Originally from the Hutt Valleys foreshore paradise Petone, 2001 Billy T Award winning comedian Jan Maree has been described as a chauvinists nightmare and the thinking mans wet dream.
She has also been called other things, as seen most recently as a guest roaster on The Comedy Central Roast of Mike King, the first to be staged outside of the U.S. Exceptionally good at being herself, Jan won hearts whilst surviving on TV2s Island Wars and as a subject painted by Auckland artist Marty Welch for TV6s The Sitting.
A one-girl whirlwind looking for somewhere to happen, Jans quick wit and energy make her a most talented MC and live event host. A regular MC at The Classic, Jan also hosts awards night events, proudly the MC three years and running of Aucklands AMI Showdown Awards, The ACTT Awards, Hamiltons Phoenix Awards and Taurangas Rocket Business Awards. Jan adds to that, as a capable and entertaining Wedding MC.
Not to go on about things, but Jan also runs JMX: the Jan Maree eXperience, touring comedy throughout the North Island of NZ which was recognised with the Presidents Trophy for services to comedy in 2009. To also take home the best female comedian gong that same year cements Jans ability to relate to any crowd in any venue and places her firmly in the premier ranks of kiwi comedy.
Jan Maree has gone on to carve an unusual niche: with her stand-up/cooking hybrid, she has fondly become known as the drinking mans Nigella Lawson. In 2007, she regaled capacity crowds with Eat Me, earning a nomination for Best Local Show at the NZICF Award, an award she proudly won in 2009.
Residing in the much mocked metropolis of Hamilton, in a big wooden house just off State Highway 1, with her wonder-dogs Titch and Spark, Jan fills her days writing jokes, op-shopping for funky stuff and making mischief*.
*At the moment making mischief includes putting together her new show FEVER BITCH, which will premiere at the NZ International Comedy Festival 2011. SEE IT! In Auckland 11 14 May @ The Basement and in Wellington 18 21 May @ The Cambridge.
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Festival reviw By Dylan Moran Melissa Cathcart wotzon Festival Review
