TIM FITZHIGHAM in THE GAMBLER
Cavern Club, 22 Allen St, Te Aro, Wellington
29/04/2014 - 03/05/2014
05/05/2014 - 17/05/2014
NZ International Comedy Festival 2014
Production Details
Award winning raconteur, adventurer, author, world record holder and, without doubt, one of the most wonderfully eccentric British comedians to ever grace the annual NZ International Comedy Festival.
Tim FitzHigham is a man who loves a challenge – he once rowed the English Channel in a bathtub. Recently, Tim spent a year lost to ‘gambling archaeology’ recreating the harebrained bets of his gentlemen adventurer forebears inspired by centuries old ‘betting books’ to be found in the archives at their revered private clubs. The result is this show about the 10 ‘greatest’ bets in history, The Gambler in Wellington (29 April – 3 May) and Auckland (5 – 17 May) as part of the 2014 NZ International Comedy Festival.
For his efforts, Tim partially severed his finger, broke a rib, fractured a toe and put his house up for sale. What damage will his debut in New Zealand inflict?
“Tim FitzHigham is unhinged. He is completely without hinges.” – Eddie Izzard
“Well done for keeping British eccentricity well and truly alive.” – Sir Ranulph Fiennes, explorer
“FitzHigham, I salute you!” – Richard Hammond, co-host Top Gear
“Gut-bustingly funny.” – The Scotsman, UK “Inspirational.” – Time Out, UK,
“A National Treasure. You can’t help but be swept up in the delights of his adventure.” – Chortle, UK
As part of the 2014 NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider, grab some mates and join us for a great night of laughs from 24 April – 18 May.
For the full Comedy Fest show line-up head to comedyfestival.co.nz
TIM FITZHIGHAM – The Gambler
WELLINGTON
Dates: Tue 29 April – Sat 3 May, 8:30pm
Venue: Cavern Club, 22 Allen St
Tickets: $20 – $26
Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK (842 538) // ticketek.co.nz
AUCKLAND
Dates: Mon 5 – Sat 10 May & Mon 12 – Sat 17 May, 7:15pm
Venue: The Classic Studio, Level 1, 321 Queen St
Tickets: $20 – $25
Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK (842 538) // ticketek.co.nz
Inoffensive, fun and truly pleasant
Review by Gabrielle Beran 06th May 2014
Tim Fitzhigham’s solo show, The Gambler is a pleasant jaunt with a man who has put his body on the line in pursuit of a good bet. Based around the ten wackiest bets that Fitzhigham found in old gentleman’s club betting books, the show is well structured and flows smoothly; a perfect introduction to stand-up for anyone unsure of where to start.
Fitzhigham warms up the crowd with some truly funny expository stories which get us on his side for his impending gambles and clearly explains how British he is. This theme reappears later in the night for the only ‘rude’ joke to appear in the set. He uses a slideshow for great effect, and give a visual element to his performance that enhances it without being overbearing. The historical elements are a pleasantly educative.
Fitzhigham is very comfortable with the audience and asks us to cheer for the outcomes of his ventures throughout the hour, and the added element of some surprise outcomes gives a strong narrative layer to the comedy. This is essentially a self-deprecating show and Fitzhigham manages it well.
The Gambler is an inoffensive, fun and truly pleasant show. No cringes, no awkward moments and no pushing the boundaries (except maybe for the green leotard), just classic British comedy.
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