Dai Henwood bringing comedy to the people

Dai Henwood and his pals Vaughn King and Ben Hurley will take the stage at Napier's MTG Century Theatre from 8.30pm on Saturday during the Real New Zealand Comedy Tour.

A man who wore his bicycle helmet for the duration of an indoor comedy gig is just one of the colourful characters Dai Henwood has met on the road.

The 7 Days funnyman loaded a van with good mates Ben Hurley and Vaughan King for the Real New Zealand Comedy Tour, taking on New Zealand's smaller towns and cities and bringing comedy to the people.

"It's a bit of a passion project for me and Ben Hurley. We got our start in comedy touring pubs and bars, so for the Real NZ tour we go to places that don't get a lot of stand-up," Henwood told VIBE.

Part of the fun was arriving at their destination early enough to grab a bite to eat, sit back and interact with interesting locals. Some of whom took the fun and games a little too far.

"Before the show in Blenheim last time people got a bit too excited, one guy came over, picked me up and tried to wear me like a hat.

"You do meet some characters, 99 per cent are great. Fortunately one of the benefits of travelling in a group is that the guys were able to talk some sense into him."

Starting off in Taupo last month the trio have been to the South Island and added a second show in Whakatane after it sold out.

Taking the stage for some good old-fashioned stand-up was a great opportunity to put improvisation practice from 7 Days into action and changing crowds made for something different every show.

"What I like about it is you have got your jokes and stories that you want to tell but it's always evolving, every day is fresh. It has moments that are memorable and unique."

Audience participation could also make or break an act, with the odd person unsure exactly when to call it quits.

"There's a fine line between a good heckler and a bad one. Some people just want to be abused, they will yell out and I will just go straight to the F you and they think it's amazing, they're like 'that's so clever'."

"Some people think they will make the show better by heckling. They don't realise you have prepared enough material to get through the whole show."

Kiwis have a unique relationship with comedy and local stand-ups have created their own brand, recognised throughout the world.

"We love [winding people up] but without being too nasty. I think that's something that's awesomely unique, as New Zealanders we are very understated we don't like to go on about it but we do like to have a laugh."

Gigging has provided some excitement for Henwood, Hurley and King, all dads, who are not so interested in raging parties these days.

"We start out and get in the van, we are raring to go, then a few shows in, it's like 'actually I'm quite tired'."

But when they get in front of the microphone, people could expect quality comedy, high energy and possibly a few dodgy topics.

"Nothing is taboo. That's the beauty of live comedy. Come along if you like a bloody good laugh."

The Real NZ Comedy Tour rolls into town on Saturday from 8.30pm at the MTG Century Theatre in Napier. Tickets are $34.50 (adult) or $28.50 (student/senior), available from ticketek.co.nz