Paddy Gower’s live show, This is the F#$%ing News, brought an evening of humour and laughs to the SkyCity Theatre, Auckland, on November 29. Gower, one of New Zealand’s most famous journalists and comedians, delivered a performance that blended sharp comedy with storytelling, entertaining and inspiring the audience.

The show was centred around four key lessons, each representing moments from his career and life. These went from light-hearted anecdotes to reflections, showing his different take on traditional journalism.
One highlight was his reenactment of the viral moment that skyrocketed him to meme status, “This is a library; this is the F#$%ing News.” Watching Gower create this iconic scene, slowly adding piece by piece, hyping up the audience live, brought laughter and laughs.
Gower also shared a trove of stories from his journalistic adventures. These included his memorable encounter with Donald Trump, who amusingly veered off-topic to discuss Kiwi golf legend Sir Bob Charles. Another story featured a night of smoking and drinks with Winston Peters, offering a comedic glimpse into the world of political journalism.

While humour was the dominant theme throughout the night, the show also tackled deeper issues. Gower used his platform to shed light on one of our largest societal challenges: mental health today. His raw discussions struck a chord with the audience, reinforcing his reputation as both an entertainer and an supporter for meaningful change.
In summary, This is the F#$%ing News produced a rollercoaster of emotions. From moments of laughing to provoking commentary, Paddy Gower proved himself a dynamic and compelling performer. Whether you came for the laughs or the lessons, this show was an unforgettable night.
A big thank you to the team for sponsoring our tickets to this magical experience!
Discover more from Youth Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

