With a program championing the finest local and national stand-up talents alongside internationally acclaimed comedy giants and rising stars, the 2024 Perth Comedy Festival offers over 65 hilarious shows.
From the historic stage of Subiaco’s Regal Theatre to the art deco delight that is Mount Lawley’s Astor Theatre and comedy hub of Northbridge’s Rechabite, immerse yourself in the hilarity from 22 April to 19 May 2024.
The international cohort includes the likes of Adam Kay (UK), Chan Lok Tim (HK), Connor Burns (SCO), David O’Doherty (IRE), Ed Byrne (IRE), Fern Brady (SCO), Guy Montgomery (NZ), Helen Bauer (UK), Jason Leong (MYS), Josh Pugh (UK), Kumar (SGP), Lloyd Langford (WEL), Melanie Bracewell (NZ), NEMR (USA/LBN), Olga Koch (RUS, UK), Schalk Bezuidenhout (RSA), Stephen K Amos (UK), the guys behind The Dollop; Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds (US) and Vivek Mahbubani (HK).
The local line-up sees popular radio and TV personalities and comedy festival stalwarts including Wil Anderson, Wankernomics, Pete Helliar, Nat’s What I Reckon, Nazeem Hussain, and Annabel Crabb.
Get ready for a riotous blend of comedians serving up (often questionable) life advice, alongside others delving into profound existential questions whilst telling us all that nothing’s unpossible.
Worth noting are the numerous musical tie-ins this year including; Bob Downe who returns to the beloved Regal with a brand new show celebrating the 25th Anniversary of his ARIA nominated comedy jazz album, JAZZY!
Carla Anita Mattiazzo who serves up a feminist comedy cabaret with a soundtrack to warm your heart and tickle your tastebuds on what it’s like growing up with a big Italian family in That’s NOT Amore.
Veteran Irish comic David O’Doherty (IRE) packs a punch with catchy tunes on his Casio keyboard from 1986 in Ready, Steady, David O’Doherty, while the award-winning, critically acclaimed burlesque parody show Swamplesque offers a smorgasbord of performance styles from burlesque, drag, musical theatre and even opera.
Homegrown Perth (often unsung) heroes include Emma Krause who some may recognise as Lotteree’s Sue Finley and comedy finalist from Australia’s Got Talent, alongside one of Perth’s most prolific comedians Colin Ebsworth and the ever-fabulous Janelle Koenig and Dean Misdale as The Joker and The Queen.
The always popular Perth Comedy Festival Gala brings together a dazzling line-up of the Festival’s funniest international stars, Australian legends and next-big-things across three nights at the Regal Theatre (1, 8 & 15 May).
Friends south of the river can enjoy the Perth Comedy Festival Showcase at Freo Social on 2, 9 & 16 May 2024.
The Festival also presents the inaugural Best of the Fest – hosted Friday’s and Saturday’s at the Rechabite in Northbridge. Bringing you a surprise line-up of the biggest local and international stars each night, you’ll get a taste of the Festival at a bargain price.
The 2024 Perth Comedy Festival runs 22 April to 19 May. For more information and full program, visit: www.perthcomedyfestival.com for details.
Image: Bob Downe (supplied)