Join the finest of the new faces, selected from over 100 applicants, performing in a 2-hour showcase hosted by our special guest MC, as our expert comedy judges take on the difficult task of picking a winner .. and a runner up, to claim the prize money ($2500) the glory and promises of further work as a professional comedian.

Launched in 1995, the Raw Comedy Quest is New Zealand’s biggest comedy competition, with up to $2500 in prize money, glory and promises of further work as a professional comedian to be won.

Since it began 30 years ago hundreds of Kiwis have made a stand at the Raw Comedy Quest. Some have gone on to enjoy continued success as part-time and full-time performers. Many others have discovered that all they are good for is a few jokes at the office party. But most importantly all of them have faced humankind’s greatest fear – ‘Public Speaking’, with the added expectation of being funny.

RAW COMEDY QUEST 2026 - THE SEMI-FINALS
Date: Sat 10 & Sat 17 Oct / 10pm (120min show)
Venue: The Classic 321 Queen St
Bookings Open here on Eventfinda on Mon 05 Oct.
On the Night : Limited door sales subject to availability

The Classic is a licensed bar. RP18 / Supervised.
Minors under 18 can be admitted if accompanied by a parent of legal guardian.
Shows may contain mature adult content that may offend some people.
Anyone looking under 25 will be asked for ID in the form of NZ Driver's License, Passport or HNZ 18+ Card.
Entry will not be granted to minors, those without ID or intoxicated persons.