Dunedin Comedy

01/09/2026

The search for Otago’s next comedy star Heat #3 will be hosted by Gerard Dougherty!

He has the mind of an engineer, the body of a medieval stamp collector, and the heart of a meerkat with an unmedicated anxiety disorder. Gerard is an accomplished comedian in his own right, having toured the country with three solo shows, and winning home Best Comedy Show at the 2024 Dunedin Comedy Awards.

When he’s not touring, Gerard runs the monthly comedy night To the Moon, supporting Dunedin’s up-and-coming talent.

See Gerard host Heat #3 on Saturday, 5 September. More heats on the 3rd & 4th, each with a completely different line-up (so it’s worth buying tickets to all three!)

https://www.trybooking.com/nz/BETQ

31/08/2026

The search for Otago’s next comedy star continues with four-time Best MC winner Reuben Crisp hosting Heat #2

Reuben has spent a fairly unreasonable portion of his adult life telling jokes on stage, a long enough time that calling himself an "aspiring comedian" would suggest a serious lack of progress. When he’s not performing, Reuben is producing shows as "Dunedin Comedy", running local open mics, and representing Te Waipounamu on the NZ Comedy Guild. So, if anyone could be qualified to welcome a new generation of comedians to the stage, why not him?

See Reuben host Heat #2 on Friday, 4 September. Plus two more heats on Thursday the 3rd and Saturday the 5th) each with a completely different line-up, so buy tickets to all three!

https://www.trybooking.com/nz/BETQ

31/08/2026

The search for Otago’s next comedy star begins with local legend Harriet Moir hosting Heat #1!

Dunedin is so incredibly lucky to have a comedian like Harriet. Her recent solo shows, (Deer Stalker and Eat the Damn Sausage) have played to sold-out audiences across the motu, winning awards like Best Comedy at the 2025 Dunedin Fringe Festival.

And when she’s not winning awards, she's performing at the NZ International Comedy Festival or touring with Ben Hurley, and yet still somehow finds the time to support our local comedy scene with gigs like these for up-and-coming talent.

This Thursday, September 3rd. Pls two more heats (4th and 5th) with completely different line-ups, so worth buying tickets to all three

https://www.trybooking.com/nz/BETQ

28/08/2026

Scott Blanks talking about the RAW Comedy Quest.

Dunedin heats (3-5 Sept) on sale now https://www.trybooking.com/nz/BETQ

27/08/2026

Introducing the contestants for the Otago Raw Comedy Quest 2026!

Heat 1
Audrey Cheong
Caitlin Owen
Emma Bolter
Korie Meadows
Oliver Lewis

Heat 2
Catherine May
George Hamilton
Meg Hartigan
Philip Plant
Sophia Asilah & Ben Ryan

Heat 3
Holly O’Shea
John Rowe
Kendall Hayman
Ray Steele
Will Murphy

Early bird tickets are only $15

RAW is New Zealand's largest stand-up comedy competition and a rite of passage for emerging comedians.

18/08/2026

Ben & Harriet are on tour next week: Timaru (27th), Oamaru (28th), & Ashburton (29th). Visit benhurley.com for tickets

05/08/2026

Register for the nations largest stand-up comedy competition!

Whether you've never touched a microphone before or you've been grinding away at open mics, this is your shot. Your opportunity. It's where careers begin, confidence grows, and lifelong comedy friendships are made.

Every year, someone gets on stage thinking, "I'll give it a whirl" and one funny local will be heading to Auckland for the Grand National Finals!

Why not you?

You don't need to be perfect. You just need five minutes and the courage to step on stage.

Sign up now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8RWNzj9dAuV5OYnaRJHbCzaM-rxBRx2M71kZKlK1mE5VWKw/viewform

29/07/2026

First dunedin, next stop? THE WORLD 🌎

27/07/2026

22/07/2026