Show formats
A quick guide to just some of the shows the Covert produces:
A Bard’s Tale – the greatest plays Shakespeare never wrote
The cast perform a full length play in the style of the greatest playwright that ever lived.
“An impressive feat in improvised performance. Well worth a watch!”
Theatreview
“A unique, unexpected and uncanny show. This show is a testament to the clever and quick-witted talents of its players.”
Mac + Mae
“Spontaneous laughter that is pure and it’s bloody funny. This show is as good as any improv you’ll see in the modern world.”
The Speakeasy
Cast: CJ Le Mon, James Ting-Edwards, Kevin Barron, Mark Scott, Nik Edwards, Paul Paice, Phillip Rice, Vicki Millar and Wade Jackson
Associate Producer: James Ting-Edwards
Comedy Roulette – fresh improv comedy
The comedy show where you never know what you’re going to get. The comedians take a suggestion at the start of the show which inspires a myriad of scenes all made up on the spot. It’s skits ‘n’ giggles all night long.
“The off-the-cuff set from the Covert Theatre was brilliant!”
Libel.co.nz
“A playful and surprisingly refreshing hour of Kiwi theatre and humour. Cheers to Comedy Roulette for a brave and creative offering.”
Theatreview
Cast: Covert Players
Ding! - the current affairs improv game show
Two teams of two improvisers are put through their paces by Wade Jackson who hosts this current affairs game show that is actually improvised. There are questions, there are challenges and there is nothing but epic improv moments.
“The Improv Bandits are for anyone that wants to sit back relax and let the frivolities unfurl before them, safe in the knowledge that in the Improv Bandits hands humour will only bloom.”
NZ Entertainment Podcast
Cast: Covert Players
Created by: Wade Jackson
The Eliminator – there can be only one
Four improvisers direct each other in improvised scenes in the attempt to win the Oscar and avoid the Lemon. The winning director gets to eliminate the other directors.
“Slick, quick, genuine fun. The Improv Bandits are human Berocca.”
Theatreview
Cast: The Improv Bandits
Ferris Wheel – revolutionary comedy
A character-driven improvised comedy show set at the top of a Ferris Wheel. With separate storylines that revolve every 2-minutes it's kind of like Pulp Fiction but with a lot less blood.
“An ingeniously versatile premise… essentially delightful.”
Theatreview
Cast: Covert Players
Created by: Wade Jackson
The Improv Bandits – no scripts, no gimmicks, no safety net!
NZ’s most successful improvised comedy act who have delighted audiences around the world for over 25 years. Check them out at www.improvbandits.co.nz
“Improvised comedy at its hilarious best.”
Evening Post
“The Improv Bandits are fast, funny and top-notch humans.”
Colin Mochrie, Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Cast: CJ Le Mon, Edith Fumarola, Mark Scott, Michael Fletcher, Paul Paice, Tom Kane, and Wade Jackson.
Instant Broadway – the improvised musical where every night is opening night
An entire musical theatre show is created on the spot. Yes, you read that right. All songs, music, characters and stories are 100% improvised
“Genuinely funny comedy.”
Theatreview
“Adroit manoeuvring at its finest .”
NZ Herald
“Seriously good comedy, genuine side-splitting laughter. Extraordinarily great… gorgeous vocal work in seriously well-sung songs.”
The Speakeasy
Cast: CJ Le Mon, Edith Fumarola, Evie Ashton, Gill Berry, Mark Scott, Mike Witt, Narelle Jackson, Nik Edwards, Paul Paice and Wade Jackson
Musical Director: Chrissie Hart, Ben Fernandez
Associate Producer: CJ Le Mon
Jester – fresh comedy every time
This is a fast and furious improv comedy show in the style of TV’s Whose Line Is It Anyway? Improvisers are called up to perform scenes, sagas and songs all based on the audience’s suggestions.
“Sheer madcap wit and an energetic slapdash hour of fun.”
Theatreview
“Come armed with your funny bone and some unique suggestions for the performers who are guaranteed to leave you grinning from ear to ear before the night is done.”
NZ Entertainment Podcast
Cast: Covert Players
Laugh Lab - the comedy experiment
The improv comedians are the elements and the audience mix and match them and then sit back to watch the fun unfold. Who knows if it’s a dangerous combination or one that will result in the perfect experiment? Laughter and good times combine as you’ll be taken on multiple adventures.
"Lively off-the-cuff theatre that is engaging and will leave you amazed at their quick thinking."
Theatreview
Cast: Covert Players
Created by: Wade Jackson
Perfect Match - the speed dating show with a conscience
Ever wondered what was going on in people’s heads while speed dating?
Now you can get that insight with the dating show with a conscience. Laugh at the human condition. It’s either that or cry!
Revolving Cast from: Edith Fumarola, Gill Berry, Kay Hammond, Mark Scott, Matt Armstrong, Michael Fletcher and others.
Created by: Wade Jackson