with Chris Marlton
The 2024 Canberra Comedy Festival boasts as good a line-up of Australian and international stars as any comedy festival in the world, yet again punching above its weight with names like Wil Anderson, Melanie Bracewell, Guy Montgomery, Felicity Ward, Fern Brady and Luke Heggie. And while you definitely should check out the big names, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t check out the smörgåsbord of Canberra-grown comics putting on top-shelf shows as well. They’re funny, they’re relatable, and they developed their comedy chops right under your noses!
Unedjamacated and Laugh Bites.
The CCF returns to Tuggeranong Arts Centre on March 14 with two back-to- back shows: Unedjamacated and Laugh Bites. Who needs a proper job when you can disappoint your parents as a comedian? Come and see the next big things in stand up, sketch show and comedy magic.
Tuggeranong Arts Centre – Thursday 14 March @ 6:30pm. Tix here via Trybooking
Then stay for a 60-minute showcase featuring Tom Gibson, Chris Ryan, Caitlin Maggs, Sam Silla, Stell Muses, Ethan Kirk, Jacqui Richards and Harris Stuckey in Laugh Bites. Tix via Trybooking.
Jeremy Smith – Meandering
Jarring and effective, Jeremy Smith is bringing his debut solo show to audiences this year. Featuring a mix of stand-up, musical and visual comedy, Meandering is a snapshot of his real life experiences with a funny observational tilt. Jeremy has been gigging on the Canberra scene for a few years now, developing a clever and often lowkey style, punctuated by surprising bursts of silliness and unexpected genre changes.
Street 2, The Street Theatre – Saturday 16 March @ 6:30pm. Tix via The Street Theatre
Laura Johnston – That’s… Brave
Belying her young age, Johnston is a veteran of sketch comedy from her days writing, performing, directing and producing university comedy revues. Now, well and truly making her mark as a solo performer, Laura is taking the Australian comedy scene by storm. That’s… Brave is a mix of sketch, musical, and stand-up comedy from the mind of a very funny comedian with a whole lot to say and a lot of ways to say it.
Street 2, The Street Theatre – Saturday 16 March @ 9:00pm. Tickets via The Street Theatre
Sarah Ison –You Laugh, Therefore I Am
What’s funny about philosophy? A lot, apparently. Sarah Ison turns her considerable comedy talents to a fresh, silly analysis of the world’s great thinkers. An imposing task to some, Ison is taking this challenge in her stride for her first solo hour of comedy. Be prepared to laugh joyously and possibly discover the meaning of life while you’re at it.
The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre – Wednesday 13 March @ 8:30pm. Tickets via Canberra Ticketing
Nick Schuller –Still Dry White
One of Canberra’s favourite sons is back in town with his new hour of dry, witty thoughts. After a stellar national tour in 2023, you can see one of the best joke writers in the country bring his new show to the town where it all started. He’s fast, he’s sharp, and you’ll be able to tell people you saw him before he got famous.
The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre – Friday 15 March @ 8:00pm. Tickets via Canberra Ticketing
Sarah Stewart & Caitlin Maggs – Before and After
National finalist in the RAW comedy competition only a couple of years ago, Caitlin Maggs is demonstrably funny, with a natural charisma and a powerful stage presence. Sarah Stewart is late to comedy, but catching up fast with a world of experience, and she’s not afraid to show it with her startling stories and creative anecdotes.
Street 2, The Street Theatre – Saturday 16 March @ 7:45pm. Tickets via The Street Theatre.
Chris Ryan – Good-O
Her comedy career has taken Chris Ryan all around, but she’s back in Canberra this March to tell you all about it. She has a way of viewing and explaining the world that will have you rolling. Her takes on life’s frustrations are insightful and poignant, with a turn of phrase most comedians would die for. Chris is one of the best comics around.
The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre – Saturday 16 March @ 8:00pm and Saturday 23 March @ 6:30pm. Tickets via Canberra Ticketing.
Harris Stuckey – Can Stop, Will Stop
He’s back in Canberra for his first show here since 2019. The sardonic and analytical comedy of Harris Stuckey will be on display in his old comedy stomping grounds. A confident and unique storyteller, Stuckey has the ability to make you laugh about things you may have never previously considered.
Street 2, The Street Theatre – Friday 15 March @ 6:30pm. Tickets via The Street Theatre.
Suma Iyer & Felix McCarthy – The Burden of Excellence
Juxtaposing two hilariously different and hilariously funny comedians in a split-bill hour, this is a must-see show this year. Humour reverberates out of every part of Felix McCarthy as he turns mundane subjects into flights of fancy and lets everyone in the room be part of the fun. While the endlessly talented Suma Iyer cleverly constructs elaborate and relatable stories with observations that you’ll be laughing at long after the show has ended.
The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre – Sunday 17 March @ 8:00pm. Tickets via Canberra Ticketing.
Canberra Comedy Festival is on from 13-24th March. Head to https://canberracomedyfestival.com.au/ for all the info! Get yer tickets!
