British comics have been celebrating the end of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, following a string of sell-out gigs.

Stand-ups, from left, Barry Castagnola, Danny Bhoy, Ian Stone, Stephen K Amos and Stewart Lee wrapped up their triumphant season with a pirate-themed party at Auckland’s Classic venue.

Producer Scott Blanks said: “It has been another big year. Leading the charge was Danny Bhoy with a huge sell-out North Island tour and an extended season in Auckland.

“And Stewart Lee had the time of his life with a 13-night sell out season at The Classic and Kiwi audiences responded warmly to his show.  His only problem punter was a fellow Brit who felt the need to supplement Lee’s measured delivery with his own one liners.”

Lee- also pictured above as a pirate with an impractical two eyepatches - is now touring New Zealand, headlining a Comedy Convoy show.

Other comics who performed at the festival included Phil Nichol, Kitty Flanagan, Jimeoin and Jeff Green.

The next British comic to head to New Zealand will be Pub Landlord Al Murray, performing a short run of gigs to coincide with the last two weeks of the Lions rugby tour.

He arrives in Queenstown on June 2, with gigs scheduled for Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland prior to the tests.