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Normanby’s Callum Wagstaff won the final of Central Raw Comedy Quest in Palmerston North and will now compete in the national final in Auckland in October.
Another man from South Taranaki is making waves in New Zealand’s comedy scene.
Callum Wagstaff of Normanby won the Central Raw Comedy Quest final in Palmerston North earlier this month and will now compete in the national final in Auckland in October, where he can win $2,000.
Wagstaff defeated 11 other finalists from Whanganui, Manawatū and Hawke’ Bay to become Taranaki’s first winner of the match.
“I competed in four motos in the central region before finally winning a spot in the final so this is quite a shock to win but I’m really grateful and thank you to everyone who came to watch.”
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One of New Zealand’s top comedians, Ben Hurley is also from South Taranaki and regularly hosts comedy shows in the region.
DIY Comedy producer Ben Caldwell said Wagstaff is a testament to perseverance when things don’t quite go your way.
“He was unlucky not to make the final sooner. He was almost through in other heats, but he wasn’t put off by those near misses and he just kept working on his set to get him where he needed to be.” was a winner.”
Wagstaff, who describes his style as accidentally dark, started doing comedy in 2021 and has since been refining his craft at shows all over the lower North Island.
He has become a popular act on the local scene with House of Laughs, thanks to his manic stage presence.
Wagstaff will be the first winner to represent the central region at the national final.
In previous years, the winner had to advance to the Wellington final, but Wagstaff now gets a fully paid trip to Auckland.
“I’ve spent quite a bit on fuel and a lot of hours on the road, so it’s nice not to have to worry about paying to get there.
“It’s a relief for my bank account.”
Wagstaff will next perform for House of Laughs’ Comedy at Our Place on August 12, as well as for DIY Comedy’s A One Night Stand in Opunake on September 10.