Funnymen perform American Refugees act in Whanganui

Gavin Hews (left) and Aaron Barber are giving Whanganui an American perspective "straight from the source". Photo / Supplied

Comedians Gavin Hews and Aaron Barber are bringing their American Refugees double act to Whanganui.

Hews said he had been living in New Zealand for much longer than Barber, who arrived in the country on the last day before borders closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Aaron hits every one of the American stereotypes," Hews said.

"He's outgoing, the biggest personality in the room, and won't shut the hell up.

"I have a bit more subtlety, I like to think. Tall poppy syndrome has been ingrained in me."

Hews said the two met on the comedy circuit in Wellington and formed a show out of their shared experiences.

"We love doing standup, that's what it boils down to," Hews said.

"Aaron's set is definitely focused on the more recent things, whereas mine is more about what it's like to grow up as an American.

"That isn't the most unique expat story ever, but I think it's still worthy.

"Using standup comedy as a way to introduce yourself to a new city is awesome. It's an excuse to explore."

The pair have already travelled across the country in a campervan, making appearances at a number of fringe festivals.

Hews said, for the most part, touring New Zealand had been a success.

"I think only two people showed up in Wanaka.

"It was actually one of the best shows, because no one cared about anything. It was super loose.

"If it was like that the whole tour though, we'd be in serious trouble."

Hews and Barber on their way to Wanaka earlier this year. Photo / Supplied

Despite initial fears, Hews said provincial New Zealand's reaction to "two Americans telling jokes" had been positive.

"Honestly, I thought it might be a bit negative, because of all this stuff you see coming out of the States.

"People have been really receptive and very kind. A lot of Americans are been coming out of the woodwork too, and it blows my mind how many are around New Zealand in small towns."

Hews said people had been keen to hear an American perspective "from a primary source", rather than what they had seen on television or the internet, and it was great to see different types of people at the shows.

"Nelson was a wild one. It's a beautiful place, but there's just a weird undercurrent to it.

"On the surface you think 'oh, cool, a little arts hub', but if you dig a couple of layers below you're like 'what the **** is going on?'.

"We were walking back to our van at about 11 at night and this guy just comes screaming out of the bushes, runs across the highway, then goes back into the bushes.

"It was so symbolic of Nelson for us, with people scurrying around in the middle of the night."

As for the current situation in the United States, Hews said he was "confused, with a silent sense of foreboding".

"I'm somewhat optimistic but, honestly, that's a simple line for such a complex situation. I'm not nearly smart enough to fully understand what's really going on.

"We're both happy to be here, there's no Covid-19, and we're about to drive a campervan to Whanganui. Who else in the States can do that?"

American Refugees play at Frank Bar and Eatery on Friday, May 28. The show begins at 7.30pm.

They will also perform at Coffee Plus in Taihape on June 19.