Ladies Night Comedy
The Central Otago Whine Tour will return this Friday and Saturday, bringing talented female comedians to Rhyme X Reason and Sherwood. Award-winning comedian Harriet Moir produced and is headlining the show, and while the lineup is full of extraordinary ladies, all are welcome to enjoy.
If you attended in 2023 or 2024, you’ll know what to expect, although the show will be full of new material. If not, think smart, sharp, hilarious stand-up from some of the funniest women out of Dunedin and Central.
No stranger to local audiences, Moir regularly produces comedy all over the country with some of NZ’s biggest names. Most recently she took home Best Comedian for her newest solo show at the 2025 Dunedin Fringe Festival. Local favourite Maggie Rogers will MC the shows in Queenstown – she will be joined by Nicola Brown, Molly Force, Kelly Hocking and Caitlin Owens. Over the hill in Wānaka the show will be MCd by Molly Force and also feature Nicola Brown alongside Monty Montgomery, Jadwiga, and Demelza Daisy Ray.
“We have a great mix of returning and new comedians for these shows this year,” Moir says. “Audiences can expect the usual relatable yarns and chats about aging, parenting, being women and other super topical subjects. I know we all strive every year to have fresh material or at least mostly new stuff so you shouldn't feel put off if you've come before.”
With less comedy available for audiences in Queenstown and Wānaka than other regions, when shows are put on here the local comedians take the opportunity to perform at their best. Less time spent slogging away at open mic nights means more energy on stage for you. Moir says she loves bringing the show back each year as the audience here really appreciate the performances.
“Every single one of these shows has been a rip roaring success because the audience always shows up with open hearts and ready to laugh and enjoy a great night together. It is impossible not to have a good time when everyone shows up like this. Plus we are always so keen ourselves to get out of Dunedin and go on a roadie together. We have the best chats and car cries and it's a lovely adventure. And of course uplifting and entertaining people, making them laugh is the ultimate bucket filler.”
When it comes to who’s performing Moir does a stellar job at bringing the best talent to the stage. The shows are a great way to sample a range of different comedians – if someone isn’t quite your cup of tea, they’ll be off in ten minutes. Moir describes it as cheap and cheerful, and a great way to get a bit of light relief, which we could all use at the moment!
“I think just come along, bring your friends, bring your partner – men are very welcome and the comedy is not exclusive for them – treat yourself to a night of guaranteed entertainment.”
The Central Otago Whine Tour will be on Friday, 1 August, at Rhyme X Reason and Saturday, 2 August at Sherwood. Due to quickly selling out the last tour, there will be two shows – 6pm and 8pm and you can get tickets here.
