DO NOT TRUST CALUZZI. My husband and I were looking forward to seeing a show at Caluzzi during our…read moretrip to NZ. We live in the States and did not want to send them our credit card information over the internet, for security reasons, so we sent them an international transfer to reserve our spots. We sent the transfer at the end of January 2020 with the plan to go to Caluzzi in March 2020. That was a big mistake. From the second I sent the transfer they claimed over and over that they did not receive it. It wasn't until we got our bank involved to investigate and confirm the transfer that all of a sudden they could find the transfer. Unfortunately we had already returned from our trip by then. I feel cheated by incompetent people who can not be trusted. My recommendation, don't waste your time and energy with Caluzzi. There are so many delicious restaurants in Auckland that you could go to before heading out to catch some other fabulous drag queens that would love your support!

What's to say....its a great little dimly lit club, an institution featuring some funny comedians…read moreand some fresh rookies exposing themselves, a well stocked bar, friendly staff, uncomfortable seats (even for an hour) and lots of laughs. I've been several times and will go several more.

We went to see Justine Smith last night - side not she is fantastic!!!…read moreThe venue was a smaller room (called the studio) it was perfect for the amount of people and had a lovely atmosphere. There are stairs - which fitting with the era of the building are small and steep. The amenities clean. For a cheap night out with lots of giggles we would highly recommend.

I attended a few shows during The NZ International Comedy Festival last year when it was in…read moreAuckland. In 2013 the festival returns to Auckland from the 26 April - 19 May. My favourite act from last year was The Boy with Tape on his face and he is back again this year. He puts on a wonderful show so I fully recommend getting your ticket early as he will sell out. That will be true for many of the performers I think, so if there is someone you really want to see, lock in your ticket early to avoid disappointment. Having said that, when I couldn't get a ticket to a certain show last year, helpful staff let me know of a great NZ comedian who was doing a show and still had tickets available. My friends and I went and saw his stand up and he was very funny so it was still a very enjoyable night out. I'm excited it's nearly that time of year again.

The NZ International Comedy Festival is a bloody hoot!…read more Spanning 3 weeks and feat. a wide range of international and local acts, there's something for everyone, including kids. The biggest dilemma is deciding which show(s) to go to....my advice? Search the artists on You Tube or choose a show that feat. more than one act - that way you're bound to like at least one! This year we went to The Big Show, which feat. four British Comedians (Sara Pascoe, John Gordillo, Tim Fitzhigham and Micheal Legge) and a MC (Tim Robins). All of them were pretty hilarious but our group agreed the MC was the best. The show, held in the Town Hall, was set up Cabaret style, which meant you could either purchase a table (6 seats) or a single ticket and share with other punters. We rustled together a group of 12 and bought two tables, front and centre. In my opinion the closer you are and the bigger the group you go with the funnier the show. My other tip is don't be late. The tables are incredibly close together so it's next to impossible to get to your seat and the MC loves singling out a latecomer! Whenever the festival ends I always feel regretful that I didn't go to more shows - it's definitely a highlight on the ol' social calendar.

I hadn't been to Rising Sun in years when I headed along there in October. The place hasn't changed…read morea lot (which is good - Rising Sun has always been one of the nicer looking bars on the strip) but the type of show they put on has altered somewhat. Back in the early 2000s, we'd head along there to watch friends' bands, but on this occasion, we headed along to see a queer burlesque show. Queerlesque is queer in both the traditional (vaudeville, offbeat) way and the modern (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender etc) way. Oddball burlesque from geeky drag kings, pirate-themed carnival acts, and a few weird things involving animal suits, with the ever-gorgeous Miss Phloss at the helm. If you haven't been to Rising Sun in a while, or have been a bit afraid to see some burlesque, head along!