Dr Jo Prendergast, comedian
Dr Jo started stand-up comedy in 2017 at the age of 48. She initially performed as Jo Ghastly, a stage persona, and now performs under her own name. Dr Jo was nominated for Breakthrough Comedian at the NZ Comedy Guild Awards 2020. She was short listed for the prestigious NZ Comedy Trust Billy T Award in September 2023 and 2025.
Her multi award-winning debut comedy show about parenting teenagers Jo Ghastly: The Cool Mum toured Australia and New Zealand 2020 to 2023 plus a full run at Gilded Balloon Edinburgh Fringe 2024. This show had many sold-out festival seasons, awards and multiple 5-star reviews. Content from this show is available as a corporate comedy set.
Dr Jo’s second solo show about her breast cancer treatment Cancer and Cartwheels has toured curated festivals in Australia and New Zealand with many sold out shows and 5-star reviews. This show is now available as a corporate keynote or comedy set.
Her latest show, Dr Jo Prendergast is #coping, has toured around South Island festivals in 2026 with sold out shows, great reviews and award nominations. It is now available as a corporate keynote or comedy set. Upcoming shows of #coping Hokitika 24 October and Christchurch 7 November.
Multi award-winning debut. Sold out Adelaide Fringe 2023, full houses at NZICF 2023, toured Melbourne Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe 2024.
Stand-up, skits and songs about Dr Jo’s victory over breast cancer, and her cartwheeling ability. Toured Adelaide and Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and NZ festivals 2025. See the conference keynote version.
Dr Jo’s third solo show, toured South Island festivals in 2026 with sold-out shows, strong reviews and award nominations. See the conference keynote version.
“A cracker of a show with an important message.”
“Will delight parents, teenagers and everyone in between.”
“Five stars for a lit show.”
“Masterfully blends humour with personal insight, leaving the audience both laughing and reflecting. A must-see.”
“Dr Jo is wonderful at audience interaction.”
“Dr Jo creates this really fun and engaging atmosphere.”
“She manages to pull it off with style.”
“Brings the house down with fits of laughter and escapism. The audience absolutely loved the experience.”
“Relatable, funny and a great night out for parents of teens, tweens and everything in between.”
Jo also works professionally as an actor on stage and screen.
She is represented by Kōtahi Actors Agency.
https://www.kotahiactors.nz/joanna-prendergast/cv/
