A bit of Aussie, a lot of Kiwi with some French dressing on top – that was the line-up for AotearoHA in Wellington.

MC Peter Helliar was quite comfortable in his role, starting things off on the right laughter track with jokes about the ever-increasing scandalous nature of NRL, and keeping the mood right in between acts.

His take on the Nativity story, which his five-year-old son insists on hearing every night, was brilliant as were his wee anecdotes on married life. 

Australian musical comedy duo Sammy J and his purple puppet friend Randy were next. Their reputation in New Zealand is strong already having performed in comedy festivals for the past two years and they were welcomed warmly.

Their two-song set didn’t disappoint either – one about being in love which descends into a metaphor battle and the other, given the time of the year, about Christmas. Both really showcased the talents the duo has as well as their complete craziness. 

Billy T award nominee for 2011 Nick Rado took to the stage next and it will be a pleasure to watch his upcoming shows if this set is anything to go by. A comedian with a gently amusing style, Rado talked about losing his virginity – straightforward stuff but he was aided by a stylophone. Rado has a certain laid-back charm that comes across really easily on stage as do the laughs from his audience. 

Cris Angel – sorry, Jarred Fell – came on after with his suitcase of magic (not tricks). Using some help from the audience, his slick act tests the boundaries with quick-witted jokes and is a nice interlude between straight stand-up sets.

A comedy circuit favourite, Ben Hurley rounded off the first half with tales of travelling to certain religiously strict countries. 

Aussie expat, now living in London, Celia Pacquola welcomed the audience back after the break with her anecdotes on getting into comedy and relationship dilemmas. She was the only female in the seven acts but held her own well. 

The quiet Frenchman Marcel Lucont sauntered on stage after Celia, barefoot and the lights went down. For someone who talks softly, swirling a glass of red wine, Lucont got some of the biggest laughs of the night. The advice he has received from men about women and love covered most of his act and his comeback to a particular heckler on the night was a highlight. 

Jeremy Elwood had a bit of a rant at women on the night – I’ve often asked myself why women chase after the guys that are bad for them, leaving behind the nice guys and it seems so has Elwood. His song ‘Everybody Needs Somebody to Hate’ was a nice antidote to all the Christmas cheer. 

For a night full of jokes and witty remarks, it seemed fitting to end with silence – on stage at least – with Sam Wills aka Boy With Tape On His Face. His completely silent routine, with a bag load of props and some help from the audience, drew huge laughs and applause – this comedian has perfected his act and it’s no surprise he’s returned from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with 5 star reviews and a Best Newcomer nomination.
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