Laughter is the best medicine (apart from immunotherapy)

Date and time

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM NZDT

Location

Kinross, 2300 Gibbston Highway Queenstown, Otago 9371

PREMIUM PACKAGE - $250pp

Enjoy a preshow dinner in a private room (with a comedian popping in to say hello), a premium wine tasting with cheese and dessert, followed by front-row seats at the comedy show. To book this package please email events@kinross.nz

On Saturday 18 October at Kinross, five of New Zealand’s sharpest stand-ups are taking the stage for one night only: Jeremy Corbett, Michèle A’Court, Jon Bridges, Emma Lange and David Downs. Two of them (Jon and David) have literally dusted off their comedy boots after decades of ‘real jobs’, bringing back the 90s energy they never quite grew out of. The result? A night with a little retro flair, a lot of laughs, and plenty of “remember when?” moments.

As well as great comedy, we’ll throw in an auction packed with cool, can’t-buy-anywhere items – every cent going to the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, a Kiwi charity harnessing the power of the immune system to tackle cancer and other diseases.

Gen-X comedy chops. A world-class cause. An unforgettable night in Queenstown wine country. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the belly laughs – and help fund life-changing science while you’re at it.

Fill your belly

Dine before the show from 5pm | Start with a one-course set menu and a glass of Kinross wine in the Bistro for $49pp before heading to the show.

Come for the belly laughs

Comedy at Cellar Door from 7.30pm | Tickets $75pp plus an optional donation

Make it a night to remember

Elevate the experience with a limited VIP group package from $250pp. Includes dinner in a private room (with a comedian popping in to say hello), a premium wine tasting with cheese and dessert, followed by front row seats at the comedy show. Perfect for a unique night out with your friends, colleagues, or clients – all for a great cause!

Stay over

Limited onsite accommodation available in our Kinross cottages – book at https://kinross.nz/pages/vineyard-cottages

Get there and back

• Queenstown – Kinross return: $35pp (pick-up from Athol Street Car Park)

• Arrowtown – Kinross return: $20pp (pick-up outside New Orleans Hotel)

Full timing details will be emailed to guests ahead of the event.

Key details

Dinner from 5pm | Show from 7:30pm

Spaces are limited – book now!

Jeremy Corbett is a Westport-born, Palmerston North-raised stand-up legend turned TV and radio mainstay. He’s best known for long-running stints on 7 Days (where he even snagged a Best Presenting Award in 2011) and as host of The Project, not to mention a slew of other TV shows. At around 1.9m tall (or ‘188 cm of raw flab’, as Jeremy self-describes), he remains one of Aotearoa’s most trusted laugh providers.

Jeremy says: “Can’t wait for this gig, mainly so I can tell people I ‘did some work for the Malaghan Institute’ and they’ll think I’m a scientist.

“I can’t wait to join with some fantastic Kiwi comedians to contribute in my own small way to this fantastic, ground-breaking organisation. Also to witness the comeback gigs of my old comedy buddies Jon and David! They were very funny back in their day, but then everything was in black and white.”

Jon Bridges is the creative powerhouse behind 7 Days – as creator, producer and on-air talent – and the mastermind who helped bring The Project to New Zealand screens, along with producing Paddy Gower has Issues, and This the F#$king News. Gen X will remember him also as the curly headed one from Ice TV and he was a pioneer from the ‘Classic’ comedy days. Expect sharp wit and production savvy all rolled into one.

Jon says: “I’ve spent more of the past 20 years behind the camera, telling other people to be more funny. Doing standup again with old friends will be like re-living our youth again. With more anti-inflammatories and entrenched opinions.”

Michèle A’Court is one of our most beloved comedians, writers and social commentators. A celebrated stand-up artist (Female Comedian of the Decade 2010), columnist for The Women’s Weekly, satirist on 7 Days, Queenstown alumna, and regular RNZ radio voice – she’s basically everywhere. Full-time funny and full-time fabulous.

Michele says: “I hate cancer and love science, and I’m delighted by the thought of turning jokes into life-saving cancer therapies.”

Emma Lange is a much-loved “comedians’ comedian” hailing from the Classic scene of the 90s. Part storyteller, part absurdist genius – her solo show An Almighty Yes turns her incurable brain tumour (diagnosed 2016) into comedic gold via dancing sausages, inflatable boyfriends, and profound joy. Radio host, TV writer, Topp Twins ally and reminder that the best comedy often blooms in the darkest times.

Emma says “As a Queenstown local I’m pleased to get back on stage – sorry for all the Auckland comedians that I’ve let into the place, I’ll make sure they don’t buy any property while they’re here.”

David Downs is a former stand-up comic, actor, author, business leader – and human Swiss Army knife. After laughter-filled early years co-founding the Classic Comedy Club (with Jeremy and Jon) and appearing in TV’s Away Laughing, he transitioned to tech and innovation roles globally, and other proper grown-up jobs in government. A terminal cancer survivor who penned the book A Mild Touch of the Cancer, he’s now on a mission to bring CAR T-cell therapy to New Zealand. David is an ambassador for the Malaghan Institute and is often mistaken for Christopher Luxon.

David says “On our first tour to Queenstown in 1991 the producer ran off with the bar take and we had to chase him down at home so we could get paid our $20 each. This time we are doing it for free. I guess we never learn.”

The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research is New Zealand’s world-class independent biomedical research charity, harnessing the power of the immune system (and the odd funny bone) to improve human health. Bringing together world-leading scientists, clinical researchers and cutting-edge technologies, the Malaghan Institute is uniquely positioned to translate today’s discoveries into tomorrow’s cures – and show that while laughter may be a good way to fundraise, immunotherapy is the best medicine. www.malaghan.org.nz

“Helping New Zealanders get access to better, safer treatments is no laughing matter. With our philanthropic roots in Queenstown thanks to Len and Ann Malaghan, we know the difference generosity can make. By being generous with your laughs and your support, you’ll help the Malaghan turn world-class science into life-changing therapies.”

All proceeds go to the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, a registered charity, to fund their ground-breaking research.

Organised by the Central Otago Friends of the Malaghan.