The comedy festival circuit in Australia is like a right of passage for up and coming and established comedians alike. The circuit takes in all states and each year it’s a chance to check out the latest and greatest in funny acts from around the country and the world. The Brisbane Comedy Festival is fast becoming a favourite destination on the circuit as the festival grows and grows every year. This year, in it’s sweet 16th edition, the festival feels like it’s coming of age.
From the 23rd of April till the 25th of May, the laughs will take over the Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli, Fortitude Music Hall and The Princess Theatre. That’s a mammoth 5 weeks, 4 venues and over 135 acts!
So, where do you start?
Simple! Just head to the main website and search for the sort of comedy you love. Family? Musical? Podcast? Improv? There’s a bit of everything at the festival this year and you can search any of those genres.
Want to know the highlights? Well, here are some picks that you should definitely look out for.
First and foremost, make sure you seek out the best local talent Brisbane has to offer with. The legendary Matt Okine, Ben Hunter and former Rockhampton local, Anisa Nandaula leading the way.
Then there are the great group shows. Granny Bingo, making it’s way from Melbourne is a sure-fire way to laugh at old people without remorse because they’re the nastiest nannas out there. The Aboriginal Comedy Allstars return with the funniest First Nations fun there is. Sh!t-faced Shakespeare seems like the perfect way to kick-off any night and do you want to see a bunch of scientists trying to be funny I know I do, check out Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition!
When it comes to the best of the best Australian comedians, you cannot miss the return of Becky Lucas, a new mum with a new show, plus her other half (in comedy only), Cameron James with his musical show, ‘Broken Records will also be in town. Local legends on the comedy scene like Chris Ryan, Dan Rath and Luke Heggie are also coming along. Lizzy Hoo is a must-see and of there’s stalwarts of the scene like Claire Hooper, Jimeoin, Bob Downe and Geraldine Hickey.
Do you love Aunty Donna? Well, bad luck cause they’re not here this year, but never fear, two of them are here! You can’t miss the new solo show from Broden Kelly, who is sure to cover some AFL funnies, plus Zachary Ruane teams up with film buff extraordinaire, Alexei Toliopoulos, for what is sure to be off-the-hook movie madness.
Speaking of duos, you’ll also want to catch award-winning identical twin duo The Stevenson Experience as well as Pat & Faye Shortt and the crowd participation of Shad Wicka and Peter James.
There’s more improv with Theatresports Grand Championships Twenty Year Anniversary edition as well as the Thank God You’re Queer show with some of Brisbane’s finest LGBTQI+ improvisers.
You’ve after some international superstars? Well they’re here too. Rhys Darby pops over the ditch, Sara Pascoe returns to our shores, Danny Bhoy and his great Scottish accent are back, plus Arj Barker promises not to make headlines this year, just return with his classic stand-up show. Ross Noble is back of course and don’t forget the wittiest wit there is, Mark Watson.
There is literally something for every funny bone and if you think you don’t like comedy, I dare you to say that after a selection of these shows.
Tickets for shows are on-sale now, but get in quick, many will sell out!
