A new, semi-professional stand up comedy showcase by comedy hosts Remarkably Funny is launching this week in Queenstown, Cromwell and Wanaka. 

‘Value for Funny’ will feature a mixture of local talent and visiting professional comedians, and builds on the success of Remarkably Funny's sell-out open mic nights in Queenstown (nominated last year for Best Live Show at the NZ Comedy Guild Awards) and Wanaka.

"This show will offer audiences a more polished experience than the anything-can-happen vibe of an open mic night,” Remarkably Funny spokesperson Seán Tinker said. 

“[It] is the logical next step towards our vision of a fully professional comedy scene in the Southern Lakes region.”

Value for Funny will feature a professional MC hosting the show and two 'mini-headline' performances (one in each half), with up-and-coming performers also getting a chance to

showcase their talents alongside the pros. 

The intention is for Value for Funny to become a monthly event and to grow to include more towns, Seán said.

Longer term, the show will feature mostly local acts, but some extra special guests will be in town for the launch shows on January 28-30. 

At this week’s shows, UK circuit regulars James Nokise (NZ) and Laura Davis (Australia) will be MCing and headlining respectively, in what will be the first ever South Island appearance for Laura and the first in several years for James. 

James is the current holder of the Fred Award for best show by a Kiwi comic in the NZ International Comedy Festival.

He said his previous shows in the Southern Lakes area had "a wonderful international flavour to the audiences and we're both looking forward to bringing some international flavour to these shows".

Seán said he was excited to kick off 2021 with the shows “and especially to give local audiences the chance to see such high-calibre visiting acts."

The Wanaka show will take place this Saturday (January 30) at Water Bar. Doors open 8.30pm. Tickets ($15 plus booking fee) are available here.

PHOTO: Supplied