Brisbane Powerhouse, Fortitude Music Hall and The Tivoli will come alive with laughs this April-May when Brisbane Comedy Festival unleashes its biggest programme to date.
More than 100 notorious international acts, repeat offenders and homegrown heroes will have audiences LOLing in the aisles across more than 350 shows. Comedians like Malaysia's favourite doctor turned funnyman Jason Leong, Irish comedy crooner David O'Doherty and brand-new stuff from stand-up/podcast host Gareth Reynolds.
Aussie names like Wil Anderson, Dave Hughes and Harley Breen will be in the spotlight too – plus, Australia's favourite comedic import Ross Noble.
“After a two-year COVID-induced hiatus, we are thrilled to kick-off the comedy comeback with top international acts at Brisbane Comedy Festival, taking to the stage with popular household names and emerging comedic talent,” Brisbane Comedy Festival Director Phoebe Meredith says.
“Brisbane audiences are always up for a laugh and this year’s stacked programme of everything from stand-up to improv to sketch comedy is guaranteed to bring the LOLs as well as introduce plenty of firsts: Festival first-timers, our first-ever musical and a First Nations-focused week.”
A freshly-picked assortment of Australia's best comedians will take to the Fortitude Music Hall stage for the Opening Gala, hosted by Nick Cody.
After a sell-out Sydney season, 'Schapelle, Schapelle – The Musical' makes its Brisbane Comedy Festival debut at Brisbane Powerhouse, relaying a fast-paced take on Australia's weakness for media sensationalism as seen through the life and times of Schapelle Corby.
New in 2022 is a focus on First Nations comedians. Well-known and upcoming Indigenous comics including Sean Choolburra, Kevin Kropinyeri, Andy Saunders and Steph Tisdell will perform as the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars at Brisbane Powerhouse – as well as a slew of solo and ensemble shows.
On 28 May, a star-studded and diverse line-up is presented in the Multicultural Comedy Gala, before 'Queerstories' on the last day of the festival, 29 May.
“Brisbane Comedy Festival has become one of our city’s most highly-regarded and anticipated events,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says.
“By attending we can support artists who have done it tough during the pandemic while generating positive economic benefits for our local creative and hospitality industries.
“Following a disruptive past two years, I know the festival’s homegrown and international comedians will be armed with plenty of new material for residents and visitors come May.”
Check out the full programme here.
Brisbane Comedy Festival is on from 29 April-29 May at Brisbane Powerhouse, Fortitude Music Hall and The Tivoli.
