Brisbane Comedy Festival is well underway, and the laughs are coming in by the bucketload.
Festival favourites and fresh faces – more than 130 in fact – have been hitting stages at Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli, The Princess Theatre, and The Fortitude Music Hall.
“Comedians are our commentators. They are observers of our world and pull out what they think is interesting, stretching our perception on a huge range of topics. There is something for everyone in this festival,” Festival Director Phoebe Meredith says.
There are two weekends left of the LOLs, and a tonne of acts still to see. In fact, there's been so much success surrounding the festival, that shows have been added to meet demand.
Comedians who are either still playing at Brisbane Comedy Festival, or are yet to play, include the likes of Prue Blake, Lawrence Mooney, Jake Howie, Emma Holland, Nat's What I Reckon, Lloyd Langford, Lizzy Hoo, Dave Hughes, Nikki Osborne, and Geraldine Hickey.
Festival organisers are pleased with the audience thus far in 2024. . . And they're encouraging comedy lovers to get out there and support up-and-comers – after all, the comedians filling up big theatres and arenas had to start somewhere, too!
“We have had a wonderful festival so far, and with two weekends to go, there is still time to get in and see some amazing shows,” Phoebe Meredith says.
“I really encourage people to get around our emerging artists in the smaller rooms, some of them have seen great success at Melbourne International Comedy Festival and this is your chance to see world-class comedy in your own town. Ticket prices are really accessible, and make for a night out that's in budget.”
Stuck for ideas with so much on offer?
Maybe you're up for an intergalactic adventure starring a universe of quirky characters? Stuart Daulman's 'Into The Galaxy' might be for you. Maybe the Burton Brothers, making their Brisbane debut with a show worthy of a Vegas residency. . . Or an intimate evening with Frankie McNair's alter ego Tabitha Booth.
Earning acclaim at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2023 is Hannah Camilleri. Her show 'Lolly Bag' contains sketches which have matured from travelling, and are now great for your health.
The apocalyptic rom-com '44 Sex Acts In One Week' is taking over Brisbane Powerhouse as four actors go down on their microphones, mangos and melons. . . Read more in our story here.
Did somebody ask for drag cabaret? Geraldine Quinn's 'Broad' happens to be just that. It's her first Queensland show in more than ten years, and is perfect for you, whether you want to unlock the Auntie Mame inside you or if (like Quinn) your knees aren't working anymore.
The beat goes on in 'Stud', from Melbourne-based musical comedian Aiden Willcox – it's a musical comedy with songs, jokes, and a good vibe.
For fans of storytelling and tales of pride, prejudice, resilience and resistance, 'Queerstories' brings together a line-up including Nancy Denis, Cheryl Leavy, and Bizzi Lavelle in a night of celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The storytelling continues with Anthony Locascio's 'Pappou' – where Anthony will determine whether he's carrying on his grandfather's legacy by chasing his dream of being a stand-up comedian. . . Or if he should've just become a doctor like Pappou always wanted.
Art lovers – look no further. Sam Kissajukian's Museum Of Modernia could be described as a stand-up comedian building an art museum, or an art museum collapsing on a comedian. A free exhibition of his paintings will be showcase in Brisbane Powerhouse's Underground Foyer.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Golden Gibbo Award nominee Andy Balloch is wondering 'Am I The Drama?' in this roller coaster ride through the mind of this 'unhinged homosexual'. You'll meet some interesting characters and experience mad capped mayhem.
In Alexandra Hudson's debut show 'Making Lemonade', she explores her experiences as a disabled woman – with the mindset that if she's considered one of life's 'lemons', she's going to use it to make lemonade. Read our chat with her here.
So you see – there's plenty to see and do before Brisbane Comedy Festival comes to a close for another year. . . Whether you're into the heavy hitters, or want to support fresh talent. . . Or both! Tickets are flying out the door, so don't miss out!
Brisbane Comedy Festival is on until 26 May.
