Comics gambling on lots of laughs

Stand-up comedy promises to become a regular fixture on the Wakatipu entertainment scene, courtesy of Laugh Club NZ and SkyCity Queenstown Casino.

Laugh Club will launch its first gig in Queenstown on Saturday, August 11, at 9pm.

Nick Rado, the 2011 winner of the New Zealand Comedy Guild best master of ceremonies award and television panel show regular, will play host.

New Zealand-born Tarun Mohanbhai, also known as "That Indian Guy", will be the opening act.

He has appeared on several television programmes, including Pulp Comedy, A Thousand Apologies and The Millen Baird Show.

Headlining comic will be Andrew Clay, familiar to Shortland Street fans as district health board baddie William Nugent.

Born and raised in West Auckland, he is also known as a comedian and has more than 20 years' experience on the international entertainment circuit.

SkyCity marketing co-ordinator Hope Bates said the comedy night could become a monthly, or fortnightly, fixture at the casino, if ticket sales supported it.

The three comedians will be performing exclusively at the Queenstown casino.

Tickets cost $25 per person from the cashier's desk at the casino, or from Eventfinder online.