I Didn't Invite You Here to Lecture Me - Auckland

The makers of 2024 NZ Int’l Comedy Fest hit H.R. The Musical return for the 2025 Festival for three nights with their solo verbatim comedy set in a lecture theatre, where “outrageously funny” Mika Austin takes you back to the classroom for a quick-fire education, word for word.

Seven years of verbatim quotes from 7,000 pages of university notes are gleefully stitched together in this solo show following eight characters across multiple subjects. From linguistics to education to law and policy, this merciless examination of lecturers and back-row bandits is guaranteed to get you a degree in 60 minutes.

The show premiered in seven living rooms and a bookshop in Auckland Fringe, and toured to Melbourne direct from a sold-out season at Auckland’s Basement Theatre. It has since been staged at Dunedin Arts Festival, The University of Auckland Business School, the prestigious Northern Club, a warehouse, and even a church.

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“I laughed so hard my ribs hurt" - Audience member

"Superb" - Theatreview

"Phenomenal" - Theatrescenes

"Austin's performance is razor sharp" - Flat City Field Notes


Written by Amy Mansfield

Performed by Mika Austin

This season directed by Michael Hurst

Artwork by Leith Macfarlane

Photography by Michelle McLennan

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