Big Queer Improv Party is back!
This Auckland Pride festival, the Biggest Queerest improv comedy show of the year, is heading back to Basement for the third year in a row! Big Queer Improv Party is Comedy Culture NZ’s annual fundraiser show for Rainbow Youth. This show is so dear to our hearts as it’s such a coming-together of our most important kaupapa. We are all about joy as an act of resistance, as well as creating safe spaces for diverse performers and audiences. What a treat that we get to do all of that while also supporting one of our favourite charities!?
This show brings together 8 comedians from across Tāmaki to perform for one night only in an improv show together, combining real stories and goofy made-up scenes. You’ll recognise faces from TV and theatre as well as Basement’s house improv group Bull Rush.
We had a kōrero with some of our amazing cast members to find out what makes Big Queer Improv Party so special.
What made you want to be a part of Big Queer Improv Party 3?
Tom: This is my second time doing Big Queer Improv. The first time, I had no idea what to expect but it was such a wild and funny night - where I got to work with so many talented rainbow friends - I couldn’t say no to doing it again!
Georgia: This is my second time taking part and I am so excited to be back! Just the chance to improvise with other queer folk is so exciting because you truly do make different scenes that you would see elsewhere just because of who we all are.
This is your third year doing Big Queer Improv Party. What do you love about doing this show?
Steven: Performing in BQIP is freeing and fun, it is such a joy and privilege to perform with members of the rainbow community in front of a wonderful, supportive crowd. I’d be there every week if the show wasn’t just once a year.
Why is it important for our community to have some positive-vibes, low-stakes events?
Georgia: We are already stressed enough haha! I think we need these moments to laugh and celebrate together and be reminded of community, especially when there is a lot of chaos in the world right now.
Tom: It’s about community. It’s such an inclusive experience with the audience. It’s a safe space to be whoever we decide to show up as on the night and have fun with only love in the room. And also, the world is on fire, so it’s important to have a laugh.
Steven: To be able to get on stage and connect with others is so vital, especially at the moment. Positive and accessible shows like BQIP are a way for us to connect with and expand our communities.
What’s it like as a queer person when you go out to an event and it feels positive and affirming?
Steven: Every time I see someone from our community represented on stage or screen, it helps me to feel valid and more allowed to just be who I am.
Is there a scene from a previous Big Queer Improv Party you particularly remember?
Georgia: I remember a robot speed dating scene that evolved into a beautiful musical duet!
Why are we raising money for Rainbow Youth?
Tom: Navigating your identity and sexuality - whatever that is - is particularly hard as a young person. Not everyone has the support networks they deserve. Rainbow Youth is an important organisation who have resources and people to provide some help. But of course, like all charities, they’re under-resourced, and there’s so much more good they can do - so please give them your money.
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We can’t wait to be back on stage this Saturday doing Big Queer Improv Party 3! You’ve heard from Tom Sainsbury, Steven Lyons, Georgia Pringle, and Rebecca Mary Gwendolon in this article, and they’ll be joined on stage by more friends on Saturday.
Tickets are Choose What You Pay from $8 - $100 and every dollar we make (after we pay our bills) gets donated straight to Rainbow Youth.
Check out @ComedyCultureNZ on Instagram or head to ComedyCulture.com to find out more about our shows and our mission to facilitate joyful, inclusive comedy in Aotearoa
