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Right from primary school, Mike knew he was a funny guy. After leaving school he started an apprenticeship as a chef and while working for one of New Zealand's first licensed restaurant chains, he saw Billy T James perform - a performer who provided him with a huge source of inspiration.
At 19 Mike joined the Merchant Navy, travelling the world, but still harbouring a desire to be a comedian and in 1994 a broken leg changed everything. At the time, he was working as a chef on a Cook Strait ferry. While recovering from his injury, he went to a comedy club and saw some "amazing" talent. Returning there again and again over the next six weeks, he reassessed his opinion of the performers. He bet the barman $400 if he got no laughs, he did a six minute stint on stage and received a standing ovation from the audience.
However, there is much more to Mike King than just straight comedy, as anyone who has been to see Mike on his most recent national tours could attest to. He doesn't pussy foot around tender issues, he just gets stuck in. Mike's 1999 tour of New Zealand "Welcome to King Country" humorously addressed Maori/Pakeha issues in New Zealand's history, with the assistance of his trusty sidekick Radar (of Ngati Pakeha descent).
Mike’s television appearances include Comedy Central, Game of Two Halves, Strassman, TV Bloopers and Practical Jokes, Pulp Comedy, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and most recently his own show - the Mike King Tonight Show. Based on the style of David Lettermen's show, Mike introduced a successful tonight show format into New Zealand - something that has been attempted several times before without success. The Mike King Tonight Show however held its ground, gaining great reviews and going from strength to strength each week.
Mike has already completed three national tours of New Zealand. 2003 was an especially busy year with the "Mike King National Pride Tour", the debut of the first "Mike King Tonight" series, plus regular shows - Game of Two Halves, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and Commercial Chaos. Since being voted Comedian of the Year by Metro Magazine in both 1997 and 1999, he has been invited to perform at the prestigious Melbourne and Montreal comedy festivals and has also performed in London and Amsterdam. Awarded the people's choice awards - 2001, 2002, 2003 "Metro Magazine Best Comedian" and 2003 "NZ Entertainment Awards, Best NZ Comedian".
In 2004 Mike represented New Zealand at the World Comedy Cup in Melbourne and also toured his "Return of the King" show (as part of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival) - a two hour blisteringly irreverent exposé of the country's changing attitudes and behaviour.
No stone left uncovered, no culture left unbruised, Mike is hard, funny, astute, sharp and unforgiving. His material is hard hitting and side splitting and when he’s around no one is safe from his humour.
Mike is undoubtedly one of NZ's best known stand-up comedians, after dinner entertainers and MC and a recent change in life focus and a new polished style makes Mike the perfect blend for both corporate and business audiences
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Testimonials
"Despite our reservations which were expressed prior to the evening, Mike did a brilliant job as MC! I received many positive comments about him on the evening and, have no hesitation in recommending him as a speaker/entertainer. He was a gentleman to deal with and I made absolute certain that I had a photo with him!
Roshni Prasad, Executive PA
"We would like to express the pleasure of having engaged Mike King as the guest speaker for the Southland 'Tradequal08' trades graduation evening.
His entertainment and personality factors were the draw card to consider him as the 2008 speaker but we were aware that some content and language used by Mike in public performances would not necessarily be acceptable to our audience or sponsors so we had some reservations which we expressed prior to the engagement.
There is no question of him having been a hit and living up to any high expectations and requests that we had placed on him. We found Mike to be extremely professional in his preparation and understanding of the event and in the delivery of his role. He could be described as a gentleman to deal with and in the way he interacted with the audience before, during and after his presentation.
Mike was approached by a number of people from all 'walks' wanting to meet and thank him for his inspiration and in all cases he gave his personal attention. We have had many positive comments about him and have great pleasure in recommending him as a speaker, entertainer.
It was a pleasure to have had him at our event."
Richard Hay, JP. C.E.O. - Chamber of Commerce Southland
"Very entertaining and social person with a great personality whilst maintaining professionalism. Was very impressed with his preparation which led to a successful outcome."
Packaging Council of NZ Ltd
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