The Big Show – 12 May, The Opera House

The Big show – in a big venue, with some big talent. It is a pity not a heck of a lot of them are known by us kiwis, because they’re all fantastic to watch on stage.

Our MC for the evening, ex-pat Jarred Christmas, looks like a cross between Elvis Presley & Elvis Costello, swears like a trooper (as he confessed: “I’m F***in immature”) but engages with the audience like a pro –  his improvising background coming to the fore. Good Morning’s Brendan Pongia was in the front row and certainly wasn’t spared, Christmas’ Tall Black Haka tirade was bang on. He veers to the sexual side of things often but usually with a quirk – let’s just say All Black scrums will never be the same. He leads us through the evening with ease, in fact I could have quite easily listened to him the whole evening, not to mention his 90s dance track moves… but more was to come.

Tom Wrigglesworth hails from Yorkshire and looks like a beanpole. He knows it, and even throws in local jokes to describe himself which gets mad kudos from me. His set is short, but sweet – telling us the story of being the family IT guy, and his father’s Luddite status. Pretty sure most of us could relate to that. Turns out Tom was running off to his own solo show at 8.30pm, which was a last minute replacement for the ill Jason Cook.

Next up is Andrew O’Neill, Described as “a cross-dressing, metal head, vegan, occult comedian”, I’d call him more of a Bewilderbeast – he jumps all over the show, peppering his set with song about mythical creatures and one-liners.

Finally, Terry Alderton. Now, if you saw him at ‘First Laughs’ you probably already got tickets to this show because it is our only chance to see him – and you really should. His comedy is another style altogether – the first few minutes on stage consist of only laughter, from him but predominantly from the audience. He then breaks out his trademark voices, and we’re entranced. His physicality is amazing, his sound effects totally inhuman and we’re glued to him the whole time. My only gripe is no Orc!

This is a big quality big show – get your tickets and fill the Opera House for these guys – their talent deserves it!

The Big Show is on until Saturday 15 May at 8pm.

Book now at Ticketek!