{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/637edd2f571c7c0011b83a32/678ec32d5dd9c67f172d07a6?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"The “Godfather” of NZ Comedy & Founder of The Classic Comedy Club - Scott Blanks","description":"<p>Scott Blanks has never got on stage to tell a joke in his life.&nbsp;But he has done more to nurture and develop comedians and the NZ comedy scene than anybody else.</p><p><br></p><p>Scott is a trained accountant who, in 1997, established NZs first comedy club- The Classic on Queen Street.</p><p>28 years later the Classic is still there and so is Scott.&nbsp;And both are thriving! </p><p><br></p><p>This is a small part of the incredible Scott Blanks story.</p><p><br></p><p>We talk the inception of The Classic, which in a previous life was an adult movie theatre.</p><p><br></p><p>Some deeply personal stories of love, loss, and resilience.&nbsp;Including the heartbreaking story of him and his wife Bridget’s daughter, Kate.</p><p><br></p><p>His first impressions on household names like Dai Henwood, Rose Matafeo, Guy Williams, Ursula Carlson and Rhys Darby. </p><p><br></p><p>Also, so many incredible lessons in here for aspiring comedians!&nbsp;Including how long it really takes to go from amateur to professional.&nbsp;And so much more.</p><p>Scott is a man who has devoted his life to promoting and championing others, so it was cool to have the opportunity to get to learn a bit about this great New Zealander who has done so much for so many.</p>","author_name":"Dom Harvey"}