A chance meeting on Orewa Beach has brought regular comedy nights to Orewa.
During the second lockdown, comedian Nick Rado and retired businessman Ross Chandler both went for a run on Orewa Beach and met while stretching on the same bench.
“From a 2m plus safe distance, we had a chat, stretched, then decided to have a run together,” Ross says.
Nick’s comedy CV includes writing more than 250 episodes of the TV programme 7 Days, as well as numerous awards including Best Male Comedian and Best Stand Up. He was supposed to be touring Australia, but ended up in Orewa for lockdown, while Covid-19 prevented Orewa resident Ross from taking a planned trip to Europe.
Both men were looking for a local project, and came up with the idea of producing a local comedy showcase “to give everyone something to laugh about after lockdown”.
Nick has great contacts among local comedians, and Ross enjoys organising events.
The result has been three sell-out comedy nights at Downbeat, with monthly shows planned for next year.
“Everyone wants a laugh right now, and we are pleased to be able to provide it,” Ross says.
