The world's a disaster. It's time for the Darbyster to get back on stage

New Zealand comedy star Rhys Darby tells MARION MCMULLEN he is aiming to bring some cheer with his new tour

- MARION MCMULLEN

Why have you decided the time is right for a comedy tour?

The world needs it. It's a terrible disaster of a planet right now so I thought, hey, it might be time for the old Darbyster to get back on stage and entertain people.

Humanity going to watch humans laugh instead of relying on their AI (artificial intelligence) devices.

You've done everything from Flight Of The Conchords to Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle. What do you get recognised for most?

For young people all I have to say is 'Welcome to Jumanji' and anyone who is 12 to 17 really loves that. I do a plethora of different jobs. I do a lot of voice work.

The younger generations know my voice well and the older folks know me from comedy shows.

I am spreading myself out there. I'm not just a one-trick pony. This voice is fun for everybody. It's good. I've even got soft toy made of me for voicing Roger Rogers on Monsters At Work. That's sitting on my son's bed and he hugs it when I go away.

What do your two boys think of your day job?

They are used to me going away and doing things and then appearing on cartoons and TV shows.

My eldest is 15 now and it was only last year that he actually got into Flight Of The Conchords for the first time and instantly declared it was his favourite show, so he's got my sense of humour.