The mountain hemmed capital of picturesque New Zealand, Wellington, is a charming city boasting alluring beaches and breathtaking landscapes. It was these very expanses of dreamy mountainous terrain which was used to absolute perfection by filmmaker Peter Jackson to create the award winning epic trilogy, The Lord of The Rings. Set the obvious sightseeing and exploring possibilities aside and the traveller is left with a sprawling metropolis with a thirst for entertainment.

Since its inaugural event in 1994, The New Zealand International Laugh Festival is one of the most popular events in the local entertainment calendar. This comedy festival in Wellington attracts the attention of comedy lovers from all over New Zealand as some of the most gifted local comedians take part in staging rib tickling shows each year. Scheduled for the 1 May 2011, the Visa First Laughs Show will kick off the New Zealand International Laugh Festival in style. No less than 12 talented stand up comedians will showcase their talents at this much awaited event.    

Among those performing at the Visa Laughs Show in Wellington is Dai Henwood, Ben Hurley, Arj Barker, Greg Proops,  The Boy With Tape On His Face and Rhy Mathewson, the 2010 Billy T Award winner.

Known to a global audience, Arj Barker is a stand up comedian and actor from California who’s original name was Arjan Singh. Utilizing his ethnic orientation as his strength Arj Barker is notorious for leaving crowds of jubilant spectators gasping for air at the end of his shows. Other skilled comedic stars the likes of Wil Anderson and Greg Proops will then light up the stage of the Opera House in Wellington with their clever punch lines and unforgiving sarcasm.