Comedians with Netflix specials, international television appearances and major festival performances are taking to the stage in Hua Hin as part of The Comedy Club Bangkok’s monthly nights at Father Ted’s Irish Pub.
For organiser Chris Wegoda, the aim is to give audiences access to the same standard of live comedy they would find in Bangkok. He believes some people have yet to realise the calibre of performers appearing here.
“I’m not just saying this because I’m the promoter, but we bring a very high standard of comedian to Hua Hin,” he said. “Our performers need the experience and ability to connect with a wide range of audiences, because we’re taking them around Thailand, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Phuket, and every crowd is different.
Chris Wegoda
“Many of our comedians have had comedy specials on Netflix or Comedy Central, have appeared on television networks such as the BBC or on major US late-night talk shows, and are regular performers at festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival. They all have the international touring experience needed to deliver a great show to an international audience.”
Recent headliners include Tom Rhodes and Dana Alexander, whose careers illustrate the experience behind the monthly line-ups.
“Take Tom Rhodes, who we recently brought to Hua Hin. He’s been performing comedy for more than 40 years, has had a Netflix special and his own sitcom, and was the first comedian signed by Comedy Central,” Chris said.
“Most recently, we brought Dana Alexander, who has a comedy special in Canada and has performed on British television and at the Edinburgh Fringe while touring the world.
“I think people sometimes underestimate just how good the comedians are. We’re bringing Hua Hin the same quality of comedy we present in Bangkok, which is of truly international quality. We’re always aiming to bring audiences comedy that’s as good as you’ll see anywhere in the world, and I’m confident we’re succeeding.”
The club’s connection with Hua Hin stretches back more than a decade, with local audiences and business support helping the series establish a regular presence.
“The Comedy Club Bangkok has been bringing comedy to Hua Hin since around 2015, so it’s certainly not a new thing for us. We’ve always felt that Hua Hin deserves access to the same quality of live entertainment you’d find in Bangkok,” Chris said.
“There’s a great mix of expats and locals here, and people are always looking for something a little different to do.
“Having Orchid Palm Homes as our sponsor has really helped solidify our presence in Hua Hin. The support of Hua Hin Today and Surf Radio has also been invaluable, and we really appreciate their continued support.
“Hua Hin fits naturally into our touring schedule, and the comedians enjoy performing here. Ultimately, we love what we do, and we’re very happy to be bringing people a great night out.”
For anyone who has heard about the shows but has yet to attend, Chris has a straightforward invitation.
“What are you waiting for? Seriously, come along and give it a go! You can expect a professional-quality comedy show, with an MC, usually me, a great opening act and an international headliner. The whole show is around 80 minutes, so it’s a nice, tight evening of entertainment.
“We’re at Father Ted’s, so you can enjoy some good food as well. It’s a chance to do something a little different in Hua Hin, have a few laughs and see comedians you might otherwise have to travel to Bangkok or much further afield to watch.
“We’re committed to keeping the shows going every month, and we’d love more people to come along and be part of it.”
“Our show on 15 October features He Huang, one of the biggest Chinese comedians performing in English. She came to wider attention through Australia’s Got Talent and has since performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival over several years,” Chris said.
“She’s spent the last few years in Australia and is now moving to London.
“She has a huge social media following, with around 200,000 followers on Instagram, and has become something of a viral sensation. But beyond that, she’s a genuinely funny comedian with a distinctive perspective and style.
“Every comedian brings something different to the stage, and we’re really looking forward to introducing Hua Hin audiences to He.”
For the latest news and upcoming comedy show dates in Hua Hin, follow The Comedy Club Bangkok, Hua Hin Today or Father Ted’s Irish Pub on Facebook.
