Comedian Gish is set to bring his brand of musical comedy to Whakatāne later this month, promising a night of laughter, audience interaction and songs that may never sound the same again.

Gish – aka Justin Hanson – joins comedy host Anthon Wilson for Gish and Chips, an R18 show coming to Mata Brewery on Friday, July 31, as part of a 19-date North Island tour. The duo perform in Mount Maunganui the previous evening before heading to Whakatāne.

Gish has been entertaining audiences for more than 20 years, becoming a familiar face around New Zealand through years of busking as well as performing on the comedy circuit. After stepping away from stand-up for a time, he returned last year for a successful 35-venue nationwide tour with Wilson, inspiring this year’s tour.

Wilson, who has spent 15 years performing comedy in New Zealand and overseas before moving into hosting live comedy events, said Gish had carved out a niche unlike anyone else.

“He's probably the pioneer of musical parody comedy in New Zealand,” Wilson said.

“He’s a Māori guy who takes the mickey out of other people’s songs. He’s quite well known for ruining peoples' favourite songs. Once you get his lyrics in your brain, you can't get them out. You'll never be able to listen to Hotel California the same way again.”

Rather than a traditional stand-up show, Gish and Chips blends storytelling and live music.

“I sort of take the reins at the start,” Wilson said.

“There's some playful audience interaction, stories from life and on the road and then I hand it over to Gish. He does about an hour with just himself and his guitar.

“Even though it's all games and silly business, Gish is an incredibly talented musician.

“He’s got a great voice.”

Wilson said Gish remained refreshingly authentic.

“He’s a bit rough around the edges. He's not professional – he's ‘bro-fessional’. I think people really appreciate that because it's real.

“He’s been travelling and busking, so you can go to almost any town and you'll find people who have seen him perform or met him.”

Although last year's tour covered 35 venues across the country, it missed the Eastern Bay.

“We didn’t make it through to the Bay last year, and it's probably one of my favourite parts of the country, so we're really excited to be playing Mata Brewery this time.”

Wilson said last year’s tour showed how enthusiastically smaller communities embraced live comedy.

“We played in all the big centres like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. But we also went to some random little places in the middle of nowhere. Even though they're small towns, they tended to be some of the most fun.”

For Wilson, creating an enjoyable atmosphere is just as rewarding as the comedy itself.

“I get a real kick out of bringing people together and everyone having an awesome night. It's great being able to bring comedy to places that are crying out for a laugh.”

Gish and Chips (R18)

■ Where: Mata Brewery

■ When: 6.30pm, Friday, July 31

■ Tickets: $25 from gishtour.co.nz

Ticket giveaway

■ The Beacon has a double pass and two complimentary drinks to give away. To enter, email [email protected] with "Gish and Comedy" in the subject line. Entries close at noon on Tuesday, with the winner notified by email.