We're officially in the Christmas countdown so we thought we would help you out with the a quick Countdown of our 10 most popular Christmas entertainment products

10. A Visit from Santa

Whether as a surprise pop in, a guest at staff drinks or a to make your Secret Santa super special the big guy is welcome wherever he goes.

9. The Bus Mingle

If you are providing transport for your Christmas function you need a couple of Improvising comedians to make it fun! Whether it's fun and games on the bus, bogus tour commentary, passenger wrangling or comedy mingling make sure you make the getting there part of the party

8. The Amusing Race

This is our own specially built humorous tribute to that wonder that was The Amazing Race. Part race, part treasure hunt, part quiz we custom make it to suit your team and send you comedians to host it.

Oh and if you are a reality show fan ask about our tributes to Survivor, Masterchef and others

7. Characters!

Whether traditional Christmas Characters or tailored to match your party theme our characters add a special sparkle to any function. They break the ice, make you laugh and bring any theme to life.

6. The Improv Workshop

A super fun start to any Christmas celebration what could be better than laughing at your workmates. This is a great option for smaller groups and it although at Christmas we are all about fun the Improv Workshop has a serious side that will keep the boss happy too. You can read more here.

5. MCs

If your Christmas work function has a serious purpose attached like recognising staff, celebrating success or delivering a message you need an MC to keep everything on track. We can do serious messages as ourselves or as Comedy Characters to make sure you your Christmas party still feels like a party!

4. The Mingle Show

As the name suggests this is a hybrid product. A cross between our Character Mingle and our Improv Comedy Show. A relative newcomer it's raced into number 4 based on popularity. You get a shorter character mingle combined with a mini Show. It is perfect for more casual functions, if you aren't having a full meal, or for cocktail parties. Great for rewarding staff or impressing clients.

3. Murder Mystery

Tailored to any theme and any group size the Murder Mystery has been one of our most popular products for more than 25 years. It's a full evening's entertainment that wraps really well around a meal.

2. The Gameshow

This works so well for groups of any size and people love it so much it couldn't be anywhere else but in the number two spot. It is an interactive, all in, team on team comedy competition that combines quiz and other activities and challenges to create a wonderful Christmas celebration for your work.

Read more here.

And finally, in the number one spot, how could it be anything but.....

1. The Improv Comedy Show

Beloved at parties everywhere, any time of year the Improv Comedy Show works hard at any Christmas party making memorable moments about and for your people

For Christmas party that folks will still be talking about well in to 2018 you need...

Our client asked us to come up with a way to kick start their conference day in a positive way that would get everyone off their seats and immediately working with each other. The hope was to create a pathway for more meaningful interaction during the conference proper. Because of the date their theme was 'May the Fourth Be With You'.

We took that that theme and ran with it! We designed a super fun activity that got participants engaged, excited and creative. The activity was facilitated by two of our Improvisors playing Star Wars characters. They injected life and energy, made everyone laugh and helped out with any technology or story issues.

Participants were mixed up into teams and challenged to create and film a scene for an upcoming (fictional) Star Wars movie. Each team was given a pack with their team roles and instructions for the scene they had to create. There was a bag of recycling and recyclables available for them to make props and costumes and a VERY tight deadline.

It was a gorgeous day in Wellington and teams spread out along the sunny waterfront to do their filming. We were so impressed with the enthusiasm with which they tackled the challenge. They were having huge amounts of fun, whilst communicating with each other, making fast decisions, managing their resources and coming up with creative, out of the box solutions.

They uploaded their scenes and our video editor went to work. In a record breaking 4 and 1/2 hours he edited their scenes together to create a trailer for their very own Star Wars style movie.

The day started with a fun, energising, creative team builder, was filled with high quality work and ended with participants getting to giggle as they watched themselves being stars of the screen.

This team builder would work for any size group and with any theme. It was huge amounts of fun for everyone involved but more importantly it was effective in achieving our client's aims.

After 27 years some gigs stand out from others. Like meeting the clients having pre-flight supper at the Auckland International airport. We were introduced as their pilots who would be flying them up to Noumea that evening. The pleasure of watching the growing concern as I constantly took pills washing them down with quickly snatched beers to counter the “demons”. I love those long burning jokes.

The other day was a gig without beers or drugs, without even playing a character that I know will remain memorable. It was Saturday morning. 80 Religious Sisters gathered to celebrate their Order’s 150 years; The Improvisors were there to launch their weekend and facilitate and perform the re-telling of their shared history.

I was taught by Nuns; my aunt was a Sister of this particular order; to me they weren’t a mystery. They were ordinary women inspired to good work, faithful women who had lived from girl to woman in Community, dedicated to making relevant the teachings of their church. For my colleague, Anna Kennedy, however, they lived in a strange and different culture.

We took their stories – of young women breaking their news to their fathers that they were going to join the convent, or of the confession of minor rule infractions or of their struggle with the frustration of trying to educate politicians of the needs of the new migrant refugees they worked with – and represented them right there in improvised scenes. They laughed, the hall was filled with the laughter of recognition that we were performing their stories, and their history in a unique and immediate way. Here was a performance which thrived on the energy generated when neither the audience nor the performers knew what was going to happen

Our success came from creatively listening, facilitating a place where they could freely share their memories and insight into their Mission and Vision even empowering the audience to seek revenge on the misogynist Irish Bishops of their Orders Australian past. What made this memorable to the hundreds of other improv sets I’d performed was that this was so personal for these women. It was about their entire life and all they lived and believed in.

The feedback at the end of the weekend was that this had set them up for the entire weekend. They were on the same page from this session, and I feel proud that we had help set the tone for their weekend which wasn’t about politics or planning, it was simply about being together and celebrating who they are. Anna and I had managed to clearly and strikingly portray what they shared in common.

From the Sisters of St Joseph we received a simple message - “I never knew you could get so tired from laughing”

Some days it is a pleasure going to work.

Our Gameshow is one of our most popular products but we've really struggled to come up with the right name for it. If you've been to one and have an idea for a better name for it we would love to hear your suggestions in the comments!

So what is it? It's a team on team competition. It's a bit like we've taken the tasks from every gameshow you've ever heard of and mixed them together. But instead of watching others do it you get to do yourselves - with the help of your team.

Our work starts a couple of weeks before your event when we develop the resources for your Gameshow. We have some tried and true activities we use but we adapt them to your theme. Often writing brand spanking new versions for you. We prepare more than we could ever use because until we meet you we can't tell what kind of things you will enjoy. In broad categories we prepare quizzes, things to make, things to create, physical challenges, silly things and some harder analytical challenges. Once we get working with you we quickly discover what makes you laugh, what things your people enjoy and so we are able to select which activities will make sure that you have a really great night. We're Improvisors - no two Gameshows will ever be the same!

On the night of your event two talented Improvisors will arrive 30 minutes before your Gameshow is due to begin. They use this time to prepare, set up and to start observing your group.

There are two main options for your Gameshow. Either to have it as a fast and furious hour and a halfish of entertainment with no breaks or to weave it around your dinner or lunch over a more leisurely 2-3 hours.

Some of the things you create, we will ask you to share with the group while we judge them. Our judging is pretty arbitrary so while most groups like to provide prizes for the winning team we ask that these are symbolic rather than valuable so that there isn't any complaint from the competitors!

It's perfect for a group who likes to get up and do rather than sit and watch, those who enjoy a little healthy competition with their comedy.

It also works really well as a fun team builder. Your people are forced to use each others skills and strengths to gain maximum points. They have to collaborate, working together to complete tasks. They learn a lot about each other, even if they have just met - all while laughing.

Our flag ship, our pride and joy, our tried and true it's...

The Improv Comedy Show

There is nothing we love more than doing an Improv Comedy Show for you. Why? Because it always works, is always funny and there is no one else who can do it quite like we can.

How does it work?

Before your show we gather information from you. We have simple briefing forms for you to fill in and we have a chat with you about your workplace, your people and the purpose of your event.

On the day of your show our experienced, talented comedians arrive at the venue of your choice. They just need to be introduced and will take it from there! The show lasts for approximately 45 minutes and is made up of about 5 short skits or scenes. The format is in the style of "Theatresports" or "Whose Line is it Anyway". Each scene includes suggestions that we get you to call out and the information that we got from you beforehand.

What makes it so funny?

It's a combination of you enjoying our struggle to make your suggestions work and us poking a little fun at your people, your industry and your workplace.

Do you get people up on stage?

Yep, sometimes we do.

Do I have to get on stage?

Not if you don't want to. Usually this is the most fun part of the show. We only pick on people who want to come up and play and we make it really safe and fun for them.

Do you have to know anything about Improv Comedy?

Not at all. We make sure that our shows are suitable for everyone. We understand that we are working in a corporate environment, with people who have a range of tastes and so we adapt the shows to suit. They always appropriate, we don't swear or make sexist or racist other inappropriate remarks. Best of all our performers are experts at reading a room and delivering what your people find funny.

Do we need a theatre? Or a big stage set up?

Another great thing about The Improv Comedy Show is that we can perform it almost anywhere. It's important that people can comfortably see and hear us easily but beyond that the sky is the limit. For most groups this simply means that everybody has a chair and we have a small space at the front of the room where everyone can see us. For groups of over 100 people we need microphones and depending on the venue you might like to consider using a small stage and some lighting to make sure people can see us ok.

What if I need a big show?

We have a deluxe option that includes four Improvisors and a Musician. Or how about a having a Theatresports type competition or one of our entirely made up full length plays?

We're just a small group - will it still work?

Of course! We've had lots of fun with audiences as small as 11.

Still have a question? Ask in the comments below and we will add it to the article.

The heart of most team building activities is putting people a vulnerable situation with only each other to rely on, until they triumph, learning more about each other and themselves along the way. This is the essence of outward bound, army bootcamp type team builders and they work great. However if you have a mix of ages and physical abilities and weather you can't depend on then this kind of team builder can be more demoralising than motivating.

An Improv Comedy Workshop is the inside, all abilities answer. It is a very low risk, out of comfort zone activity.

Your people will learn that the key to success is collaborating. Their communication skills will be enhanced, listening and responding appropriately in the moment. They will gain confidence talking or presenting in front of a group. They will learn more about their team mates and themselves. And they will learn while laughing, while relaxing and enjoying the company and appreciating the diverse personalities of their work mates.

The goal is never to turn your people into comedians but to share those skills that make us successful performers to

boost the performance of your team.

Okay, so it's only July but now is the time to start planning your Christmas office party or holiday work function. Over the past 25 years we've been to hundreds of work Christmas parties in Wellington and all over New Zealand and now we're happy to share what we've learned with you.

1. Pick the perfect venue

The venue should match the size, scale and formality of your function. It should be easy for everyone to get to, have great food and drink and comfortably fit your group size. A little indoor outdoor flow can enhance daytime functions and make the most of a hot summers night.

2. Have a theme

If you have the kind of workplace where everyone likes to dress up and get involved at Christmas then go for a flamboyant, interactive theme. But even if you're workplace is a little more staid and formal a theme which runs through the venue, decorations and entertainment can perfectly tie the whole evening together. If you are low on inspiration ask us. We can tell you the most popular themes or create one just for you.

3. Plan entertainment

Dave from accounts tells an awesome joke and your rendition of "Hello" after a few wines is a sure fire winner but there are some real benefits in having some pre-planned entertainment. One is that everyone is served by it. Those team members who struggle socially still can have great night. It differentiates the night from usual work drinks and makes it special. And it helps you with your host responsibility. Functions that use The Improvisors report a much lower alcohol spend and fewer problems associated with excess alcohol consumption. People are having fun without drinking.

4. Know the function of your function

Most employees expect to have some sort of Christmas celebration - it's tradition. But your planning becomes much easier if you are clear about what you want your function to do. Are you celebrating success? Recapping the year? Do you want people to network? Is it about relaxing and unwinding? Does it link to your organisations culture and values?

5. Plan early

Popular venues, caterers and entertainment do book up quickly on key weekends. Getting on to your planning when Christmas still feels a million miles away can ensure you get what you want.

6. Prioritise the people

For most party planners budget is a big consideration and compromises will need to be made. Make sure the compromises are in areas that don't directly affect what's important to your people.

7. Host responsibility

For the good of your people and the reputation of your business you need to look after your people with alcohol. As mentioned having planned entertainment is a good start, serving food and planning how your people will get home helps.

8. Ban stress

Christmas time is stressful enough without letting what should be a a fun experience add more stress. Choose providers that go the extra mile. The Improvisors will handle every aspect of the entertainment on the night and if there is a problem we make sure it is never your problem.

9. Don't spend on trends

While a Pokemon Go party or a full Paleo Experience sound like fun on-trend ideas, chances are they will marginalise most of your folks, cost more than you need to spend and be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Plus you can guarantee that todays trend will last until Christmas.

10. Hire us!

The Improvisors have been providing the perfect party entertainment for more than 25 years. We can design and deliver entertainment that if fits you, your people and your budget like a glove. We are committed to making the experience as easy as possible for you. Be known as an extraordinary event organiser at your work. Whether in Wellington, New Zealand or farther afield, we come to where you need us.