Funny business 'recession-proof'

Fairfax Media

FUNNY FACE: Ben Hurley has been chosen as the new face to front the New Zealand Music Awards this year.

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Former Hawera man Ben Hurley's star is rising.

The comedian has been chosen as the new face to front the New Zealand Music Awards this year, along with C4 presenter Shannon Ryan.

"I'm very excited. It's just an awesome opportunity," said Hurley, who jumped at the offer.

He and Ryan take over as hosts of the October 7 event, held at Vector Arena, from comedian Dai Henwood.

It is a coup for Auckland-based Hurley, who already has his hands full as the head writer for popular TV3 show 7 Days, regular national touring and hosting the Taranaki Comedy Club in New Plymouth.

Originally from Hawera, Hurley has been running the Comedy Club at New Plymouth's Basement Bar for the past year and half. Despite the glitz of the big city it is one of his favourite jobs.

"It has sold out all but one show ever, which is pretty amazing.

"New Plymouth is a pretty cool city. It's one of my favourite places in the country to go to.

"I think comedy as a whole is on the up in terms of people wanting to go but New Plymouth is pretty trendy so why wouldn't they get into it."

The 30-year-old gets down to Taranaki about once a month to host the club with fellow funny man Vaughan King.

"Mum and Dad moved so I don't get back as often as I would like but I love coming back once a month.

"I also do the odd show in Hawera and they look after me down there."

He said the support locals have given to the comedy club has been brilliant.

"Comedy is recession-proof as a profession," he said.

"It is a relatively cheap night out to go see some comedy and you can have a couple of drinks.

"It's the same price as going to the movies but you can drink and it's live."

And helping Kiwi comedians' profiles soar are those doing well overseas.

"We have had a few successes of late with Flight of the Conchords and Rhys Darby overseas so we have finally proven to New Zealanders that we are funny.

"And then with 7 Days you get to see all the local comedians. It's just been huge."

Hurley will perform at the Taranaki Comedy Club at the Basement Bar on August 6 from 7.30pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News