Whakatāne-born and raised musician Katrina Ladd-McGuinness will be performing her stand-up comedy at a group gig at Mata Brewery tomorrow evening.

Performing as The Singing Hobbit, Ladd-McGuinness incorporates music into her comedy with songs and stories on a variety of topics, ranging from analysing memes, having a teenager, and watching your mates struggle to the hazards and unsolicited pictures of online dating.

Even organiser Punch Muffin is bringing nine up-and-coming comics from around New Zealand to entertain punters at Mata Brewery, with a range of comedy styles for everyone.

Other comedians performing are: Danie Steyn, Jimmy Pete, Kenneth Cassel, Liam Lonergan, Manish Latch, Mike Healy, Shady Tupu, CJ Pierson

For Ladd-McGuinness it will be her second stand-up gig in Whakatāne, but she is no stranger to performing locally.

She was an active member of Theatre Whakatāne for many years before working in Wellington and abroad as a professional singer and drama teacher. She has a few songs on Spotify under the name Someday Angels and an upcoming album ready for release.

She also used to run open mics and quiz nights at Mata Brewery and is looking forward to returning.

“I miss Ōhope and Mata; the locals are super-friendly, and the brewery is so supportive of performers,” she said.

Ladd-McGuinness said she had always wanted to try comedy, but did not have her first crack at it until three years ago, while living in Bangkok.

“I was at an open mic, and it was the week before we left the country. I thought if I bombed, literally no one there would ever see me again,” she said.

She won comic of the night, which “pissed off” some of the seasoned comics.

When she returned to New Zealand, she took up a role as a drama teacher in Hamilton.

It took a while to get back onto the comedy scene.

“It always bubbled away in the background, but finally in May 2024, I thought I’ll give it a go again.”

She reached out to Ha Ha Hamilton and has been touring the Waikato and Bay of Plenty during the summer.

She has eight gigs coming up, and is loving the comedy scene.

“I’ve met the most amazing people – they're really funny, much funnier than me,” she said.

Adding songs to her sets was a natural extension of her comedy chops.

“I love comedy, and I’m a singer, so I thought I’d combine the two,” she said.

“I find I really have to sit down and write the jokes, but the songs come quite easily.”

If anyone is thinking of giving stand-up a go, she recommends they just get up and do it.

“There’s lots of open mics and different organisations for comedy around the Bay.

“I’m happy to connect anyone with the right people if they want to give this a go, just contact my FB page, The Singing Hobbit Comedy.”

Mata Brewery owner Tammy Viitakangas said this would be the fourth comedy night the brewery had held since May 2024.

“We’ve sold out the show three times in a row, and have already sold a lot for Saturday,” she said.

She said some of the comics had given great feedback.

“One said he likes coming here, and the crowds are always nice and responsive,” Viitakangas said.

“Each act is about 10 minutes, so there’s something for everyone with the different comedy styles."

The night starts at 7.30pm, and tickets can be purchased online at EventFinda or by contacting Mata Brewery. All money goes to the comedians.

WHAT: Stand Up Comedy Night

WHERE: Mata Brewery, 17 Gateway Crescent

WHEN: Saturday, February 1, 7.30pm - doors open 6.30pm

COST: $15 +booking fee at EventFinda or contact Mata Brewery