Irish comedian, Ed Byrne, celebrates his 20 year love affair with NZ audiences with his 7th tour down under, headlining the 2017 NZ International Comedy Festival.

Back in 1996, when he first toured to New Zealand, stand-up comedy was the new rock 'n roll and Ed lived hard and fast like a would-be rock star. Twenty years on times have changed. Ed is not only a family man, he has also now embraced the great outdoors and can often be found scaling mountain peaks around the world.

But one thing that hasn't changed is that Ed has always felt like an outsider looking at a world within. This perspective has made him one of the keenest and most in demand observational comedians in the UK and a frequent guest on notable TV and radio shows such as Mock the Week, Live at The Apollo, The Graham Norton Show and Have I Got News For You?.

In 2017 Ed returns to NZ with his new show, 'Outside Looking In' which he has been touring to sold out houses around the UK over the last 12 months.

"A masterful display of the comics art… This is a seamless and perfectly timed show that could stand proudly next to any Izzard, Bailey, Carr or Skinner stadium-filler" - Sunday Times

"Hilarious anecdotes! I assure you Ed Byrne is one comedian you should DEFINITELY see" - Edinburgh Festival Magazine

"Jokes come so fast that hecklers don't have a chance to get a word in edgeways" - The Times

"Byrne is at the top of his game" - Sunday Telegraph

"It is rare for a comic to merit the word "masterful" but in this case it is no overstatement" - The Scotsman

He will be reunited with local producer, Scott Blanks, who was instrumental in getting Ed to New Zealand 20 years ago, joining him in the celebrations of the 20th year at The Classic, New Zealand's own class home of comedy.

A self-confessed "miserable old git" since the age of 23, Ed Byrne is now in his Forties. While for others this might result in a crisis that prompts the purchase of a sports car, Ed embraces middle age with open arms. Come join him, as he truly comes of age and gives out his clarion cry: "I am in my Forties. HEAR ME ROAR!"

Following on from the successes of his last shows Crowd Pleaser and Different Class, brilliant Irish stand-up comedian, Ed Byrne, is back at the NZ International Comedy Festival for the first time since 2009; with his hugely successful solo show Roaring Forties.

However happily Ed slides into middle age, he isn't ready for the slippers and woolly jumper quite yet. Still as angry as he ever was, you wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of one of his withering rants. Family life (now a father of two), and everyday frustrations (seriously, something EVERY day) all come in for a pasting with typically hilarious results as Ed casts his curmudgeonly comic eye over his life.

This promises to be a rip-roaring night you won't want to miss.

"Comedy's holy grail... Go see!" - 4 Stars, Sunday Times, UK
"Byrne is at the top of his game" - 4 Stars, Sunday Telegraph, UK
"Jokes come so fast that hecklers don't have a chance to get a word in edgeways" - 4 Stars, The Times, UK

Part of the 2015 NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider, running from 24 April - 17 May. To get The Latest on all the comedy shows on offer, practical information about the Festival, access to competitions and special deals, head to comedyfestival.co.nz.