New outdoor comedy show announced for Tauranga

Get ready to laugh out loud with the newest show in comedy! Dai Henwood, Ben Hurley, Wilson Dixon and Paul Ego headline The Outdoor Comedy Store that will see audiences relaxing in the park on a summer’s evening, enjoying this unique first-ever outdoor comedy show. The Outdoor Comedy Store is taking place at Wharepai Domain in Tauranga on Thursday 6th January 2011.

The Outdoor Comedy Store will be New Zealand’s first dedicated outdoor comedy show, giving audiences the chance to enjoy comedy in a truly Kiwi way. By hosting at Wharepai Domain, the show has a unique feeling and provides a totally new atmosphere to a genre that is usually restricted to an indoor environment. There will be drinks and food for sale at the venue and patrons also have the option of booking their own stage frontage area with supplied sand-chair seating and a drinks bucket on arrival in the Chilax Pack ticket option for 6.

The show will be hosted by Paul Ego who is the team captain of Team 1 on TV3’s very popular 7 Days program. Paul has become one of the true foundations of New Zealand comedy, winning the Billy T award in 2000 and featuring regularly on the comedy circuit and TV. Paul is currently the co-presenter on The Rock radio station.

Dai Henwood needs no introduction. He is one of the most popular comics in New Zealand today, selling out shows throughout the country, hosting his own show on C4, leading Paul’s opposing team on 7 Days, has a weekly podcast ‘The Friday Situation’ and has had his ‘Dai Another Day’ show recorded for DVD. On top of that he won Pulp Comedy’s Best New Face in 1999, the Billy T Award in 2002 and The Fred Award in 2007.

The Outdoor Comedy Show’s third Billy T Winner is Ben Hurley who won the award in 2004 plus The Fred Award in 2008. It is an absolute coup to have Ben join the line up as he has proved himself to be one of the best comedy performers, writers and hosts of his generation. Ben has worked London’s relentless comedy circuit and has supported some of the biggest acts in the UK, notably Ed Byrne, Andy Parsons and Stewart Lee. Ben currently writes and performs on TV3’s 7 Days with Paul and Dai.


The final piece of the line-up puzzle is a comedic gem. Completing The Outdoor Comedy Store’s full house of award winners is Wilson Dixon, who won The Fred award this year. Wilson is New Zealand’s favourite American cowboy, being one of the standout performers in recent NZ Comedy Festival’s and selling out shows left, right and centre. His musical act adds great variety to the line-up and makes the event a perfect way to spend a Kiwi summer evening.

As well as a night of hilarious entertainment, the event will also raise money for the Innovated Youth Trust, a charitable trust set up to help junior athletes reach their goals.

Tickets are available from Ticket Master. General Admission tickets are $45, or for the best seats in the park with added extras get the Chilax Pack for $75 per person (bought as a setting of 6). Booking fees will apply. The show starts at 8pm with gates opening at 6.30pm. While the event is not BYO alcohol, patrons are most welcome to bring their own picnic and chairs.
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