EARLY BIRD SPECIAL; Best Seats just $52.50 / On Sale 9am Tues 3 Feb  valid until midnight Fri 6 Feb.

Check out ALL our shows with The CLASSIC PiCK OF THE FEST - HERE

It's been a crowd favourite for over 20 years, featuring a fresh All-Star Preview of our international festival guests along with local heroes - 8+ world class comedians packed into 1 huge 2 hour showcase. Your chance to sample some of the world class laughs that you will be able to see at The Classic Comedy Club and beyond during the 3 week Festival to follow. Warning! Always sells out

Who's Who in The 5 STAR PREVIEW 2026

EMMANUEL SONUBI (Eng) - One of the hottest tickets on the world tour right now. Sold out everywhere else and only 7 shows in Auckland in 2026. Must See ...  "Big laughs, engaging tales, you’re seduced by the easy authority of his storytelling" – The Guardian

PHIL NICHOL (Scot/Can) - In 2026 he is 'trying his best' and, when your comedy career spans 40 years, you have a lot of 'BEST' to draw from. Don't miss an absolute Festival legend at The Classic and beyond. “… not just comedy but soul-quenching storytelling at its finest.” ***** - EdFestMag 

JIMMY McGHIE (Eng) - a crowd favourite following numerous visits to NZ pre-Covid. We have finally got Jimmy back for a welcome return headlining a number of shows across the first week of the Festival.

ELOUISE EFTOS (Aust) - She had a stunning debut at the 2025 NZ Fest winning the award for 'Best International Act' so a return by public demand is a given. Elouise will be all over this year's fest but catch her first in the '5 Star'.

DANNY WARD (Eng) - after making a big impression on debut at the NZ Fest in 2025, Danny returned home to be hailed as one of the 'best solo shows at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe in 2025'. So we had to invite him back with this award-winning show.  “Wow, just wow! A talented writer and storyteller…my must see of this year’s fringe” ***** (One4review.co.uk)

JESSIE NIXON (Eng) - fast rising star on the UK pro tour, Jessie make her NZ debut in 2026. Must see ...“Make no mistake, Nixon is destined for greatness” The Evening Standard UK

ED NIGHT (Eng) - First time in NZ, combining a huge profile on Tik Tok & Instagram with acclaimed award-winning shows at the 2024 & 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. Much in demand but we have got him to NZ. "So bleakly funny... you felt winded" - The Guardian

PAUL EGO (NZ) - Local hero represents in the '2026 5 Star' before bringing his brand-new solo show, 'STICK' to The Classic in week 3 of the Fest. 

The 5 STAR COMEDY PREVIEW 2026
AUCKLAND ONLY
Dates: Thu 30 Apr / 7:30pm
Venue: SKYCITY Theatre, Auckland City
Tickets: Adults $57.50 Conc. $54.50 / EARLY BIRD SPECIAL $50

Transaction fees may apply.

You obviously have good taste, so you should definitely check out some more live comedy in the 2026 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo from 1 May to 24 May

Discover the other shows on offer at comedyfestival.co.nz

8:00 p.m. at SKYCITY Theatre

Adults $57.50, Conc. $54.50 (Plus transaction fees) / Early Bird $52.50