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Poppys - Heta Dawson Photo: Supplied
For many stand-up comedians, performing in a garage could seem like a career low-point. But in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, comedian Heta Dawson has turned his garage in his South Auckland family home into one of the freshest and most exciting comedy venues in North Island.
Comedian and RNZ studio operator, Hamish Webber spoke to Heta Dawson for Culture 101 and visited the new comedy club to see for himself.
Tickets are public and anyone can turn up but Dawson says it’s mostly been people he recognises and the friends they’ve dragged along.
“I sat on the board for the NZ Comedy Trust and there were lots of strategies around comedy and part of that was comedy out in the suburbs. I thought that was a great idea so I decided to do it.”
The club was designed and created with Māori and Pasifika comedians in mind, being able to perform in front of audiences who represent and relate to them.
“In the heart of South Auckland, in Manurewa, I wanted this club to be that - it’s open to all but definitely with a focus on Māori and Pasifika comedians.”
One comedian known as ‘Timprovise’ says he feels more comfortable at Poppys.
“It’s like being in the backyard. It’s in my hood. The vibe is very family-orientated. Material-wise you don’t want to chop and change too much and you feel like they get what you’re saying.”
Chester Jerrat has been doing stand-up for five years and says performing at Poppys has been a better experience than other venues.
“It’s a better set-up - more tech. The crowd is right on you - it’s a super fun time.
“The acoustics are really good so the laughs build and stay in the room. It’s very community based. People know each other so you can see when you tell a joke and people reach over to point to someone with their inside jokes.”
Dawson’s own journey into comedy is only a recent one. He started six years ago, alongside his daughter Courtney Dawson who’s fast becoming a comedian to watch in the industry.
And where does the comedy club name ‘Poppys’ come from? Simple - it’s what his grandkids call him.
Audiences come down the driveway, through the gate and to the landing area near the garage. Dawson is impressed he doesn’t have to deal with people knocking on the front door.
Whether Poppys will become a permanent fixture remains unknown. Dawson is still considering how often gigs will happen and he’s still looking at ways to target the local community specifically.
“It’s fun at the moment - I really enjoy having the gigs, having the comics, it’s like having your mates around.”
To follow Poppys and all its comedy action, follow @poppys.comedy on Instagram.