Wellington’s premier open mic comedy competition returns this month, giving new comedians the chance to test their material in front of a live audience.
The Wellington Raw Comedy Quest starts at The Fringe Bar on Thursday 2 July, with the first heat MCd by award-winning comedian Mike Fowler.
Heats will run every Thursday until 6 August, with the top comedians from each week going through to the semifinals on 21 and 28 August.
The Wellington final will be held at Hannah Playhouse on Saturday 5 September, MCd by Justine Smith.
Entrants need six minutes of original material and the confidence to give it a go. Entries can be made by contacting [email protected].
Humorous Arts Trust co-founder and comedian Jerome Chandrahasen said the competition had helped many comedians take their first steps in the industry.
“Some of the biggest names in New Zealand comedy have come through the Raw Quest and I can’t wait to see what incredible rising comedy stars join the Quest this year,” Jerome said.
The Wellington winner and runner-up will be flown to Auckland to compete in the National Raw Comedy Quest final at The Classic later this year.
The 2025 Wellington Raw Comedy Quest was won by Lydia Sainsbury, who went on to be the National Raw runner-up and win Best Newcomer, Lower North Island, at the Comedy Guild Awards.
Other recent Pōneke Quest winners include 2025 Billy T Award winner Hoani Hotene, 2025 Best Newcomer at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival Liv Ward, and past Billy T Award nominees Janaye Henry, Maria Williams and Gabby Anderson.
The Wellington Raw Comedy Quest is run annually by the Humorous Arts Trust, which has been running Wellington Raw for more than 15 years.
It is sponsored by Cover Yours Ltd and supported by Wellington City Council.
More information is available at wellingtoncomedy.co.nz.
Event details
Wellington Raw Comedy Quest heats
The Fringe Bar
Thursday 2 July, MC Mike Fowler
Thursday 9 July, MC Kipling DC
Thursday 16 July, MC Lily Catastrophe
Thursday 23 July, MC Joana Joy
Thursday 30 July, MC Keegan Thomas
Thursday 6 August, MCs Ginge and Minge, Nina Hogg and Megan Connolly
Semifinals
The Fringe Bar
Friday 21 August, MC Brendon Green
Friday 28 August, MC Neil Thornton
Final
Hannah Playhouse
Saturday 5 September, MC Justine Smith
