Latest news with #NZInternationalComedyFestival
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Actor & Comedian Johanna Cosgrove's Beauty Routine Is No Joke
Fresh off the NZ International Comedy Festival circuit, Johanna Cosgrove shares how her stage makeup befits her Sweetie persona. Johanna Cosgrove is busy basking in that post-awards glow. Earlier this week, the actor, comedian and writer was awarded Director's Choice at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival for Sweetie, directed by Jess Joy Wood. It's the show Johanna has performed both in Aotearoa and across the ditch – most recently to crowds who filed into Auckland's Basement Theatre from May 13 to 17, primed with a glass of white wine and ready to laugh until they cried. They did. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johanna Cosgrove (@johannacosgrove) There's really no excuse not to be familiar with the comedy darling. She's graced our TV screens as Jaz in Three's Madam, makes up half of the podcast Rats In The Gutter, which she co-hosts with friend and fellow creative Samuel Te Kani, she has written for Shortland Street, and exercised her penchant for performing in countless theatre productions and short films. She's wickedly funny, yes, but - as the name of her show suggests – she's a total sweetie. It's hardly surprising then that she's amassed a growing fanbase of loyalists (me included) and has teamed up with some of the most lauded female comedians, including Justine Smith, Elouise Eftos, Rhiannon McCall, Hayley Sproull, Lana Walters and Liv McKenzie for the all-female comedy show, Goblin Girls. Below, Johanna explains how her bold beauty looks help cement the vibe for her show, why she's not a subscriber to the 'clean girl' aesthetic, and how you'll never find her caught with fewer than seven lipsticks in her handbag. ASHLEIGH COMETTI: The electric blue eyeshadow and bright red lips from your Sweetie promo shoot are burned into my memory for all the right reasons. How does this bold makeup look capture the playful energy of your show? JOHANNA COSGROVE: The makeup is essential! I refuse to do stand-up comedy in anything less than a fully realised visual concept (read: full costume and full beat). When I was writing Sweetie, I knew I wanted the vibe to be hot, punk, sweaty and dangerous – I was extremely inspired by Amy from Amyl and The Sniffers, photos from Kathleen Hanna in the 90s and the photographic work of Nadia Lee Cohen. The furious feminine, if you will. Something about the clash of blue and red, the nod to Liza Minnelli in Cabaret, and the theatricality of the 80s to the brow eyeshadow had me going ding ding ding, b***h! AC: You're no stranger to bold beauty looks and are often spotted donning blue liner or bright red lipstick. What are some of your signature beauty looks, and what do you love most about them? JC: More is … more. I've always been a liquid eyeliner girl, and would go to high school with a big ole wing from an eyeliner that was $2 on Cuba St and could simply be peeled off at the end of the day (unintentional!). Red lipstick is timeless and, even though I've taken time away from her, I'm back on the bandwagon with the force of 10000 suns. I also support thick bushy dark brows, blush, lip liner, mascara and nothing else. I support glamour, I have absolutely no time for the 'clean girl' TikTok aesthetic. Sue me! JC: My auntie is a makeup artist and she once said to me, 'perfect base, perfect face,' so keeping my skin healthy is priority numero uno. Beauty should always be fun, it should make you feel cool! It should make you feel sexy and powerful! No makeup and zits out can make me feel like the hottest girl on the planet of earth and so full of self-confidence that even my hormonal acne feels like art. But sometimes I need a full glitter cut crease (hello, 2016) and my cheekbones to be contoured like cut glass to even leave my house. It's a spectrum! I will never be limited! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johanna Cosgrove (@johannacosgrove) AC: Talk me through your daily beauty routine – both on show day and off. How are they different? JC: SHOW DAY: Every time I've tried to incorporate a 10-step skincare routine, my face has responded by turning the texture and colour of red raw meat (derogatory). So now I keep it simple – lots of moisturiser! When I'm performing every night for months on end, I'll do sheet masks for aftercare – the Garnier moisturising ones from the supermarket are a slay. You best believe I've also tried the overnight viral Korean skin care mask (they do work, but they are crazy). I'll also do a gentle exfoliate once a week, I love the Emma Lewisham Illuminating Exfoliant. I don't wear a lot of foundation, but I'll always have a lip combo on – I'll not be caught dead without at least seven lipsticks in my purse. Hair care is also important (I must protect all seven of my strands), so I use a scalp massager (also from the supermarket), HINU Hair Oil and try and minimise the amount of heat damage (velcro rollers are in – spread it). OFF DAY: Cleanser, moisturiser, bit of sunscreen and black coffee almost spilt through my sheets. AC: We all know that bright stage lights can be hot, hot, hot. How do you ensure your makeup lasts the distance and doesn't slide off while you're performing? JC: At 16, there was nothing like a full can of hairspray straight on top of your L'Oreal Dream Matte Mousse to get you through $1 Bubbles Wednesdays at Establishment on Courtenay Place. It also causes your skin to flake like a croissant. This year I knew I'd need something more sustainable to handle the rivulets of sweat streaming out of me on this tour, so instead of foundation, I opted for a K-Beauty BB cream as my base (incredible coverage and designed to be good in humidity) with a light powder between bronzer (NARS) and blush (Mecca). I also used the Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray like a firehose as well as M.A.C Stack Waterproof Mascara and Benefit Eyeliner that did not budge. My lip was M.A.C Locked Kiss Ink 24-Hour Lip Colour, which truly does what it says on the tin. Twenty-four hours, babe! Unmoveable! Loves it! AC: What are your five favourite products of all time, and why? JC: Cosrx Snail Mucin – aside from some light, *preventative* Botox, this product is the sole reason I could feasibly play a 25-year-old in a television show in my early 30s. I'm in love with it, obsessed with it and probably addicted. Ageing forwards? Not here. Clinique Black Honey – The OG. The queen. I could be on a plane falling from the sky and I would be grabbing for my passport, my phone and my Clinique Black Honey. The subtle colour match is beautiful. She's still a bestseller for a reason. Curio Noir Perfume (Pablo) – I was given this as a gift from the showrunners when I finished shooting Madam and it's truly a perfect scent. 10/10 no notes. K18 Leave-In Molecular Mask – this really is the best. As a PCOS girl who sizzled her hair to oblivion with years of on-scalp bleaching, this product brought me back from the absolute and utter brink. Thank you, K18. M.A.C Lip Pencil in Soar – The colour? The consistency? Sublime. I am never without this lip liner. Please sponsor me, M.A.C Cosmetics. HONOURABLE MENTION: CeraVe Oil Cleanser and a flannel. You don't need anything else to get your face clean. AC: Who do you consider your muses, both in comedy and in beauty? JC: In comedy, Cat Cohen, Joan Rivers, Natasha Leggero, Julia Davis, Samuel Te Kani, the New Zealand comedy industry. In beauty, Amy from Amyl and the Sniffers, Blondie, Kathleen Hanna, emo girls on Myspace, Nadia Lee Cohen, beauty influencer Not Another Hanna, Cher, any actress on Broadway from 1976-98, the movie Showgirls, and drag queens Trixie and Katya. AC: Do you follow beauty trends? Or do you prefer to stick to what you know and love? JC: I like to look for trends for inspiration, but ultimately I'll happily reject them and do whatever I wish. AC: What's the funniest beauty advice you've ever received? JC: 'Underline your lips so they don't look so big' - girl … wot. AC: What's your biggest beauty regret? JC: Following the above advice. St Yves Scrub. Not getting into sunscreen until it was borderline too late. Not moisturising – dial 111! AC: Beauty is... JC: Vital! More beauty From the hottest runway trends to try now to the local beauty brand founder making waves globally. Our 2025 Beauty Trend Predictions Came True At Australian Fashion Week. From wine-stained lips to skincare-as-makeup, here are the top trends beauty editor Ashleigh Cometti spotted at AFW. 8 Of The Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments To Try In 2025. Skin feeling rough, textured or bumpy? Here's how to manage keratosis pilaris this winter. Viva Beauty Awards 2025: Discover The Finalists & Vote For Your Favourites Now. Our expert judges have decided the finalists across all 30 categories, now it's over to you to crown the winners. . Beauty entrepreneur Katey Mandy continues to push the boundaries of botanicals with New Zealand skincare brand, Raaie.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Billy T And Fred Award Winners Announced For The 2025 NZ International Comedy Fest
Press Release – Elephant Publicity After a month of side-splitting shows from the very best local and international comedians, the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo wrapped up this evening at Last Laughs. After the performances, the New Zealand Comedy Trust honoured the brightest comedy talent of this year's festival with multiple awards, including the coveted 2025 Fred Award for the Best New Zealand Show in the Festival and the 2025 Billy T Award for a comedian with the most outstanding potential. Last Laughs, a showcase of the best of the best homegrown talent, was hosted by 2021 Fred Award winner Eli Matthewson, with performances from Fred Award finalists – Abby Howells, Angella Dravid, Melanie Bracewell, and the 2025 Billy T Award nominees, David Stuart, Hoani Hotene, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and Itay Dom. Started in 1997 and inspired by comedy legend William James Te Wehi Taitoko MBE (Billy T James), The Billy T Award celebrates the growth of fresh talent in the Aotearoa comedy industry. Each year it is awarded to an outstanding emerging performer with a commitment to their comedy career. Hoani Hotene took home the prestigious Yellow Towel for the Billy T Award and a $5,000 cash grant from New Zealand Comedy Trust. The award was presented on stage at SkyCity Theatre by 2024 Billy T Award winner Lana Walters. Named in honour of much-loved comedy icon John Clarke's legendary Kiwi character Fred Dagg, The Fred Award recognises the Comedy Festival's Best Show by a New Zealand comedian. Angella Dravid was named the 2025 Fred Award winner, receiving the iconic Golden Gumboot and a cash grant of $5,000 from the New Zealand Comedy Trust. 2024 Fred Award Winner Barnie Duncan and Chris Parker (standing in as Trygve Wakenshaw) were on stage to hand over the baton to the new Fred recipient. Other award winners this year also include: Best Newcomer (Auckland): Sean Collier with Write-Off Best Newcomer (Wellington – Joint Winners): Mo Munn with Is It Off? and Liv Ward with EPIC WAY! I'm Gay? Oui oui faguette™ I LOVE KIM HILL (1999 version) Festival Director's Choice Award: Johanna Cosgrove with SWEETIE Best International (Joint Winners): Elouise Eftos with Australia's First Attractive Comedian and Rosco McClelland with Sudden Death James Nokise was also honoured in person in front of his peers with his 2024 Topp Prize by New Zealand Comedy Trust Chief Executive, Lauren Whitney.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Billy T And Fred Award Winners Announced For The 2025 NZ International Comedy Fest
After a month of side-splitting shows from the very best local and international comedians, the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo wrapped up this evening at Last Laughs. After the performances, the New Zealand Comedy Trust honoured the brightest comedy talent of this year's festival with multiple awards, including the coveted 2025 Fred Award for the Best New Zealand Show in the Festival and the 2025 Billy T Award for a comedian with the most outstanding potential. Last Laughs, a showcase of the best of the best homegrown talent, was hosted by 2021 Fred Award winner Eli Matthewson, with performances from Fred Award finalists - Abby Howells, Angella Dravid, Melanie Bracewell, and the 2025 Billy T Award nominees, David Stuart, Hoani Hotene, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and Itay Dom. Started in 1997 and inspired by comedy legend William James Te Wehi Taitoko MBE (Billy T James), The Billy T Award celebrates the growth of fresh talent in the Aotearoa comedy industry. Each year it is awarded to an outstanding emerging performer with a commitment to their comedy career. Hoani Hotene took home the prestigious Yellow Towel for the Billy T Award and a $5,000 cash grant from New Zealand Comedy Trust. The award was presented on stage at SkyCity Theatre by 2024 Billy T Award winner Lana Walters. Named in honour of much-loved comedy icon John Clarke's legendary Kiwi character Fred Dagg, The Fred Award recognises the Comedy Festival's Best Show by a New Zealand comedian. Angella Dravid was named the 2025 Fred Award winner, receiving the iconic Golden Gumboot and a cash grant of $5,000 from the New Zealand Comedy Trust. 2024 Fred Award Winner Barnie Duncan and Chris Parker (standing in as Trygve Wakenshaw) were on stage to hand over the baton to the new Fred recipient. Other award winners this year also include: Best International (Joint Winners): Elouise Eftos with Australia's First Attractive Comedian and Rosco McClelland with Sudden Death James Nokise was also honoured in person in front of his peers with his 2024 Topp Prize by New Zealand Comedy Trust Chief Executive, Lauren Whitney.
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
What's on this weekend in Auckland: Comedy festival, Africa Day, Darkfield and more
MOTAT is celebrating recent successes with a weekend of sports technology fun. If you're looking for reasons to pry yourself from the clutches of your couch and explore Tāmaki Makaurau this weekend, you'll almost certainly find something to do on our list. Catch a show in the last weekend of the NZ International Comedy Festival, check out the General Collective Lifestyle & Design Market or the Auckland Home & Garden Show, or experience something completely different at Darkfield. Here's our top picks for things to do in Auckland this weekend and beyond. 1) Africa Day Immerse yourself in the cultures of Africa this Saturday at Africa Day in Silo Park. The free whānau-friendly day of celebrations includes live music and dance performances, artists, fashion shows, market stalls, food vendors and good vibes. Among the performers there are the Burundian Drummers, Congolese Dance Group, Keshia, DJ Presto and more. The day celebrates the many and varied cultures of Africa and is an opportunity for the growing community of Aotearoa's African diaspora to come together and share their unique cultures with each other and the wider Auckland public. When: May 24, 10am-6pm.
Scoop
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Naked Samoans Add One-Off Show At Q Theatre
Press Release – 818. Last seen on stage together in 2018, their much-anticipated return reunites best mates Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Mario Gaoa, Shimpal Lelisi, Robbie Magasiva and Iaheto Ah Hi in a dark comedy of denial, miracles and community service. The Naked Samoans have added a one-off performance at Q Theatre's Rangatira on Wednesday May 28 at 8pm, after selling out their 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival season before the curtain even comes up on The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans. Tickets are on sale now for what is rumoured to be the legendary comedy troupe's last-ever show, ever, probably. Last seen on stage together in 2018, their much-anticipated return reunites best mates Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Mario Gaoa, Shimpal Lelisi, Robbie Magasiva and Iaheto Ah Hi in a dark comedy of denial, miracles and community service. The Naked Samoans collectively launched a new era of popular culture in Aotearoa with comedic taonga like award-winning animated seriesbro'Town (Best Comedy, NZ Screen Awards 2005, 2006 and 2007) and two smash-hit Sione's Wedding movies. Over the past three decades, the incredibly busy sextet have voiced blockbuster characters, broken cinema box-office records, become international stars, documented contemporary Pacific life on stage and screen, been elected to public office, and received impressive acronyms like ONZM. Recent credits among the group include Disney's Moana and Moana 2, Fox series Rescue Hi-Surf, Miki Magasiva's NZ box-office smash TINĀ, Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins, Apple TV+ series Time Bandits, HBO Max's Our Flag Means Death, and Celebrity Treasure Island. 'I've been trying to get us together again for years but nobody would turn up,' Robbie Magasiva laughs. But a well timed call from the comedy festival, a miracle of scheduling and a spark of an idea made The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans a rare reality. 'I stumbled across some vintage footage of the Naked Samoans recently and wondered if it would be possible to get them out of retirement for our 30th festival,' says the NZ Comedy Trust's Festival Producer, Jay Law. 'So I asked, and somehow they agreed.' 'No matter what else we're up to, our favorite thing to do is the Nakeds on stage,' says Oscar Kightley. 27 years after their comedy fest debut in Naked Samoans Talk About Their Knives, the laughter from the rehearsal studio comes as readily as ever as the six friends create a fresh story threaded with their signature slapstick, satire, social commentary, and crack-up new characters. The Naked Samoans insist this will be their last show together, as their careers, families and schedules pull them in different directions. Whether that remains true, the surprise extra performance at Q's Rangatira on May 28 promises to be a coming-together of community, with friends of the Naked Samoans contributing to make it memorable. Best Foods will be on site giving away free jars of their legendary mayo. MOQ1 have come to the party with a Naked Samoans merch store. And everyone who buys a ticket to Q performance of The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans before 11:59pm on Friday May 24 goes into the draw to win a delicious pre-theatre, two-course dinner for two at Metita, curated by leading Samoan chef Michael Meredith.** More surprises are expected on the night. **Winner will be drawn and informed on Saturday May 25, and the voucher (worth $120, plus free parking at Sky City) must be used at Metita before May 31, for a Pacific-inspired pre-show meal between 5-6pm. Tickets: Premium $50. GA $40. Concessions $35 for Seniors, Students, Groups 8+, Community Services Card holders, Teachers, Bus Drivers, Port and Factory Workers. Service fees may apply. Booking links and more information: – 09 309 9771 – 305 Queen Street, Auckland Content warning: This show could contain strong language, comic violence, irreverent themes, traces of nuts, dubious pronunciation and illegible English.
