FINAL ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2025 BEST FOODS COMEDY GALA
The New Zealand Comedy Trust & Best Foods Mayo present
Best Foods Comedy Gala
Hosted by Hayley Sproull
The country’s biggest night of laughs, the Best Foods Comedy Gala, brings together a star-studded lineup, with the final twelve local and international comedians just announced. Hosted by the incomparable Hayley Sproull, the Gala takes place on Friday 2 May in Auckland and Saturday 3 May in Wellington, launching the annual 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo.
Taking to the stage in both Auckland and Wellington is award-winning UK Mark Simmons, fresh off a sell out season at last year’s NZ Comedy Fest and a hit season at Edinburgh Fringe, where he won Best Joke of the Fringe. Local comedy stars include 2023 Celebrity Treasure Island winner and past Billy T Award nominee James Mustapic, known for his hit TVNZ+ series Abandonment Issues and James Mustapick His Mum a Man. Joining him is Barnie Duncan, one half of the duo behind last year’s Fred Award winning show Different Party, whose been on our screens in the likes of Shortland Street, Camp Be Better, Madam and Time Bandits. Auckland’s own Henry Yan joins the crew following his 2023 victory at Melbourne Comedy Fest’s RAW National Grand Final.
Heading to Tāmaki Makaurau direct from the UK for the first time is Laura Lexx, winner of Best Show at the 2024 Women in Comedy Festival UK and Best Performer at the Comedian’s Choice Awards at the 2018 and 2019 Edinburgh Fringe, and seen on the likes of Live At The Apollo and Hypothetical. From across the ditch is Ugandan Australian comic and poet Anisa Nandaula. Having supported Chelsea Handler during her Australian tour, Anisa has amassed more than 50 million views on social media for her comedy on everything from racism to relationships, religion and class.
Also joining the Auckland lineup are top local talents, including Jack Ansett, a former Billy T nominee and Raw Comedy Quest finalist known for appearances on Guy Montgomery’s Guy-Mont Spelling Bee and 7 Days. Paul Douglas, one of New Zealand’s busiest stand-ups, who has been winning over audiences for more than a decade adds his signature humour to the mix. Plus, the multi-award-winning comedian Becky Umbers, as seen on 7 Days and The Project, is back on home soil after making her way around the UK comedy circuit.
The Capital will be treated to performances from award winning comedian, writer and actor, Johanna Cosgrove, star of Madam and co-host of the cult hit podcast Rats in the Gutter. Alongside her, Whanganui based Kajun Brooking brings his quick witted and punchy comedy to the party. With seven awards under his belt, he’s been seen on Te Karere, The Hui and TikTok. Finally, Pōneke local and rising star on the pro circuit Alayne Dick hits the Gala stage after recently being nominated for four awards at the Wellington Comedy Awards.
These comedy stars join the already announced Felicity Ward, Heath Franklin’s Chopper, Tape Face, He Huang, Eli Matthewson, Abby Howells, Joe Daymond andJosh Thomson to round out a spectacular evening of stand-up. Comedy fans across Aotearoa can also join the fun, as the Best Foods Comedy Gala in Auckland will be filmed exclusively for THREE.
The 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo runs from 2 – 25 May, with the full programme to be announced in March 2025.
BEST FOODS COMEDY GALA
AUCKLAND
Friday 2 May
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland Central
WELLINGTON
Saturday 3 May
The Opera House
113/111 Manners Street, Te Aro