FAQs
Whether it's your first Comedy Festival show or you're a seasoned Comedy Lover, here are some common questions we get asked that you may find helpful.
If we haven't answered your question here, please contact us on 09 309 9241 or info@comedyfestival.co.nz.
If your question is specific to a venue or ticketing agent, you can find their contact information at the Buying Tickets page or our Venues Page.
I have a question about my tickets...
Full information on buying tickets, lost tickets, wrongly purchased tickets can be found on the Buying Tickets page. However, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Festival, venue or specific ticketing agent if you can't find the answer you're looking for.
I have a question about buying tickets relating to Covid-19...
Please head to the Covid-19 Information page for specific information about purchasing tickets under the Covid-19 conditions.
What are the parking/public transport options for venues in the Festival?
Check out our Parking & Transport page for more information.
And how about the best spots to eat out near the Festival venues?
Our Dining Guide has you sorted! Check it out here.
What time should I arrive before a show?
We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the show start time (the time printed on your ticket), to give yourself time to find a park, make your way to the venue and enjoy a pre-show drink. There are lots of dining options in or around the venues, check out our Dining Guide by clicking here.
Most venues in the Festival operate on pretty tight turn arounds so you can expect the doors to open 15 minutes before the show is scheduled to begin. There will be an announcement before the start of the performance asking you to make your way to your seats.
If the show is General Admission (rather than reserved seating), you may want to arrive slightly earlier, particularly if the show is sold out and if you’re with a group of people who wish to sit together.
What if I'm running late?
If you arrive at the venue after the show, the usher may not be able to seat you immediately or at all if the show has a No Latecomers Permitted policy. The show's latecomer policy will be listed on their ticketing page so please do make yourself familiar with this and check in with the Box Office or Usher if you have arrived late. We recommend giving yourself plenty of time to navigate inner-city congestion and parking.
What should I wear?
You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Dressing up for a night out is part of the experience for some audience members, while many are quite happy to attend in casual clothing. It's entirely up to you!
Can I take photos, videos or audio recordings?
It is usually not permitted to take any photos, videos or audio recordings during performance and if so, this is strictly enforced. Flash photography can cause hazards to performers as well as impacting on the enjoyment of other patrons, and often shows may have copyright issues that prevent them from allowing audience members to take photos. Ushers will ask audience members who are taking photos or recordings to stop.
On occasions, photography may be permitted for specific performances - please check with a member of staff first.
Will there be an interval?
This depends on the show and will be listed next to the duration note in the Festival programme and show page. Most performances in the Festival are between 50 minutes to 1 hour long and do not include an interval, however performances significantly over this may include a 15 or 20 minute interval. This will be listed as duration note on the show page or in the Comedy Festival programme.
Interval is a chance for you to stretch your legs, visit the bathrooms and purchase a drink or snack. An announcement will be made at the end of the interval asking you to return to your seat.
I'm under the restricted age - can I still go to the show?
Shows in the Festival have individual restrictions based on who they are appropriate for. These restrictions are decided on by the individual show and are enforced by venue staff.
It's also important to note that some venues are Bars and are therefore strictly R18, or R18 unless with a parent or legal guardian. Please check the venue's page for specific details. We apologise for any disappointments these restrictions may cause.
What else should I know?
Please switch off your mobile phone before the show starts. Even if your phone is on silent, the light and vibrations from your phone can be distracting to other audience members, as well as the performers. Please refrain from talking during the performance (unless it's during audience participation).
Please don't heckle; this is disruptive to the comedians and other audience members. Anyone who heckles may be asked to leave.
Intoxicated and/or disruptive audience members may be asked to leave.
How do I decide what show to see?
If you'd like help choosing what to see, please call the Festival office on 09 309 9241! We'd also recommend using the Categories function on the Find a Show page to sort by styles of comedy.
Shaking up the format for a very special year, the 2021 Fest is being presented in specialty seasons, making it easy for audiences to find their own special selection of shows for a world-class comedy experience this May. The Comedy Fest Seasons are broken down into: Keen Observers, Party Shows, Crowd Pleasers, Trust Us, Something to Say, Good Weird, Billys, Yes and…, and Fresh Faces. Click here to go to the full articles about Seasons in Auckland and in Wellington!
If you'd like to keep in the know about amazing comedy shows, subscribe to the Comedy Festival newsletter here.
How do I make a large group or corporate booking?
We can also assist in recommending shows that are great for larger groups and directing you towards the group booking service for each venue. Please give the Comedy Festival office a ring on 09 309 9241.
