Lesa MacLeod-Whiting

Lesa is an award-winning comedian, writer, and improviser from Wellington. She began stand-up in 2020, quickly making her mark at the National Raw Comedy Quest Final. Co-founder of the improv company Tiny Dog, Lesa debuted her solo show ON-BRAND at the 2023 NZ International Comedy Festival, earning a nomination for Best Newcomer. She is the co-host of the award-winning Are We Pals? podcast with Samantha Hannah and made her debut at the Best Foods Comedy Gala in Wellington. Audiences love her absurd characters, political satire, and fast-paced audience interactions. Lesa is a 2025 Billy T Award nominee and has won several accolades: