WHAT IS COMEDY CULTURE?

Comedy Culture NZ is an independent production company that champions joyful, comedic theatre, built by and for like-minded performers and audiences. Founded by Bridie Thomson in late 2023, with the intention of filling a necessary space in the Auckland Comedy scene with ambitions to form a collective of emerging producers and performers to collaborate with under the brand, it quickly made sense when powerhouse producer Rebecca Mary Gwendolon (Bullrush, Improverished, Cobbled Together), already a major player in Auckland’s comedy and improv scene, joined the team as a co-producer in early 2025. 

The Comedy Culture kaupapa is all about change and inclusion. Recognising the barriers that queer, differently‑abled, and neurodivergent artists face in mainstream Comedy spaces, they’ve created a space that values risk-taking, community-building, and a good, hearty belly laugh all while striving for change. It's a platform where artists can push boundaries, explore new ideas, and share their authentic selves while audiences soak up laughter, love, and contagious, unapologetic energy. No part of the performance space gets overlooked with hospitality and warmth being a priority catering for both audiences and performers alike, from tech booth to green room.

Comedy Culture NZ regularly produce lineup shows such as Femmes & Thems Comedy (Winner best regular show Wellington 23/24, Welly Comedy Awards and best Live Comedy Show, NZ Comedy Guild Awards 2025), Can’t Think Straight, and the Big Queer Improv Party, and are always ready to support the community of Comedy Culture performers' own indie projects too.

As Comedy Culture prepare for their first run of Fringe Festivals in early 2026 with a string of original format shows, the team look forward to the future of growing the collective and seeing the horizons broaden beyond entertainment and content and in to a go-to resource for performers and curious creatives alike.