Comedian James Elliott knows what it is like to die to die on stage.

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival brings local and international comic heroes to our stages. Here, Terry Alderton talks about his forthcoming shows.

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival begins this weekend bringing local and international comic heroes to our stages. Here, Jesse Griffin talks about his forthcoming shows.

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival begins this weekend bringing local and international comic heroes to our stages. Here, Chris Cox talks about his forthcoming shows.

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival begins this weekend bringing local and international comic heroes to our stages. Here, Rhys Darby talks about his forthcoming shows.

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival begins this weekend bringing local and international comic heroes to our stages. Here, Jason Byrne talks about his forthcoming shows.

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival begins this weekend bringing local and international comic heroes to our stages. Here, Dead Cat Bounce talk about their forthcoming shows.

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival begins this weekend bringing local and international comic heroes to our stages. Lydia Jenkin chats to The Axis of Awesome about their forthcoming shows.

The New Zealand International Comedy Festival begins this weekend bringing local and international comic heroes to our stages. Here, The Boy with Tape on His Face talks about his forthcoming shows.

On the eve of this comedy feast, TimeOut asked British star and host of the show Jason Cook, along with Irish charmer Des Bishop to spill a few of their festive secrets.

It's more than six months to next year's comedy festival, but the Billy T Award nominations for up-and-coming stand-ups have been announced.

Terry Alderton's multiple-personality routine comes complete with sound effects, writes Scott Kara.

Jacqueline Smith's week of TV, movies and music.