Cromwell comedian Tim Muller is excited that the prestigious RAW Comedy Quest is coming to Central Otago next month for the first time ever.
RAW is New Zealand’s biggest open mic comedy competition, and a rite of passage for up-and-coming comedians nationwide.
The lower South Island leg of the competition is a co-production between Dunedin Comedy, Remarkably Funny, and Invercargill-based comedy veteran Terry Frisby.
Tim founded Remarkably Funny in Queenstown three years ago, and it has really kick-started the comedy scene in Central Otago.
Starting with open-mic nights at Yonder, there are now up to 30 regular comedians, showing great talent.
This is the first opportunity that funny people in Southland and Central Otago have had to participate from their doorstep, with heats in Invercargill and Clyde added this year.
The competition then progresses through to semi-finals in Dunedin and Wanaka to the regional finals in Queenstown, where the winner will be selected to progress to the national final in Auckland.
Remarkably Funny’s Megan Cartwright, herself a former Otago finalist, says “Raw Comedy Quest is the perfect opportunity for first-time comedians to get involved as it’s only open to amateurs so
it’s a level playing field, and entrants only need a 5-minute set.”
Tim says, “It’s a great environment for people to get on stage and give comedy a go for the first time with a bunch of other people who are in the same boat. The whole competition is super-accessible for Cromwell people to come along and see for themselves too!”
For audiences, it’s a great chance to see the next generation of professional comedians, before they make it to the big time. Many winners and finalists from previous years have gone on to establish careers both in New Zealand and abroad, including: Urzila Carlson, Jamaine Ross, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, and Justine Smith.
Prospective performers can find more information and a sign-up form at: www.southcomedy.co.nz, with ticketing information also available from the same site.
