HAMILTON (Azat TV) – Acclaimed British comedian and actor Alan Davies kicked off his highly anticipated “Think Ahead” tour of New Zealand with an opening night performance at the BNZ Theatre in Hamilton. The July 31, 2026 show marks Davies’ first stand-up tour in the country in a decade, presenting a 90-minute set that balances personal reflection, physical comedy, and advocacy.
According to a review by Cate Prestidge for the New Zealand Herald, the 60-year-old QI star delivered a fulsome, engaging performance despite admitting to some opening-night rustiness. The show, presented by Live Nation, leaned heavily on the theme of aging, with Davies interacting directly with the Hamilton audience to establish local demographics and joke about his own physical and cognitive experiences of growing older.
The evening began with an opening set by a local New Zealand comedian, known for appearances on 7 Days and Taskmaster NZ, who prepared the crowd with a 15-minute routine focusing on his own travel experiences and community group observations.
When Davies took the stage, he utilized the large venue to showcase his trademark physical comedy and storytelling. His routine covered topics ranging from family life and medical procedures to nostalgic television references and a physical bit involving an e-scooter. The NZ Herald review noted that while Davies occasionally consulted discreet prompts on stage, his delivery remained highly relatable and effective.
Beyond the comedic elements, the performance touched on more serious themes. Davies referenced his 2020 memoir, Just Ignore Him, and his ongoing advocacy for male survivors of sexual abuse, a topic that affects one in six men. While not lingering excessively on his personal trauma, the inclusion of the subject provided a poignant and important shift in tone that was well-received by the audience.
The “Think Ahead” tour continues nationwide across New Zealand throughout July and August 2026. Official ticketing and schedule details are managed by Live Nation.