A bold new sketch series is trailblazing a new path, taking good old Kiwi DIY to the next level.
In a world where one simply must wear a turtleneck, Colonel Sanders is a super-jacked murderous brute and cats give impassioned speeches to their needy owners about self-worth, their lives... the Fuq Boiz.
The Fuq Boiz are the uniquely refreshing comedy duo of Ryan Richards and Hamish Parkinson - New Zealand television’s most reliable ‘funny guy in a bit part’ actors. But what if those bit parts could be really big parts? Like, ‘front a whole sketch series’ big? Well good news, it’s about to launch.
Loosely based on the duo’s cult-hit live shows; Fuq Boiz, Fuq Boiz Resurrection and Fuq Boiz Forever, FUQ BOIZ takes relatable social pressures and crippling anxieties to their illogical extremes.
“We loved the idea of turning the live shows into a series, but we were also aware that a niche comedy called Fuq Boiz might struggle to get local funding,” says Ryan. “Flight of the Conchords struggled to get local funding, and those guys are legends. Crazy idea - what if we just made it ourselves, just made it happen?”
Ryan’s wife, Matai’a Sarah Richards, joined the duo to produce the project under her production company, One-Legged Seagull.
“Ryan and Hamish are no-holds-barred performers who truly know how to commit to the bit. The scripts were original and most importantly funny, so it was an easy yes. We pulled a lot of favours, with some Boosted donor support for Post Production,” says Sarah.
The team roped in their mate Laura Daniel (Funny Girls, Jono and Ben, Seven Sharp) as the director, and most sketches were filmed at Ryan and Sarah’s home in Ponsonby.
“Laura really brought the scripts to life, taking gags to the next level and getting the best performances out of people. We’re stoked we managed to get her before she starts work on her own comedy series, The Sanctuary,” says Ryan.
They also rallied the support of the local comedy and acting community, with appearances from David Correos, Abby Howells, Brynley Stent, Mike Edward and more.
“People not only loved the scripts but were excited by our unconventional approach to making this thing happen. Everyone that worked on the project really got it and like us, were obsessive perfectionists,” says Ryan.
The result is what the team says is New Zealand’s answer to I Think You Should Leave, Aunty Donna or Key & Peele, all with a distinctly New Zealand twist.
“Some of the sketches are quite epic, almost like short films, and definitely push the boundaries of what comedy can be in this country,” says Hamish.
The project has begun attracting an international audience already, in part thanks to Hamish’s appearances on the popular NZ YouTube channel Viva La Dirt League.
“Our second largest audience base is in America, so we’re hoping that by releasing the series on YouTube, we’ll reach more pockets around the world that are into this kind of batshit comedy.”
FUQ BOIZ starts on YouTube at 10 am on Thursday 16 January, with a new sketch every week. YouTube.com/@fuqboiz
Social links:
Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/@fuqboiz
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fuqboizcomedy
Fuq Boiz Website: www.fuqboiz.com
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