Farm Source Opotiki puts on comedy show for farmers
Module Overview
What do you get when you cross a comedy show with a whole lot of farmers? A fun night off the farm, community connection and not a dry eye in the house.
The comedy show was organised and funded by Farm Source Opotiki for its clients, with support from Farmstrong and the Rural Support trust.
It was held on 9 May at the 100-year-old Opotiki De Luxe Theatre and was a hit with the locals who attended.
Farm Source Opotiki branch manager Grant Kinnaird says he wanted to put the show on for his clients to support them and give them an opportunity to take a break from work, socialise and have an entertaining night out.
“Farming can be tough, it’s 365 days a year. People may seem good on the surface, but you don’t always know what’s going on underneath,” Grant says.
“So, it was great to see everybody having a great time and a good laugh. It was a very enjoyable evening.”
The show featured four professional comedians from the Laugh Club; Tarun Mohanbhai, El Jaguar, Sera Devcich and Tevita Manukia.
He says the feedback from punters was fantastic.
“Everybody had a good laugh and they got off the farm and had fun.”
Support from Farmstrong
Grant says he received excellent support from Farmstrong to help put the show on and it was great to partner with them.
He used the Farmstrong Rural Comedy Night Shows – A Community Toolkit for tips and advice, and Farmstrong provided free resources for farmers to take home on the night.
Grant recommends other organisations or businesses have a go at organising a comedy night for their local community.
“It’s so great for the community and it’s all worth it when you see everybody having such a good time.
“It was also great for the local theatre to have something on and be able to support them. The theatre staff were amazing, and we want the theatre to keep running and keep having events for the community to enjoy.”
Time off farm essential
Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust regional coordinator Jodie Craig went to the show and gave a brief talk of behalf of the trust and Farmstrong.
She says it was an excellent night out.
“The food was to die for and El Jaguar, in particular, had everyone in fits of laughter.”
She says community connection is really important, particularly in rural areas.
“It’s one of the keys to wellbeing and it was great for everyone to get off the farm for an event that wasn’t about farming and was something completely different.”
She says farmers and growers are facing a lot of different financial pressures at the moment.
“Scheduling time off is really important, even if it’s just a short break, playing sport or a night out. It helps you feel better and function better.”
Jodie says it was great to be able to support the event.
“It takes a team with everybody involved to make a great night come together. It was a win-win for everybody involved.”
If you’d like support putting on a comedy show for your local community, please email Farmstrong at info@farmstrong.co.nz
