Experience some of the top Comedy Fest acts at this sensational stand-up showcase hosted by the delightful Pax Assadi. Local and international acts deliver a night of total hilarity, with a little something for everyone!
The Best Comedy Show on Earth, part of this year’s Comedy Festival, lives up to its name by offering a lively and laugh-filled introduction to some of the most promising and established acts in the current comedy circuit. Hosted by the ever-charming Pax Assadi, the evening is structured as a variety show, bringing together local favourites and visiting talent for a two-part extravaganza of punchlines, characters, and stories.
With a line-up that spans deadpan deliveries, energetic storytelling, off-the-wall performance art, biting satire, and heartfelt confessions, this showcase gives audiences a bit of everything – a true sampler of what the wider festival has to offer.
There’s Pax Assadi, who doubles as the evening’s emcee and one of its standout performers. With ease and charisma, Assadi uses his platform to reflect on growing up in a refugee family, addressing complex issues like racism, parenting, and cultural expectation through stories that are both sharp and empathetic. His interactions with the audience show a gift for improvisation and a genuine love for connection.
Kicking things off is Kirsty Webeck, an Australian comedian whose warm energy and natural presence shine through. Her routine draws from life’s small awkward moments, from social norms to the discomfort of comparison. There’s a depth of thoughtfulness in her storytelling, but she balances this with a friendliness that keeps the audience engaged and laughing throughout.
Tom Cashman, also from across the ditch, pushes the boundaries of comedic endurance with a set almost entirely built on one idea. What sounds like a risky move turns out to be oddly captivating. As the joke expands beyond reason, it begins to resemble a humorous social experiment. His rapid delivery teeters on the edge of too fast, but it’s all part of the act’s nervous energy and manic charm.
Kajun Brooking delivers rapid-fire one-liners and pun-heavy jokes with precision. His sharp comedic timing is matched by his ease on stage, and his material cuts across cultures and age groups with irreverent flair. Brooking brings a youthful boldness that lights up the second half of the show.
Elouise Eftos, who proudly proclaims herself as “Australia’s First Attractive Comedian,” takes the stage with unapologetic flair. Dressed to impress and clearly in control of the room, Eftos leans into vanity as her comedic angle, steering far away from the self-deprecation so often found in stand-up. Her bold and biting delivery, combined with a teasing attitude, leaves several audience members playfully squirming under her sharp gaze. It’s a performance built on charisma and contradiction – glamorous yet confrontational, polished yet playfully abrasive.
Ocean Denham emerges as the gentle soul of the night. Her presence is warm and endearing, and she crafts a set filled with sharp observations and personal stories that are both charming and hilarious. With just the right amount of cheek and a quietly feminist undertone, Denham manages to turn everyday moments – like the trials of Auckland’s public transport – into sources of genuine belly laughs. Her confessional style and natural timing make her one of the most relatable performers on the bill.
The most unconventional turn of the night comes from Brynley Stent, who fuses mime, props, dance, and song into a routine that could be described as theatre of the absurd. Her boldness is undeniable, though the lack of cohesion in the set may leave some audiences scratching their heads. Aiming for both shock and slapstick, Stent is unapologetically herself – the kind of act that either hits big or misses entirely, depending on the viewer’s tastes.
Michelle Wiley offers a more understated performance, drawing laughs from relatable modern struggles – mistaken identity, online subscription mishaps, and the desire to be noticed in a crowded world. Her humour is subtle, clever, and grounded, though it competes with some of the flashier acts for attention.
Ray O’Leary continues to perfect his signature brand of slow-burning deadpan, delivered in his now-iconic oversized grey suit. His act provides a quieter rhythm, allowing laughter to simmer and rise naturally. It’s a masterclass in comedic restraint and timing – proof that understatement can leave just as much of an impact as flamboyance.
Rounding off the evening is Takashi Wakasugi provides a refreshing shift in tone with his gentle, self-effacing comedy. As the only act not from New Zealand or Australia, his reflections on cultural contrasts – from samurai stereotypes to peculiar Western habits – are both enlightening and hilarious. Delivered with dry wit and playful confusion, his act quietly wins over the crowd.
The evening is split into two halves, each separated by a short intermission, with each performer given around ten minutes to showcase their best material. This format keeps the pace lively and allows the audience to experience a broad spectrum of comedic voices in a single sitting.
While not every act may be to everyone’s taste, that is exactly the strength of The Best Comedy Show on Earth. It’s not just a comedy show – it’s a preview platter for the larger festival, giving audiences a chance to discover who speaks to their humour. Some comedians might make you want to book a full-length show, while others simply add colour and contrast to the night.
With standout turns from the likes of Kirsty Webeck, Tom Cashman, Kajun Brooking, Michelle Wiley, Ray O’Leary, Ocean Denham, Elouise Eftos, Brynley Stent, and Takashi Wakasugi – all tied together by Pax Assadi’s expert hosting – this show proves itself as more than the sum of its parts.
The Best Comedy Show on Earth delivers on its promise of big laughs, fresh talent, and a dynamic atmosphere. With a host like Pax Assadi setting the tone and a rotating line-up of varied performers, it’s a perfect tasting platter of comedians in the Comedy Festival. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the scene, this showcase guarantees a memorable night full of laughter and discovery.
Presented as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo, from 2 – 24 May 2025