Not many stand-up comedians are openly gay, fewer still are disabled

With his characteristic, innovative mix of provocative, honest and witty repartee, Philip Patston makes a comedy comeback and introduces NZ audiences to a “virtual” Greg Walloch from New York. The two poke politically incorrect fun at their sexual preferences, physical conditions and how society reacts to both.

Patston will share the stage with his American counterpart via the film “F**k the Disabled”. Walloch is featured through highlights from his brilliant documentary about being openly gay, disabled and “Keeping it Real”.

“I wanted to experiment with an innovatiive mix of content and format, adding diversity and perspective to NZ comedy,” Patston explains. “After a few years of focussing on corporate and conference comedy, this is a return to my comedy routes.”

Patston is most well-known for his live and broadcast work, particularly on stand-up comedy TV show Pulp Comedy (1997-2003), and vaguely remembered for a brief heterosexual role on soap opera Shortland Street. In 1999 he was named inaugural “Queer of the Year” by television show Queer Nation and awarded a Billy T James Award for commitment and contribution to the comedy industry by the NZ Comedy Trust.

He is also recognised internationally as a creative and social entrepreneur. In 2006 he was one of Warehouse mogul Stephen Tindall’s “first 15“ social innovators picked to serve a three year stint on the NZ Social Entrepreneur Fellowship.

When he’s not on stage Patston runs a business where he “creates change with diversity. I help others feel comfortable with the discomfort that change often brings.”

He says comedy is all about change. “Comedians are funny because they change the way the audience perceives a situation by presenting it in a unique and surprising way.”

Walloch has appeared in Moscow, Toronto, Vancouver, London, Australia, Ireland, Germany, and across the United States.

Diversityworks Group presents

Philip Patston gives you A BIT OF WHAT HE’S GOT

NOT MANY STAND-UP COMEDIANS ARE OPENLY GAY, FEWER STILL ARE DISABLED.

AUCKLAND

Dates: Sat 2 & Tues 5 - Sat 9 May
Venue: The Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE®
Tickets: $25 full; $20  conc and groups 10+
Bookings: 0800 BUY TICKETS (289 842)

WELLINGTON

Dates: Wed 20 – Sat 23 May
Venue: The Fringe Bar
Tickets: $25 full; $20  conc and groups 10+
Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK (842 538)

For more information contact:

Name: Philip Patston or Zoe Cramond
Phone:  09 376 4837
Email: show@diversityworks.co.nz
Website: show.philippatston.com