Raw Comedy Quest organiser says Whanganui stand-up is on the rise

Al Reid's stand-up comedy career only began a month before the Raw Comedy Quest Whanganui heats at Porridge Watson. Photo / Supplied

Four up-and-coming Whanganui comedians have been included in the 12-strong line-up for this weekend's Raw Comedy Quest central regional final in Palmerston North.

Al Reid, Heather Warren, Kajun Campbell Brooking and Al Carolla will compete against eight others at the Globe Theatre on Saturday, after showing their comedy wares at the regional heats in Whanganui on April 8.

For Reid, his fledgling stand-up career only began one month before the heat at Porridge Watson.

"It's always been a bit of a bucket list thing that I've wanted to do," Reid said.

"I work in a timber yard and have a bit of time to think during the day, so in the weeks leading up to the competition I was shooting over some bits to try and find something funny about life, I guess.

"It was quite a surprise to make it through to the next round. It far surpassed my own expectations."

Reid, who also has his own podcast, You're Gonna Die In Bed, said those expectations would remain relatively low heading into next weekend's competition.

"I'm a big believer in failing upwards, so we'll see what happens. It could very well be all over for me on Saturday, but I will look to do it again.

"Life turned to custard a bit about 18 months ago with a few significant losses and everything has been on hiatus since then.

"Now that I'm giving this a go, it puts me in touch with all these other comedians, which would be good for future [podcast] guests and what-not."

In terms of his material, Reid said the best advice he found was to steer clear of classic "observational stuff" in his routine.

"You just have to try and be honest.

"My Dad died 18 months ago and that was pretty s***, but I went down the dark comedy route with that.

"I talked about things that are only true about me. One example is randomly finding out about a second cousin who's a minor celebrity in the States.

"There was a bit about trying to ride his success all the way to the top.

"Who knows, maybe that second cousin will be talking about me one day, like 'holy s***, I'm related to Alexander Reid'.

"There can be a family reunion of semi-celebrity second cousins."

Not using his strong suit - music - was also a conscious decision, Reid said.

"It's easier to hide behind an instrument, and that's how I've felt comfortable on stage in the past.

"I wanted to do the real purist kind of stand-up, not go down the Flight of the Conchords route which would be a bit more natural for me."

Raw Comedy Quest organiser Ben "Tito" Caldwell. Photo / Richard Dryden

Reid said he would try to polish his act a bit before the Palmerston North show.

"There's always that fear of bombing but, to be honest, in Whanganui, I just knocked back a few beers and hoped the liquid courage would carry me through.

"That approach probably won't be sustainable if I pursue this long-term, though."

Event organiser Ben Caldwell said having four people from the same region make it through was unusual and showed the renewed interest level of comedy in Whanganui in the last little while.

"Al and Kajun were the two winners in Whanganui, and Heather decided she'd have another crack so she came and performed in Palmerston North and went through to the final from there," Caldwell said.

"Al Carolla won one of the four wild cards that were available."

Of the four, only Brooking had appeared in the competition before. He has performed regularly since debuting at last year's Whanganui heat.

He gained entry to the regional final last year via a wild card.

The Palmerston North Central Region final will be held at Palmerston North's Globe Theatre on Saturday, May 1.