd into the night.

Dai Henwood led the comedy charge and the crowd roared with laughter as Steve Wrigley, Ben Hurley, Paul Ego, Jeremy Ellwood and Michelle A’Court delivered line after line of hilarity.

After a short break, the stage transformed into the set of the hit TV show ‘7-Days’. Enter presenter Jeremy Corbett and the comedians split into two teams of what could only be described as New Zealand’s finest comedic talent. They blasted the last 7 days of news out of the water in the irreverent, sharp-witted and outrageous style for which the show’s famous. .

Festival director Simon Green described the Canadian Club Comedy Gala as “laugh out loud funny.”

“They took comedy to a new level in Queenstown and we’re delighted we were able to bring this brand new comedy event to the Festival calendar. Queenstowners love comedy and this was evident with tickets selling out well in advance.”

Festival comedy fun continues on Wednesday June 30 with the Canadian Club Late Night Laughs at the American Express Ice Box. Tickets are $39 at www.winterfestival.co.nz or by calling 0800 FESTIVAL. The Canadian Club Late Night Laughs in the programme for this evening (June 29) is sold out.

The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival runs from 25 June to 4 July 2010. For more information or for a programme call 0800 FESTIVAL (03 441 2453) or visit the Festival website www.winterfestival.co.nz.