Fans of live comedy, get ready for a slew of international and local talent bringing the laughs to New Zealand over the next few months.

From the UK comes Kevin Bridges, Bill Bailey and Russell Howard; from the US, Iliza Shlesinger; and from Australia, Carl Barron; and from down the road comes the The 7 Days team.

Time to get your diary out and mark these dates:

7 Days Live

9 centres nationwide from 31 August

Host Jeremy Corbett leads a cast of comedians in an evening of stand-up followed by a no-holds barred version of 7 Days, live and uncut.

7days.co.nz

Carl Barron: Skating Rink for Flies

5 centres nationwide from 5 October

The gentle Aussie larrikin has headlined at every major comedy venue and festival and is one of the most sought-after comedians worldwide. His clean jokes and trademark relaxed delivery have won him legions of fans. In his new show, the master of observational humour asks how ants feel, among other things.

carlbarron.com

Bill Bailey: Thoughtifier

Pretty much everywhere from 5 November

Seamlessly blending his prodigious musical talent with a fresh take on some of our oldest jokes, Bill Bailey has rambled his way into the hearts of many Kiwis over the decades. He brings his new show, Thoughtifier, to 14 New Zealand centres.

billbailey.co.uk

Kevin Bridges: The Overdue Catch-up

Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland from 7 November

There’s a lot of observational comics out there but it’s the little things that lift Kevin Bridges’ comedy to essential status. His eye for detail gives him the edge. This is his fifth live stand-up tour, having previously performed to sold-out audiences in Australia, New Zealand and all over Europe.

www.kevinbridges.co.uk

Russell Howard: Live

9 centres from 1 February, 2024

British stand-up Russell Howard is practically an adopted Kiwi now after he was able to bring his last show, Respite, to sold-out New Zealand audiences in the middle of COVID lockdowns. He will return in what are now happier times although still with plenty of absurdities for him to pick away at as he sets the world to rights.

russell-howard.co.uk