23 FEBRUARY–25 MARCH 2018 BRISBANE POWERHOUSE + BRISBANE CITY HALL + SUNPAC
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LAUGH. IT’S A WORKOUT FOR YOUR FACE. HCF members have access to a range of discounted tickets, reserved seating and VIP experiences at Brisbane Comedy Festival and more from HCF Thank You.
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24/11/17 5:53 pm
CONTENTS Welcome to Brisbane Comedy Festival 2018
39 After Hours
35 Jude Perl
26/52 Akmal
40 Knockoff
36 Alex Ward
11 Lawrence Mooney
48 Animated!
27 Lehmo
31 Angella Dravid +
51 Live and Local
Melanie Bracewell
21 Angus Gordon 10 Becky Lucas
I once went to the park to play Frisbee with my dog. It was rubbish. I think I need a flatter dog. So clearly, I’m not much of a comedian (and don’t believe in animal cruelty!) but for those after a real laugh, look no further than the even bigger and better Brisbane Comedy Festival in 2018! The program is bursting at the seams with our largest ever lineup of more than 70 comedians and this year we’re laying comical siege across THREE mighty venues – Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane City Hall and a new venue in SunPAC! From stand-up to improvisation, musical and sketch comedy, comedy legends and newbies, we’re dishing up non-stop laughs for everyone’s sense of humour. I mean, no matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery. From humble beginnings, Brisbane Comedy Festival is now Australia’s fastest growing comedy festival, and like all decent young upstarts we’re making our mark. Oh, and in 2019 we celebrate 10 years! I like birthdays, but I think too many can kill you. A very special thanks to Brisbane Comedy Festival partners HCF and Brisbane Times, as well as our many generous supporters and of course you – the devotees who keep coming back for more. There is no "i" in denial, so don’t hold back! See you at a show – or two!
34 Brisburned 47 Cal Wilson 32 Cameron James 23 Cam Knight 45 Celia Pacquola 38 Class Clowns 38 Convince Me! 32 Cool Story Bro 30 Daniel Sloss 24 Danielle Walker 36 Damien Power 16 Dave Hughes 13 Dave Thornton 14 David Smiedt 09 DeAnne Smith 23 Demi Lardner 10 Des Bishop 21 Dilruk Jayasinha 45 Dusty Rich 43 Fiona O’Loughlin 17 Gen Fricker 33 Gillian Cosgriff 18 Guy Montgomery 22 Harley Breen 13 Heath Franklin’s
Kris Stewart Artistic Director, Brisbane Powerhouse
Chopper
34 Ivan Aristeguieta 47 Jacques Barrett
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL IS PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE WITH SUPPORT FROM BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL
29 James Smith 06 Jeff Green 46/ 53 Jimeoin 41 Jim Gaffigan 19 Joel Creasey 35 Joe Shaffer
PAGE 01
40 Livespark 14 Luke Heggie 07 Matt Okine 24 Matt Stewart 18 Mel Buttle 12 Nazeem Hussain 06 Neel Kolhatkar 25 Nick Cody 15 Pauly Fenech 20 Peter Helliar 39 Queensland
Theatresports™ Championships
37 Queerstories 22 Rama Nicholas 04 Rich Hall 33 Rose Callaghan 31 Sam Campbell 08 Sam Simmons 24 Sam Taunton 17 Shayne Hunter 51 Simon Taylor 05 Stephen K Amos 50 The Naked
Magicians
26 The Stevenson
Experience
28 The Travelling
Sisters
33 Tim Hewitt 42 Tom Gleeson 09 Tommy Little 28 Tom Walker 03 Urzila Carlson 44 Wil Anderson 49 Yada Yada Yada 27 Zoë Coombs Marr
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL
GALA
Are you ready Brisbane? Kicking off Brisbane Comedy Festival 2018, is our night-of-nights variety extravaganza. Frock on up, and join us for this special evening of non-stop laughs. Join our host, Brisbane’s Mel Buttle, and fellow crowd favourites Matt Okine, Luke Heggie, Becky Lucas, Demi Lardner, plus surprise special guests.
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PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL DATE Fri 23 Feb TIME 7.30pm VENUE Main Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS $60 (f), $54 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ MAY CONTAIN COARSE LANGUAGE
STUDIES HAVE SHOWN
Every time you hear, ‘studies have shown’ you know you’re about to learn something ridiculous!
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND LIVE NATION
Studies have shown your dog is happier than your cat! Who cares! How about they give funding to scientists to come up with a way to eradicate the unibrow, or those weird thin white hairs you occasionally find attached to your face. Let’s get some research done on what happens to your blood pressure when your kid keeps getting out of bed when you’ve tucked them in 20 f*cking times already!
DATE Thu 22–Sat 24 Mar
Last year, despite adding extra shows, Urzila’s Brisbane season sold out before the festival even started. So be warned... buy your tickets right now to avoid disappointment!
PAGE 03
TIME Thu 7pm, Fri + Sat 6pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Thu $35 (f), $30 (c), Fri + Sat $40 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
URZILA CARLSON
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
RICH HALL Everyone’s favourite sardonic straight shooter Rich Hall makes his long-awaited return to Brisbane. After a sell-out Australian tour in 2016, the cranky Yank is back, bringing more of his trademark wit and caustic conversation.
PRESENTED BY MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL AND BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL
Alongside top gongs at both Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe, Rich Hall has collected a legion of fans around the world. An expert stand-up, musician and improviser, Rich Hall is a master of irony and the absurd. Do not miss this true festival legend doing what he does best – nimbly delivering line after line of on-point political observations and comic banter.
VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $39 (f), $35 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95
DATE Thu 22 Mar TIME 8.45pm
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“SEARING, SMART AND SO FUNNY IT HURTS."
«««« THE ADVERTISER
PAGE 04
THE AGE
STEPHEN K AMOS BREAD AND CIRCUSES
Brexit. Trump. Mary Berry! Things are looking bleak. So wouldn’t it be better to just forget all about it?
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND MARY TOBIN PRESENTS
Comic maestro Stephen K Amos might not be able to provide bread to the hungry masses, but no one else is going to put on a better circus. Leave your problems behind for the evening in the company of the ‘effusively charming’ Amos and who knows? Maybe the world will seem just a little bit brighter.
DATE Fri 23 Mar–Sun 25 Mar
“Deliciously deft… we roared at ad-libbing that was first rate throughout… you’ll leave the show smiling.” THE TIMES
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TIME Fri + Sat 7.45pm, Sun 6.45pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Fri $45.50 (f), $42.50 (c), Sat $49.50 (f), $46.50 (c), Sun $42.50 (f), $39.50 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ MAY CONTAIN COARSE LANGUAGE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
“LAUGHS CAME THICK AND FAST THROUGHOUT… DON’T MISS IT."
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
“uncanny impersonations, entertaining observationsNeel has been making waves in the Aussie comedy scene... and can’t be described as anything short of a star.”
«««««
THIS IS RADELAIDE
JEFF GREEN
NEEL KOLHATKAR
30 Celebrating thirty years and numerous awards, best-selling books, TV specials and sold out West End runs, Jeff Green is at the height of his comedy powers. Jeff brings his latest, laughter-packed show to Brisbane Comedy Festival – don’t miss ‘one of the greats’ (Herald UK) in this very special 30th anniversary performance. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND FRONTIER COMEDY DATE Fri 09–Sun 11 Mar TIME Fri + Sat 8.45pm, Sun 7.45pm VENUE Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Fri + Sun $35 (f), $30 (c), Sat $35
+ transaction fee of $5.95
LIVE Neel is back with some of his best new material and some old faves! Since skyrocketing to Internet stardom and subsequently earning one million+ followers world-wide, Neel has continued to build an impressive live following. Don't miss one of Australia's best, live on stage. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND FRONTIER COMEDY DATE Sat 10 Mar TIME 9.30pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $30 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 16+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
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THE HAT GAME
From a young age, Matt's dad taught him how to get the most out of the slurpee machine. You gotta tap and shake the cup. Expel the air. Work it like a conga drum... These are the things our teachers never taught us. It’s been a massive 12 months for Matt Okine. You could not miss him in 2017 when he wrote and starred in his very own hit series The Other Guy on Stan, along with hosting his own cooking show on ABC, Shortcuts to Glory and touring the country with his live stand-up show. Don’t miss seeing Matt Okine live in 2018. “Okine is an outstanding storyteller.”
««««« THE MUSIC
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PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND CENTURY DATE Thu 01–Sun 04 Mar TIME Thu 7pm, Fri + Sat 7.45pm, Sun 6.45pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Thu + Sun $35, Fri + Sat $39 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
MATT OKINE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
SAM SIMMONS
RADICAL WOMEN OF LATIN AMERICAN ART, 1960–1985 Think you know everything about the feminist Latin art movement of urban Puerto Rico in the 1970s?!?! Well think again as Sam Simmons turns this world inside out and upside down. All killer no vanilla, let’s go f**k a caterpillar. Don’t miss this brand new offering from a unique, once in a generation comedian. winner BEST SHOW MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL + EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE 2015
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PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS DATE Fri 23 Mar–Sun 25 Mar TIME Fri + Sat 9.30pm, Sun 8.30pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Fri $28 (preview), Sat $39, Sun $35 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
TOMMY LITTLE
WORTH IT
THE LAST KING OF STUPID
Your favourite Barry-nominated Canadian/ American returns, ready to attack the last taboo.
Tommy Little is as stupid as they come. Lucky for the rest of us, stupid makes for great comedy.
Death? Sex? Sexy death? Nope! Money. A post-industrial, consumer-based, sustainable comedy show for the new economy.
He sold out shows all over the country in 2017, so why wouldn’t you forget your troubles and come have a laugh with the best of all the idiots.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND LIVE NATION
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS
DATE Thu 22–Sat 24 Mar
DATE Tue 13–Sat 17 Mar
TIME 6.45pm
TIME Tue–Fri 8.30pm, Sat 4.15pm + 8.30pm
VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse
VENUE Visy Theatre, Powerhouse Theatre (Sat 4.15pm only) Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $25 (preview), Wed + Thu $32, Fri + Sat $35 + transaction fee of $5.95
TICKETS Thu $22 (f), $20 (c), Fri + Sat $28
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“Smart, slick, silly brilliance.”
««««« THE MUSIC
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“Tommy Little is a star.”
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HERALD SUN
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
DEANNE SMITH
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
DES BISHOP
BECKY LUCAS
EGORITHM
CUTE FUNNY SMART SEXY BEAUTIFUL
Native New Yorker and one of Ireland’s most loved comedians, Des Bishop returns to Australia in 2018 with a brand-new show, EGORITHM. In yet another open and honest, fast paced hour of stand-up, Des will delve into his thoughts on a myriad of matters: male defensiveness around feminism; Islamophobia; his time in China; men; sexual harassment... and as always, a few dirty bits. Charismatic and clever, Des Bishop is not to be missed. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND LIVE NATION DATE Thu 22 Mar–Sun 25 Mar
Becky Lucas is the most exciting and refreshing voice on the Australian comedy scene – come and see why. In 2017, Becky saw a man on crutches trying to walk a big dog and has spent the entire year trying to write stand-up comedy that's funnier than that. Becky has written for Emmy nominated show Please Like Me, co-wrote Matt Okine’s TV show The Other Guy for Stan and last year sold out tours nationally and overseas.
TIME Thu–Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND CENTURY
VENUE Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse
DATE Tue 06–Sun 11 Mar
TICKETS Thu + Sun $25 (f), $20 (c), Fri + Sat $30
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
TIME Tue–Sat 7.15pm, Sun 6.15pm VENUE Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue–Thu $22, Fri + Sat $27, Sun $25
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
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AN EVENING WITH MALCOLM TURNBULL Malcolm Bligh Turnbull has got his own tonight show. It’s time to discover the real Malcolm. Witty, charming, hilarious and sexy. Come and spend an evening with Malcolm.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALIST.COM.AU DATE Sat 10 + Sun 11 Mar TIME Sat 6pm, Sun 5pm
“Mooney is a fierce AND fearless hunter of the funny who deserves his reputation as a master of the form.” THE AGE
VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $44.90 + transaction fee of $5.95
“Mooney doesn’t understand what 'off the record' means.”
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
««««
SENATOR SAM DASTYARI
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BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
LAWRENCE MOONEY
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
“AND JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE HIM PEGGED, HE SNEAKS UP ON YOU AGAIN, SHOWING SOCIETY’S CONVENTIONAL WISDOM TO BE LITTLE MORE THAN PREJUDICE, YET SOMEHOW PICKING OUT SOMETHING SIDE-SPLITTINGLY FUNNY THEREIN." THE TIMES (UK)
NAZEEM HUSSAIN NO PAIN NO HUSSAIN
Since you last saw him on stage, Nazeem Hussain has been around the world and back! Performing live in London, Edinburgh and China, oh and swinging back to the USA to film a second series with Bill Nye… not to mention all the while recovering from those weeks in the depths of the African jungle on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Finally Nazeem is back in Australia with a brand new show, No Pain No Hussain! Please, please believe us when we say get in early and buy your tickets now. He will sell out! PAGE 12
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND LIVE NATION DATE Fri 16 + Sat 17 Mar TIME 7.45pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $40 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
HEATH FRANKLIN’S CHOPPER
SO WHAT NOW?
BOGAN JESUS Should you come see my show or not? Tell you what, look up my stand-up comedy on YouTube and if it makes you laugh grab some tickets. This brand new show will be like that but with jokes you haven’t heard before. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS DATE Tue 13–Sun 18 Mar
It's time religion took a hard look at itself, so Chopper is starting his own. There is a new 'mo-ssiah' for a new age and he's holier than Oscar Pistorius' bathroom door. Thou shalt harden up and become a Chopostle! So gather round and be healed by Bogan Jesus!
TIME Tue–Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm VENUE Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $25 (preview), Wed, Thu + Sun $32,
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND LAUGHING STOCK PRODUCTIONS
Fri + Sat $35 + transaction fee of $5.95
DATE Sun 11 Mar
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
TIME 7pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $38 (f), $34 (c), $32 (group 6+) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“a quick and self-deprecating wit.”
THE AGE
“Australia’s funniest comedy character.”
««««« THE SUNDAY MAIL
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BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
DAVE THORNTON
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
“So very, very funny.” JOAN RIVERS
DAVID SMIEDT
LUKE HEGGIE
FINDING CHEMO
TIPRAT
What happens when the comic that Adam Hills described as a “living breathing joke machine", is diagnosed with cancer? What happens is a sparkling new hour of stand-up from David Smiedt that is both dark and affirming, real and raw, tight and taboo. Show us your scar at the show and we’ll donate $5 from each ticket to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND MARK DAVID MANAGEMENT DATE Tue 06–Sun 11 Mar
No lowbreeds please. You heard me. Winner of the 2017 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Comic’s Choice Award and winner of the 2017 Adelaide Fringe Weekly Comedy Award. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND CENTURY DATE Tue 27 Feb–Sun 04 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 8.45pm, Sun 7.45pm VENUE Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue–Thu $25, Fri + Sat $29, Sun $27
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
TIME Tue–Sat 6.45pm, Sun 5.45pm VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $15, Wed, Thu + Sun $25, Fri + Sat $20
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“A unique, powerful and insightful Australian comic voice.” «««« SYDNEY MORNING HERALD “Absolutely rips along.” PAGE 14
«««« HERALD SUN
THE BOGAN BIBLE
Mullets, single mums, Holdens, home-done tattoos. Ever wondered what exactly is a Bogan? Where did Bogans come from? Are you yourself in fact a Bogan? These questions and more answered by the original Bogan Hunter. This hilarious brand new show takes you into the Bogan world with stand-up comedy, multimedia and audience interaction. Learn to drink like a Bogan, sex it up like a Bogan, and meet some of Australia’s finest Bogans.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND FRONTIER COMEDY DATE Thu 08 Mar TIME 8.45pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $34.90 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 18+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
In the beginning was the Bogan, and the man to bring this to the stage is Logie winner, Tropfest winner and creator and star of cult TV series’ Fat Pizza and Housos.
“COMEDIC GENIUS... A MUST SEE COMEDY SHOW."
««««« IMPULSE GAMER
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BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
PAULY FENECH
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
DAVE HUGHES THE SNORKELER
Hughesy has left an indelible mark on the Australian comedy scene over the last two decades.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS
He nails gig after gig, sells out theatres nationally and continues to get better every year. Don’t miss him!
DATE Thu 08–Sat 10 Mar
“stand-up comedy king.” HERALD SUN, 2017
TIME Thu + Fri 7pm, Sat 4.15pm + 7.45 pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Thu $30 (preview), Fri + Sat $45 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
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SHAYNE HUNTER
(I BET YOU THINK) THIS SHOW IS ABOUT YOU
BLAZE AGAINST THE MACHINE
Gen Fricker (Drive on Triple J) cordially invites you to spend 55(ish) minutes in a room with her, so she can talk and play songs at you. Fricker has quickly become one of the brightest young stars on the national comedy circuit, with her unique blend of sassy stand-up and dark musical experimentation, delivered with a butter-wouldn’t-melt-in-her-mouth smile. Don’t miss Gen back in Brisbane with a brand new hilarious show. Polite applause and laughter is permitted, if not encouraged. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND CENTURY DATE Fri 02–Sun 04 Mar TIME Fri + Sat 9.45pm, Sun 8.45pm VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse
Blaze Against The Machine is the powerful return of Shayne Hunter to the comedy circuit. Why are some drugs illegal while others are legally pushed onto children for profit? Shayne draws upon his own relationship with addiction and its negative impacts, shining a light on the hypocrisy of the "war on drugs". Shayne is a hilarious act who will not only make you laugh, he will make you think. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND CENTURY DATE Fri 16–Sun 18 Mar TIME Fri + Sat 9.45pm, Sun 8.45pm VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Fri + Sun $20, Sat $25 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
TICKETS Sat $28, Fri + Sun $25 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
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BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
GEN FRICKER
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
MEL BUTTLE
GUY MONTGOMERY
DOG BITCH
DOESN'T CHECK HIS PHONE FOR AN HOUR
Mel is a dog lady, a dog fan, in fact once a man in a pub in Perth called her a dog bitch. Despite growing up with a fear of dogs, and having an allergy to dogs, Mel has made the illogical decision to work as a casual dog walker around Brisbane; there’s nothing a 70 pack of Telfast and a puffer can’t fix, right? Come, sit and stay for an hour of dog yarns with one of Australia’s favourite comedians. *Cat owners welcome, I guess...
For an entire hour Guy Montgomery will do the unthinkable – resist the overwhelming urge to check his phone for any notifications, emails or text messages. You read that correctly. Guy will walk on stage, place his phone within arms-reach and then gallantly ignore it for a full sixty minutes. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND PEOPLE PEOPLE DATE Tue 06–Sun 11 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 8.15pm, Sun 7.15pm
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS DATE Tue 27 Feb–Sun 04 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm VENUE Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue–Thu $24 (preview), Fri + Sat $34, Sun $28
VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue–Thu + Sun $20, Fri + Sat $25
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
Nominee BEST SHOW NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017
winner BEST NEWCOMER MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2016
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BLONDE BOMBSHELL
Australia's Crown Prince of Comedy, Joel Creasey, has whored himself across Australian TV screens from comedy galas, panel shows, celebrity interviews and even the depths of the African jungle. He is the protégé of the late, great Joan Rivers, and this past year alone presided over commentary duties at Eurovision, released his first memoir, won GQ Comedian of the Year, made his debut in a TV drama. Oh... and played a slut on Neighbours. So you better believe he is ready to rip back the curtain and fill you in on all the juicy behind-the-scenes action. Strap yourselves in for a night with this blonde bombshell as he slices, dices, sasses and smashes celebrities, pop culture and himself. As Joel's rule always stands... anyone not in the room... is a target!
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PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND LIVE NATION DATE Fri 16–Sun 18 Mar TIME Fri + Sat 9.30pm, Sun 8.30pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Fri + Sat $35, Sun $35 (f), $30 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
JOEL CREASEY
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
PETER HELLIAR BIG BOY PANTS
There comes a time in every man’s life when he must put on his big boy pants and get on with it…
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS
Getting a vasectomy is a pretty good place to start.
DATE Fri 02–Sun 04 Mar
Peter Helliar returns with what he calls his “most recent show yet”.
VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Fri $39 (preview), Sat + Sun $45 + transaction fee of $5.95
TIME Fri + Sat 6pm, Sun 5pm
As seen on THE PROJECT, CRAM AND HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION?
“Helliar’s a real pro.”
«««« HERALD SUN
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
PAGE 20
DILRUK JAYASINHA
STAN UP (AQUATIC)
BUNDLE OF JOY
Living with one’s passions amounts to living with one’s suffering.
Dil is one of the most refreshing and exciting voices in Australian comedy.
When a man has learned how to remain alone with his suffering, how to overcome his longing to flee, then he has little left to learn.
Don’t miss his brand new show. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS DATE Thu 15–Sun 18 Mar
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ANGUS GORDON DATE Tue 27 Feb–Sun 04 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 7.15pm, Sun 6.15pm VENUE Graffiti Room, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue–Thu + Sun $22, Fri + Sat $25
TIME Thu–Sat 6.45pm, Sun 5.45pm VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Thu $24 (preview), Fri + Sat $32, Sun $29 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
as seen on UTOPIA, CRAM AND HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION?
“A BRILLIANT HOUR.” «««« HERALD SUN, 2017 winner BEST NEWCOMER MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017
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BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
ANGUS GORDON
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
HARLEY BREEN
RAMA NICHOLAS
FLAT OUT DOING NOTHING
THE LUCKY ONES
If you’re not trying to do less at your life, then you’re doing Australia wrong.
One woman. 17 characters. Two hilariously erotic adventures.
Comedy favourite, Harley Breen’s Flat Out Doing Nothing is as Aussie as throwing a sickie. More Australian than a snag at a polling booth. It’s so bloody down under, you’ll leave upside down.
A uniquely theatrical comedy experience – a one-woman, gender-bending, genre-blending adventure that will take you from the depths of the ocean to the furthest edge of the galaxy. It’s the most heart-gripping, pants-tingling hour you’ll experience this festival.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND LAUGHING STOCK PRODUCTIONS DATE Tue 13–Sun 18 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 8.45pm, Sun 7.45pm VENUE Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $20, Wed, Thu + Sun $28 (f), $25 (c), Fri + Sat $32 + transaction fee of $5.95
DATE Tue 20–Sun 25 Mar
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
+ transaction fee of $5.95
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND RAMA NICHOLAS
TIME Tue–Sat 7.15pm, Sun 6.15pm VENUE Graffiti Room, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue–Thu + Sun $23, Fri + Sat $27
SUITABLE FOR AGE 18+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“Fantastically amusing”
«««« BEAT MAGAZINE “An excess of charm”
PAGE 22
««««« BEAT MAGAZINE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
DEMI LARDNER
CAM KNIGHT
I LOVE SKELETON
GET RICH OR DIE CRYING
Break out star of last year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival makes her Brisbane debut. A good serve of Demi Lardner can help build muscles, maintain healthy hair and nails, and make your bones strong and handsome. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND LAUGHING STOCK PRODUCTIONS DATE Fri 23–Sun 25 Mar TIME Fri + Sat 8.15pm, Sun 7.15pm VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Fri $22, Sat + Sun $28 (f), $25 (c)
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
winner DIRECTOR’S CHOICE MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017
“Her hype has been well-earned... succinct moments of startling genius.”
Cam is RICH in experience, LOADED with quick-fire one liners and brutally honest stories, mixed in with a pocketful of crowd work. They say money can't buy happiness? Buy a ticket to see Cam and discover that's grossly inaccurate. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND CENTURY DATE Tue 20–Sun 25 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 8.45pm, Sun 7.45pm VENUE Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue + Wed $24, Thu + Sun $27, Fri + Sat $29
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“From the minute he takes the stage, the laughs come thick & fast.”
««««« THEATRE PEOPLE
«««« EDINBURGH FESTIVAL GUIDE
PAGE 23
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
SAM TAUNTON
IT'S NICE, IT'S MODERN
One of the most exciting new voices in Australian comedy, Sam Taunton explores perspective, second chances and why you should never use the toilets at music festivals. Nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2017 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sam’s captive storytelling and quick fire punchlines have seen him play venues worldwide to rave reviews. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND SAM TAUNTON DATE Tue 20–Sun 25 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 8.45pm, Sun 7.45pm VENUE Graffiti Room, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $17, Wed, Thu + Sun $22 (f), $17 (c), Fri + Sat $27 (f), $22 (c)
+ transaction fee of $5.95
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
MATT STEWART DRY GINGER MALE
After a sell-out run at FRINGE WORLD and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Matt Stewart is back with a brand new show. Dry Ginger Male is an ironic look at masculinity, man caves, fatherhood and politics, brimming with Stewart's trademark dry humour. “HIS TIGHT ONE LINE SURREAL OBSERVATIONS MAKE THE STAGE HIS HOME.”
«««« THE AUSTRALIA TIMES PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL, STUPID OLD STUDIOS AND ESC PRODUCTIONS DATE Tue 13–Sun 18 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 8.45pm, Sun 7.45pm VENUE Graffiti Room, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $21.75, Wed–Sun $25.75 (f), $22.75 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
DANIELLE WALKER BUSH RAT
Hi, I'm Danielle, my grandad calls me Bush Rat. Once I was bored and he gave me a magnifying glass to burn my dead dog’s name onto a piece of wood so we could put it on his grave. Please come to my show. I won RAW Comedy, was on Get Krack!n, and performed at Just for Laughs.
“INSANE PAY-OFFS, DELIVERED WITH THE UNHINGED LAUGH A BATMAN VILLAIN WOULD BE PROUD OF.” CHORTLE UK PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS DATE Tue 06–Sun 11 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 7.15pm, Sun 6.15pm VENUE Graffiti Room, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue–Thu $24 (preview), Fri + Sat $29, Sun $27 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
PAGE 24
LOOSE UNIT
Your old mate Cody is back with his luscious ginger beard and a new hour of world class stand-up, ready to blow the roof off.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND CENTURY
In the last year alone he has been all over the TV, is one of only a few Australians to perform on Conan in the USA and has toured the globe to packed crowds.
DATE Tue 06–Sun 11 Mar
As seen on Have You Been Paying Attention?, Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala and heaps more. You know what to do.
TIME Tue–Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm VENUE Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue–Thu $25, Fri + Sat $32, Sun $29 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“A master storyteller en route to being one of the biggest names out there.” BROADWAY BABY
«««««
“MASTERFUL HOUR OF STAND-UP."
«««« HERALD SUN
PAGE 25
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
NICK CODY
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
AKMAL
THE STEVENSON EXPERIENCE
TRANSPARENT
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Akmal returns with his funniest show ever in the history of comedy. Paramedics will be on call to transport audience members to hospital as their sides split from laughter.* Akmal is one of Australia's most respected, successful and accomplished comics, displaying an incredible ability to deal with hot topics in a hilarious and slightly offensive way. His new show is no exception. *Please consult your doctor before seeing this show. Not recommended for people under the age of 18 or over the age of 18, or people with lawyers. NO REFUNDS. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALIST.COM.AU
After sell-out seasons at Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The Stevenson Experience debut in Brisbane with an hour of uproarious musical comedy from Australia’s favourite bickering identical twins. Settle in for hilarious songs that have seen them compared to Flight of The Conchords and Tim Minchin. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALIST.COM.AU DATE Tue 27 Feb–Sun 04 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 7.15pm, Sun 6.15pm VENUE Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $20, Wed–Sun $25 (f), $20 (c)
DATE Sat 03 + Sun 04 Mar
+ transaction fee of $5.95
TIME Sat 9.30pm, Sun 8.30pm
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $40 (f), $37 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
SEE P
52
“An absolute stand-out, one-of-the-bestmoments-of-the-Fringe.” ««««« THE FOUNTAIN (EDINBURGH)
PAGE 26
ZOË COOMBS MARR
HAPPY ANGRY
BOSSY BOTTOM
Lehmo is happy angry. He's never angry to be happy but he is happy to be angry. Getting happy angry is fast becoming an Australian pastime – whether it be about holding a baby and a beer at the same time, same-sex marriage, spoilt pets or the deliberate out of bounds rule. Lehmo is jumping on board with this all new hour of stand up.
Zoë has been on hiatus. Sort of. For the past six years, she’s been a terrible male comedian with a neckbeard called Dave, winning stacks of awards and tons of great reviews. Whatever. Now, she’s scraped off the neckbeard and is BAAAAACK… as herself. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS DATE Wed 14–Sun 18 Mar
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS DATE Sat 10 + Sun 11 Mar TIME Sat 5.30pm, Sun 4.30pm VENUE Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $35 + transaction fee of $5.95
TIME Wed–Sat 8.15pm, Sun 7.15pm VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Wed $24 (preview), Thu + Sun $28, Fri + Sat $32
+ transaction fee of $5.95
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
Winner BEST SHOW MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2016
“Zoë Coombs Marr is a genius.”
««««
HERALD SUN
“One of those guys you’d love to have a beer with.” «««« HERALD SUN
PAGE 27
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
LEHMO
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
“Not for the faint of heart. Real weird. Real good.”
«««« HERALD SUN, 2017
THE TRAVELLING SISTERS
TOM WALKER HONK HONK HONK HONK HONK
TOUPÉ Masterfully combining physical comedy, characters and original music, The Travelling Sisters are 'insane geniuses of sketch comedy'. This infectious trio conjure up characters and twists you won’t see coming. It’s a theme park ride for the soul.
Hey man just this for the blurb: Tom Walker is the strongest man in the world. Tom is constantly gaining skills and topping the leaderboards of alternative comedy fantasy leagues worldwide. This will be him onstage for an amount of time that is not too much or too little, just enough NO FURTHER QUESTIONS.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND THE TRAVELLING SISTERS
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS
DATE Fri 23–Sun 25 Mar
DATE Tue 20–Sun 25 Mar
TIME Fri + Sat 7.15pm, Sun 6.15pm VENUE Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $30 (f), $26 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
winner BEST COMEDY MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2017
TIME Tue–Thu 8.15pm, Fri + Sat 9.45pm, Sun 8.45pm VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue–Thu $24 (preview), Fri + Sat $29, Sun $25
+ transaction fee of $5.95
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
nominee BEST SHOW MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017
PAGE 28
PLEASURE ENTHUSIAST
Personally selected by Chris Rock to perform on his recent arena tour, James is one of only four Australian comedians ever to perform on Conan and the only Australian to be a regular at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. He’s appeared on Flight of the Conchords, Just For Laughs, Comedy Central and written for the Roasts of Justin Bieber and Rob Lowe.
PAGE 29
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALIST.COM.AU DATE Fri 09 Mar TIME 8.45pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $30 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
JAMES SMITH
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
“DELICIOUSLY DARK STAND-UP."
«««« MAIL ON SUNDAY
DANIEL SLOSS NOW
NOW is the smash-hit new show from internationally acclaimed, award-winning Scottish comedian, Daniel Sloss.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL, CENTURY AND MZA
Star of Conan (a record seven appearances), he's performed ten sell-out Edinburgh Festivals, two solo off-Broadway seasons, released a DVD, gave a TEDx talk (aged 19) and tours extensively throughout UK, Australasia, USA and Europe. NOW...what's next?!
DATE Tue 06–Sun 11 Mar
“Sloss is a festival highlight. See him.”
««««
THE AGE
“Sloss is simply world class… Endearingly unabashed... hilarious… Intelligently and ironically calling out the hypocrisy of human nature” BROADWAY BABY
««««
PAGE 30
TIME Tue–Sat 8.30pm, Sun 7.30 pm DURATION 75 mins VENUE Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue–Thu $30, Fri–Sun $35 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
Two of New Zealand’s fastest rising comedy acts are coming to Brisbane for the first time. Angella Dravid, winner of the prestigious Billy T Award and Melanie Bracewell, declared Best Newcomer at the 2017 New Zealand International Comedy Festival create a spectacular show from across the ditch not to be missed!
SAM CAMPBELL TROUGH The winner of Director’s Choice Award at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2016, brings you the craziest comedy show at the whole ruddy festival! You can go and see all the other shows if you want BUT this one really will knock you off your feet and carry you into ethereal paradise.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND PEOPLE PEOPLE
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND CENTURY
DATE Fri 09–Sun 11 Mar
DATE Tue 27 Feb–Sun 04 Mar
TIME Fri + Sat 9.45pm, Sun 8.45pm
TIME Tue–Sat 6.45pm, Sun 5.45pm
VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse
VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse
TICKETS Fri + Sat $20, Sun $15 + transaction fee of $5.95
TICKETS Tue–Thu $20, Fri + Sat $25, Sun $22
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
+ transaction fee of $5.95
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“A COMIC GENIUS"
««««« HERALD SUN
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BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
ANGELLA DRAVID AND MELANIE BRACEWELL
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
COOL STORY BRO
CAMERON JAMES CHILLED OUT/ FIRED UP
Welcome to Cool Story Bro, the anarchic night where true tales and off-the-cuff comedy collide! Each show features a special guest home-grown comedian sharing real stories from their lives. Brisbane’s best improvisers then remix those stories, improvising a one-of-a-kind show that you'll never see again.
Cam presents a killer hour of pure stand-up about life’s most annoying everyday challenges and the good and evil voices that guide us through them.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND BIG FORK THEATRE
Plus there’ll be one joke about a panda bear that’s pretty cute and maybe an impression of a kid playing recorder (if he can be bothered learning it).
DATE Sat 10, 17 + 24 Mar TIME 5.15pm VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALIST.COM.AU
TICKETS $22 (f), $18 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95
DATE Tue 27 Feb–Sun 04 Mar
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
TIME Tue–Sat 8.15pm, Sun 7.15 pm VENUE Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $20, Wed, Thu + Sun $22, Fri + Sat $25
+ transaction fee of $5.95
“BIG FORK THEATRE ARE A GIFT TO
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
BRISBANE COMEDY. ANY SHOW THEY ARE INVOLVED IN IS NOT TO BE MISSED."
«««««
««««« THE MUSIC
ANYWHERE THEATRE FESTIVAL
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HEWY'S COOKED ADVENTURES
Self-proclaimed prince of Brisbane returns home from Melbourne with his debut solo show. Take ripper yarns, mix with character comedy and season with a healthy dash of the riff. Hewitt covers nights on Goldies with the old man on a family holiday, to ragers at music festivals and every party in between. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TIM HEWITT DATE Tue 06–Sun 11 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 8.45pm, Sun 7.45pm VENUE Graffiti Room, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $18, Wed, Thu + Sun $22, Fri + Sat $27 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
GILLIAN COSGRIFF
TO THE MOON AND BACK
Award-winning musical comedian Gillian Cosgriff has concerns about the future. Instead of seeing exciting possibilities, all she can think about is the impending apocalypse. See her now, before the world inevitably ends. “There’s not a single gag that doesn’t land, nor a hair out of place.”
««««« HERALD SUN PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND GILLIAN COSGRIFF DATE Tue 13–Sun 18 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 7.15pm, Sun 6.15pm VENUE Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $20, Wed, Thu + Sun $23, Fri + Sat $28 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
ROSE CALLAGHAN NO WAY ROSÉ
Rose Callaghan makes her Brisbane debut with her new show No Way Rosé. Find out how Rose has done some of the best and worst things in her life while drinking and why rosé is nicknamed “cougar juice”. Callaghan is making a name for herself, mostly with security guards but also in comedy, winning best comedy at Sydney Fringe and selling out at festivals across Australia. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALIST.COM.AU DATE Tue 20–Thu 22 Mar TIME 7.15pm VENUE Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $20, Wed + Thu $25 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 18+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
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BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
TIM HEWITT
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
BRISBURNED
IVAN ARISTEGUIETA
SKETCH COMEDY ABOUT BRISBANE
MATADOR Ever since he was young, Ivan wanted to be a Matador.
If your relationship with Brisbane is love/ hate, then see this show. After three sold-out shows at Bris Funny Fest, this hilarious revue-style comedy shines a light on Brisbanites and their daily frustrations and exasperations. From bridge climbers and football commentators to John Oxley – no one is overlooked. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND MARK LOMBARD DATE Sat 10, 17 + 24 Mar TIME 5.45pm VENUE Graffiti Room, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $25 (f), $20 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
Star of his own ABC show Lost in Pronunciation, Australia’s favourite Venezeulan makes his Brisbane debut. Matador is about the fight we all have within ourselves to love something despite its horns. All jokes, no bull. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND LAUGHING STOCK PRODUCTIONS DATE Wed 21–Sun 25 Mar TIME Wed–Sat 8.30pm, Sun 7.30pm VENUE Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Wed $20, Thu + Sun $28 (f), $25 (c), Fri + Sat $32
+ transaction fee of $5.95
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
winner BEST NEWCOMER SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL 2016
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BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
JUDE PERL
JOE SHAFFER
LET’S HANG OUT
HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU, SQUID
Fusing her song writing talent with stand-up to great effect, Jude Perl's Let's Hang Out is an hour of social commentary, catchy tunes, and ever so graceful lamenting of weird things one does as a child, an adult, and everywhere in between. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND HOT MESS PRODUCTIONS DATE Tue 06–Thu 08 Mar TIME 8.45pm VENUE Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $25, Wed + Thu $32 (f), $28 (c)
+ transaction fee of $5.95
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
A show for animal lovers and haters alike! Here's Looking at You, Squid is a show all about animals, but also love and regrets. But mostly animals. Most animals are great, but swoop birds are the worst. Fun and interesting facts about animals mixed with witty social commentary that reminds us all that we are really just animals in clothes. As seen on ABC TV and heard on ABC Radio, Joe Shaffer returns to Brisbane with his signature upbeat style and hilarious jokes. You can't bear to miss it! PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND BASED COMEDY DATE Tue 27 Feb–Sun 04 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 8.45pm, Sun 7.45pm
winner TWO CONSECUTIVE GREEN ROOM AWARDS FOR BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“Funny, engaging and clever”
VENUE Graffiti Room, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $20, Wed–Sun $25 (f), $20 (c)
+ transaction fee of $5.95
THE AUSTRALIAN
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
PAGE 35
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
DAMIEN POWER
ALEX WARD
VIOLENT CHAOS ANYONE?
GOOD, GREAT.
Damien Power is on an unprecedented hot streak with three nominations in a row for best show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Damien’s assured style and material that swerves from the everyday to the philosophical has everyone talking, thinking and laughing. He is not to be missed! PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS DATE Tue 27 Feb–Sun 04 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 8.30pm, Sun 7.30pm VENUE Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue + Thu $24 (preview), Fri + Sat $32, Sun $28
+ transaction fee of $5.95
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
Alex believes that everyone is trying their best, but somehow people at their best can still be simply the worst. Alex is no exception, she’s quite possibly the best at being the worst. To be fair she doesn’t try that hard though. Following a sold out season in 2017, Alex returns to her home town from Melbourne, and believes her comedy will fill you with some anxiety and then warmth and then self-belief and... maybe love? When not performing stand-up, Alex is writing for Network 10’s The Project. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALEX WARD DATE Tue 13–Sun 18 Mar TIME Tue–Sat 7.15pm, Sun 6.15pm VENUE Graffiti Room, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Tue $20, Wed, Thu + Sun $22, Fri + Sat $25
+ transaction fee of $5.95
winner PINDER PRIZE MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
nominee BARRY AWARD MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017, BEST SHOW MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017, 2016 + 2015
“masterpiece.” ««««« HERALD SUN, 2017
“Sophisticated, intelligent comedy; Ward is a scholar of the craft.” «««« THE MUSIC PAGE 36
Join host Maeve Marsden and your favourite LGBTQI comedians for a night of unexpected tales of lives well lived and battles fought, pride, prejudice, love and of course humour. Featuring Alex Ward, Ben McLeay, Nayuka Gorrie and more to be announced. In its usual home in Sydney, Queerstories has been selling out every month for over a year, bringing storytellers from all walks of life to the stage. Now Queerstories travels interstate, debuting at Brisbane Comedy Festival. Funny, moving, surprising and engaging, the stories from Queerstories are also available as a podcast.
IMAGE: PATRICK BOLAND AND VIV MCGREGOR
PAGE 37
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL DATE Sat 17 Mar TIME 6pm VENUE Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $25 (f), $20 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 THIS EVENT IS AUSLAN INTERPRETED SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
QUEERSTORIES
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
CONVINCE ME! BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL DEBATES Grab your palm cards, polish your rebuttal and join us in reclaiming the art of debating from Twitter trolls and racist aunties! Convince Me! returns with more noted Brisbane brains from a diverse range of backgrounds and professions ready to argue for your approval. No topic will be too strange or ridiculous for our clever teams of riotous rhetoricians as they take up opposing positions and work hard to win you over. Each debate will feature a different line up, all under the watchful eye of Mr Moderator. But ultimately it is you, the thinking comedy lover that needs to be convinced...
CLASS CLOWNS Each year hundreds of teens put down their pencils and pick up the microphone, as they take to the stage in the Class Clowns competition. Be part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s one-of-a-kind, national secondary school comedy competition open to people in Years 9–12. Register your stand-up, sketch, physical or musical act for free and participate in a two-hour workshop/ rehearsal with a professional comedian to polish your act before performing for a real live audience. State Final winners perform at the National Grand Final in Melbourne and go into the running to win a $2500 prize package. With alumni including Joel Creasey, Rhys Nicholson, Aaron Chen and Tom Ballard, Class Clowns is a oneof-a-kind experience and a springboard to success!
Join us as the sun sets on the weekend for a last laugh.
To register go to www.classclowns.com.au
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL
PRESENTED BY MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL AND BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL
DATE Sun 04, 11, 18 + 25 Mar TIME 4.30pm Topic Announce, 5.30pm Convince Me! Debate VENUE Turbine Platform, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Free SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES MAY CONTAIN COARSE LANGUAGE
DATE Sat 10 Mar + Tue 13 Mar (heats), Sun 18 Mar (finals) TIME Sat 3pm, Tue 2pm, Sun 3pm VENUE Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Heats: Free, Finals: $17 (f), $13 (c)
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 13+
IMAGE: LAUREN DUONG, NATIONAL WINNER CLASS CLOWNS 2016
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BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
QUEENSLAND THEATRESPORTS™ CHAMPIONSHIPS Choose a team! Our state’s finest impro comedians are going head to head with songs, games and scenes, all invented on the spot from your suggestions. Armed with nothing but their wits, they’ll duke it out on the Turbine Platform in a series of hilarious free shows – but only one team will ascend the leaderboard to become the Queensland Theatresports™ champions! PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND IMPROMAFIA DATE Fri 02, 09, 16 + 23 Mar + Sat 03,10, 17 + 24 Mar TIME 7.45pm VENUE Turbine Platform, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Free
AFTER HOURS Don't miss the festival's late-night variety show with a mix of festival acts and Brisbane's best local comedians. Hosted by Dusty Rich and a surprise special guest (09 + 10 Mar), After Hours features an ever changing line up. This is where your favourite comedians go to get loose, try new material and bring back some old favourites. Anything can happen at After Hours! Line up announced each week at brisbanecomedyfestival.com PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL DATE Fri 02, 09, 16 + 23 Mar + Sat 03, 10, 17 + 24 Mar TIME 10.15pm VENUE Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS $15 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 18+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
PAGE 39
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
LIVESPARK
KNOCKOFF
FREE MUSIC
FREE COMEDY
Wind down for the weekend with a good dose of free live music every Sunday afternoon.
Brisbane Powerhouse’s free comedy Friday continues during Brisbane Comedy Festival!
Livespark continues during Brisbane Comedy Festival featuring some of Brisbane and Australia’s finest songwriters and musicians.
Start your weekend right. If you like your comedy free, funny and full of surprises – look no further! Held on the Turbine Platform every Friday afternoon during the Festival, the Knockoff line-up includes a variety of local and national comedians bringing you the best one-liners.
Check the weekly program at www.facebook.com/livesparkmusic PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND SUGARRUSH MUSIC DATE 04, 11, 18 + 25 Mar TIME 3.30pm VENUE Turbine Platform, Brisbane Powerhouse TICKETS Free SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
Line-up announced weekly at facebook.com/knockoffcomedy PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE DATE 02, 09, 16 + 23 Mar TIME 6pm VENUE Turbine Platform, Brisbane Powerhouse
PICTURED: EMMA BOSWORTH
TICKETS Free
BRISBANE AIRPORT CORPORATION IS KEEPING THIS FREE PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY TRIPLE M
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY TRIPLE M
PAGE 40
JIM GAFFIGAN Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling, top touring comedian, actor and two times New York Times best-selling author Jim Gaffigan is coming to Australia! Known for his unique observational humour which largely revolves around fatherhood, life and food, Jim Gaffigan is one of the world’s most familiar faces in comedy.
DATE Fri 23–Sat 24 Mar TIME 7pm VENUE Main Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS $54.90 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ MAY CONTAIN COARSE LANGUAGE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL
The Jim Gaffigan Show, Flight of the Conchords and Portlandia star is one of ten comedians to ever sell out Madison Square Garden, has hit iTunes’ Comedy Top 25 five times and made Forbes’ 2016 list of highest-grossing comedians. Don’t miss the comedy maestro live and in full flight!
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND FRONTIER COMEDY
“SMART, CONVERSATIONAL, AND DAMN FUNNY." THE LAUGH BUTTON (US)
PAGE 41
TOM GLEESON SURE THING
"Who should we see?" "Tom Gleeson." "Sure thing."
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS DATE Thu 22–Sat 24 Mar
Star of the The Weekly and host of ABC TV’s Hard Quiz. “If there was such an event as the mythical comedy olympics, GLEESON WOULD TAKE ON HECKLERS FOR AUSTRALIA.” HERALD SUN
TIME 8.50pm VENUE Main Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS Thu $39 (preview), Fri $40, Sat $45 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL PAGE 42
GAP YEAR
Fiona’s been on a bit of a trip... of a lifetime. After finishing a Masters in how not to deal with some of life’s misgivings she’s decided she’s learned a few things. How to talk to nurses after being away for a while (in a coma), how to not sweat the sweat, and getting back to doing what she does best, making us all laugh with a raconteur’s glide of effortless fun. Fiona sweeps through life’s tales with a frankness and honestly that none other possess. Don’t miss this brand new show that will leave you wanting more. “You’d have to have a heart of stone not to enjoy it.”
«««« HERALD SUN
“My stomach muscles are still aching… this woman is really, really, really funny.” THE SUNDAY AGE PAGE 43
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND MARK DAVID MANAGEMENT DATE Wed 21–Sat 24 Mar TIME 7pm VENUE Ithaca Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS Wed $25 (preview), Thu $30 (f), $27 (c), Fri + Sat $35 (f), $31 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL
FIONA O'LOUGHLIN
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL
WIL ANDERSON WILEGAL
Wil spent 2017 performing sold-out shows from Melbourne to Montreal. He also got arrested on a plane to Wagga Wagga so that will probably get a mention. Six-time winner of the People’s Choice Award at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Host of ABC TV’s Gruen and heard on podcasts TOFOP, Wilosophy and 2 Guys 1 Cup. “Bravo. Go see it.”
««««« THE AGE
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS DATE Fri 16–Sun 18 Mar TIME Fri + Sat 8.50pm, Sun 6pm VENUE Main Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS Fri + Sat $49, Sun $47 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
PAGE 44
DUSTY RICH
CELIA PACQUOLA
NOT FROM AROUND HERE
ALL TALK
A new hour of stand-up mixed with his interstellar trademark crowd work and extra-terrestrial unpredictable hilarity! Join Dusty as he explores the universe inside our minds and what’s next for our inter-galactic species, probing the crowd like a sexy comedic space alien. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND BASED COMEDY DATE Thu 15–Sat 17 Mar TIME Thu 7.15pm, Fri + Sat 8pm
Star of ABC TV’s Rosehaven returns to Brisbane Comedy Festival with the world premiere of her brand new show, All Talk. Six shows only, will sell out – book today! PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS DATE Tue 13–Sun 18 Mar TIME Tue–Thu 8.30pm, Fri + Sat 7.45pm, Sun 6.45pm VENUE Ithaca Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS Tue $30 (preview), Wed + Thu $35, Fri + Sat $42,
Sun $39 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
VENUE Brisbane Room, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS Thu $25 (f), $20 (c), Fri + Sat $30 (f), $25 (c)
+ transaction fee of $5.95
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“One of our most gifted stand-ups at the top of her game.” THE AGE
“An absolute master of crowd interaction.” SPEAKEASY (NZ)
PAGE 45
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL
South African comedian from outer space, Dusty Rich is invading Australian comedy.
JIMEOIN
THE RIDICULOUS From the ridiculous to the hilarious… Come and see Jimeoin’s new show as he takes you into the brain of one the world’s best stand-up comedians and masters of observational humour. “Jimeoin is a true comedy legend doing what he does best… finding the funny in everyday situations”
««««
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALIST.COM.AU DATE Fri 16 + Sat 17 Mar TIME 7pm VENUE Main Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS $49 (f), $45 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
THE ADVERTISER
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL PAGE 46
SEE P
53
CAL WILSON
IS PARTICULY GOOD AT THIS
HINDSIGHT
One great man, and his truly amazing show.
Cal’s made some awful decisions – relationships, jobs, the ’90s.
This is one man's journey into the pitfalls of tall-poppy syndrome. If you've ever posted an online review for your own restaurant, business or church... Jacques is a must see.
She's made some great ones as well, she just didn't realise at the time. Cal's trying to make sense of everything she’s ever done. Or she might just tell some jokes. You’ll only know afterwards.
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALIST.COM.AU
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND TOKEN EVENTS
DATE Thu 22–Sun 25 Mar
DATE Tue 13–Sun 18 Mar
TIME Thu 7.15pm, Fri + Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm VENUE Brisbane Room, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS Thu + Sun $25, Fri + Sat $30 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“A handsome 5 star hero who also happens to do comedy.” YELP
TIME Tue–Thu 7pm, Fri + Sat 6.15pm, Sun 5.15pm VENUE Ithaca Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS Tue $25 (preview), Wed, Thu + Sun $32, Fri + Sat $37
+ transaction fee of $5.95
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
“a fast-paced hour of hilarious musings.”
«««« THE ADVERTISER, 2017
PAGE 47
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL
JACQUES BARRETT
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL
ANIMATED!
AN IMPROVISED MUSICAL FAIRYTALE Is your life completely bereft of talking animals? Still cruising Tinder for true love’s kiss? Consider ImproMafia your fairy godparents. Get set for a whole new world of comedy as these Brisbane legends wave their magic wands and transform your everyday problems into a completely improvised adults-only parody of everyone’s favourite animated films! With a little fairy dust and some audience suggestions, they’ll sing, dance (awkwardly) and narrowly avoid copyright infringement. When it comes to hilarity, you ain’t never had a friend like ImproMafia. “Hilarious from start to finish... ImproMafia have once again shown that they know their stuff and can strut it with ease on stage.” THE CREATIVE ISSUE
PAGE 48
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND IMPROMAFIA DATE Tue 13–Sun 18 Mar TIME Tue–Thu 8.45pm, Fri + Sat 9.30pm, Sun 8.30pm VENUE Brisbane Room, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS Tue $19, Wed–Sun $28 (f), $22 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
YADA YADA YADA A ’90s SITCOM SPECIAL
Hitting the ever popular City Hall for Brisbane Comedy Festival, Yada Yada Yada brings together the much lauded comic stylings of Lauren Edwards and Jude Perl. Described as 'Australia’s next Gina Riley and Jane Turner' (Stage Whispers) this slice of hilarity is a journey through what made iconic ‘90s sitcoms all that.
PAGE 49
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND HOT MESS PRODUCTIONS DATE Fri 16–Sat 17 Mar TIME 9.15pm VENUE Ithaca Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS $30 (f), $25 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL
It’s been 20 years since Ross and Rachel were on a break, Elaine busted out her outrageous dance moves at a work ‘do, and we fell in love with the flashy girl from Flushing. Celebrating the best decade of television history, Fran and Yetta are filming A ’90s Sitcom Special, and you’re invited. Yep, even you, Ugly Naked Guy.
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL
THE NAKED MAGICIANS Seen on London’s West End, in 200+ cities around the world and by over 50 million on television – The Naked Magicians is undoubtedly the world’s funniest and naughtiest magic show! Featuring magic, mirth and more than a touch of mayhem these two hot and hilarious Aussie magicians say abracadabra and take magic to a whole new level. This boisterous R-rated magic show strips away the top hats and capes, promising full-frontal illusions. Left without sleeves or pockets, their saucy magic is baffling and entertaining, bringing a new meaning to 'now you see it'. Good magicians don’t need sleeves and great magicians don’t need pants. This show proves just that! “We were left with laugh induced aching jaws”
«««««
FRINGE REVIEW UK
PAGE 50
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND SAMUEL KLINGNER ENTERTAINMENT DATE Wed 21–Sun 25 Mar TIME Wed–Sat 8.30pm, Sun 7.30pm VENUE Ithaca Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS Wed–Sun VIP $79.90*, Tue $39.90, Wed–Sun $49.90 (f), $44.90 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 * VIP includes premium seat, meet + greet and photo opportunity with The Naked Magicians and a VIP lanyard.
SUITABLE FOR AGE 18+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE AND NUDITY
LIVE AND LOCAL
SIMON TAYLOR HAPPY TIMES
Then he was told he might not be the dad. Then he was told he was probably the dad. Then he read the entire Internet trying to work out his chances of being the dad. This show details the hilarious mess of Simon's journey to potential fatherhood, from Australia's sharpest comedian. PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALIST.COM.AU DATE Fri 23–Sun 25 Mar TIME Fri + Sat 9.30pm, Sun 8.30pm VENUE Brisbane Room, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS $30 (f), $28 (c) + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
That's it! Two lineups featuring the best upcoming talent from the Sunshine State, sharing the stage for an hour of stand up, stories and wicked one liners. 16–18 MAR Zack Dyer, Jasmine Fairbairn,
Jack Gramenz, Ashwin Segkar, Stephanie Tisdell 23–25 MAR Rhi Down, Ben Knight, Jacob Lingard, Andy Thompson (pictured), Oliver Twist PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL DATE Fri 16–Sun 18 Mar, Fri 23–Sun 25 Mar TIME Fri + Sat 6.30pm, Sun 5.30pm VENUE Brisbane Room, Brisbane City Hall TICKETS Fri + Sun $22, Sat $25 + transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
"His delivery is so finely tuned, he scores belly laughs each time. A master of timing."
««««« THE AGE
PAGE 51
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT BRISBANE CITY HALL
Mid last year, Simon was told he was going to be a dad.
These acts have only two things in common; where they call home, and that they are funny.
AKMAL
TRANSPARENT BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT SUNPAC
Akmal returns with his funniest show ever in the history of comedy. Paramedics will be on call to transport audience members to hospital as their sides split from laughter.* Akmal is one of Australia's most respected, successful and accomplished comics, displaying an incredible ability to deal with hot topics in a hilarious and slightly offensive way. His new show is no exception. *Please consult your doctor before seeing this show. Not recommended for people under the age of 18 or over the age of 18, or people with lawyers. NO REFUNDS.
“Random, improvised and hilarious…”
CRIKEY.COM.AU
PAGE 52
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALIST.COM.AU DATE Fri 02 Mar TIME 7.30pm VENUE SunPAC TICKETS $40 (f), $37 (c)
+ transaction fee of $5.95 SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
SEE P
26
JIMEOIN
THE RIDICULOUS From the ridiculous to the hilarious… Come and see Jimeoin’s new show as he takes you into the brain of one the world’s best stand-up comedians and masters of observational humour. “Excels at observational comedy…Funny and real.”
«««« HERALD SUN
PRESENTED BY BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AND ALIST.COM.AU DATE Thu 15 Mar TIME 7.30pm VENUE SunPAC TICKETS $49 (f), $45 (c)
+ transaction fee of $5.95
SEE P
46
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL AT SUNPAC
SUITABLE FOR AGE 15+ CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE
PAGE 53
Courtesy Bus Brisbane Comedy Festival wants to help a brother out in 2018! A courtesy bus is being run on a loop from Brisbane Powerhouse to Fortitude Valley on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 6pm (approximately every 15 mins). The FREE pick up and drop off point in town is outside the Empire Hotel (cnr Brunswick and Ann St) and at Brisbane Powerhouse. For timetable information go to brisbanecomedyfestival.com.au
Festival Venues BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
Taxi We definitely endorse a cheeky taxi or Uber ride to give you time to enjoy a glass of wine or a bite to eat at Bar Alto or WATT before the show. The taxi zone is located inside the car park beside the Stores Building.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT CityCat The New Farm Park CityCat Jetty is a short 400m walk from Brisbane Powerhouse. Bus The 195 and 196 bus services stop at the end of Brunswick Street at Oxlade Drive, on the East side of New Farm Park. The 199 bus stops at Merthyr Road and Hawthorne Street. Both stops are a short walk from Brisbane Powerhouse.
PARKING If you're planning on driving, get here early and give yourself time to find a park! The Brisbane Powerhouse car park has over 100 free car parks but parking around the area can be quite difficult once this fills up. During busy times we open a one way link road that connects to the New Farm Park car park that provides more than 200 additional car spaces. Bicycle racks are located outside the Stores Building and Brisbane Powerhouse.
119 LAMINGTON ST, NEW FARM
PAGE 54
BRISBANE CITY HALL
64 ADELAIDE STREET, BRISBANE CITY PUBLIC TRANSPORT CityCat The closest ferry terminal is North Quay.
SUNPAC
470 MCCULLOUGH STREET, SUNNYBANK PUBLIC TRANSPORT Bus The 155 bus service stops on McCullough Street at the Granadilla Street intersection, and the 123 bus stops on Granadilla Street at the McCullough Street intersection. The 140 and 598 buses stop at Mains Road at Sunnybank near the McCullough Street intersection. All stops are within a 5–15 minute walk away from SunPAC.
Bus There is a major bus interchange underneath King George Square and Queen Street Mall, as well as many bus stops along Adelaide Street. Train Brisbane City Hall is only a 5–10 minute walk from Central and Roma Street train stations. PARKING Paid car parking is available at the King George Square car park, located directly underneath King George Square.
Taxi Taxi and drop-off zone is located along the main driveway off McCullough Street, halfway between the Sunnybank Community and Sports Club and SunPAC. Drop off zones are signed. PARKING SunPAC provides ample parking spaces with an outdoor carpark, as well as an underground carpark that provides direct access via lift into the foyer free of charge. To access the underground carpark, follow the driveway to the front of the Sunnybank Community and Sports Club, and follow the signs to the members car park.
PAGE 55
Host the best party at Brisbane Comedy Festival! Stand out from the crowd and treat your clients or colleagues to a unique Brisbane Comedy Festival experience. Our tailored corporate entertainment packages include access to a private event space with breathtaking river views, mouth-watering food and beverages along with tickets to some of the most hilarious international and national comedians around. Only available for the month of March, book now as spaces are limited. Packages start from only $110 per person. That’s no laughing matter! ENQUIRE TODAY E events@brisbanepowerhouse.org P 61 7 3358 8620 PAGE 56
Eat, Drink and Be Funny!
THANKS F YOUR SU OR PPORT
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE WATT WATT’s getting roasted for Brisbane Comedy Festival! Enjoy a serving of lamb, chicken or fish for two or more people with a bottle of wine for $99. Platter includes vegetables and condiments, bookings are essential. W wattbrisbane.com.au T 61 7 3358 5464 BAR ALTO Bar Alto is a modern Italian restaurant located at the Brisbane Powerhouse, nestled on the beautiful banks of the Brisbane River. W baralto.com.au T 61 7 3358 1063 HA HA BAR Enjoy your drinks under the stars during Brisbane Comedy Festival, with the Ha Ha Bar popping up on the Powerhouse Plaza from 6pm (Thu–Sun), thanks to Bar Alto.
BRISBANE CITY HALL Opening at 5pm Tue-Sun, the Pop Up in King George Square is the best place in town to let your hair down before your Brisbane Comedy Festival show at Brisbane City Hall. Thirst-quenching Mountain Goat beers on ice, delicious food, good tunes – you’ll be set! Brisbane Comedy Festival bars will also be open inside City Hall an hour before each show.
SUNPAC SUNPAC BAR AND CAFÉ Offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as light snacks before and after the show. THE TERRACE SunPAC encourages patrons looking for a more substantial meal to visit The Terrace at Sunnybank Community and Sports Club, which is conveniently attached to the building. W sbru.com.au T 61 7 3323 9600
PAGE 57
How to Book ONLINE brisbanecomedyfestival.com PHONE +61 7 3358 8600 BRISBANE POWERHOUSE BOX OFFICE HOURS Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 12–4pm, 60 min prior to performance start time. BRISBANE CITY HALL BOX OFFICE HOURS Box Office will be available on site and will open 60 minutes prior to performance start time. SUNPAC BOX OFFICE HOURS Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, 60 min prior to performance start time.
Week One SHOW
P.
VENUE
TUE 27 FEB
WED 28 FEB
THU 01 MAR
FRI 02 MAR
SAT 03 MAR
10.15pm
10.15pm
SUN 04 MAR
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AFTER HOURS
39
Turbine Studio
AKMAL
26
Powerhouse Theatre
9.30pm
8.30pm
ANGUS GORDON
21
Graffiti Room
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
6.15pm
CAMERON JAMES
32
Rooftop Terrace
8.15pm
8.15pm
8.15pm
8.15pm
8.15pm
7.15pm
CONVINCE ME!
38
Turbine Platform
DAMIEN POWER
36
Visy Theatre
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
7.30pm
JOE SHAFFER
35
Graffiti Room
8.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
7.45pm
GEN FRICKER
17
Rooftop Terrace
9.45pm
9.45pm
8.45pm
KNOCKOFF
40
Turbine Platform
6pm
LIVESPARK
40
Turbine Platform
LUKE HEGGIE
14
Turbine Studio
MATT OKINE
07
Powerhouse Theatre
MEL BUTTLE
18
Visy Theatre
PETER HELLIAR
20
Powerhouse Theatre
QUEENSLAND THEATRESPORTS™ CHAMPIONSHIPS
39
Turbine Platform
SAM CAMPBELL
31
Rooftop Terrace
6.45pm
6.45pm
THE STEVENSON EXPERIENCE
26
Turbine Studio
7.15pm
7.15pm
52
SunPAC
5.30pm
8.45pm
3.30pm 8.45pm
7pm
8.45pm
7pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
7.45pm
7pm
7.45pm
7.45pm
6.45pm
7pm
7pm
7pm
6pm
6pm
6pm
5pm
7.45pm
7.45pm
6.45pm
6.45pm
6.45pm
5.45pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
6.15pm
SUNPAC AKMAL
7.30pm
PAGE 58
Week Two SHOW
P.
VENUE
TUE 06 MAR
WED 07 MAR
THU 08 MAR
FRI 09 MAR
SAT 10 MAR
SUN 11 MAR
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AFTER HOURS
39
Turbine Studio
10.15pm
10.15pm
ANGELLA DRAVID AND MELANIE BRACEWELL
31
Rooftop Terrace
9.45pm
9.45pm
8.45pm
BECKY LUCAS
10
Turbine Studio
7.15pm
7.15pm
6.15pm
BRISBURNED
34
Graffiti Room
5.45pm
CLASS CLOWNS
38
Visy Theatre
3pm
CONVINCE ME!
38
Turbine Platform
COOL STORY BRO
32
Rooftop Terrace
DANIEL SLOSS
30
Visy Theatre
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
7.30pm
DANIELLE WALKER
24
Graffiti Room
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
6.15pm
7pm
7pm
4.15pm + 7.45pm
6.45pm
6.45pm
6.45pm
5.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
7.45pm
8.15pm
8.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
5.30pm 5.15pm
DAVE HUGHES
16
Powerhouse Theatre
DAVID SMIEDT
14
Rooftop Terrace
JAMES SMITH
29
Powerhouse Theatre
JEFF GREEN
06
Turbine Studio
JUDE PERL
35
Turbine Studio
8.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
GUY MONTGOMERY
18
Rooftop Terrace
8.15pm
8.15pm
8.15pm
HEATH FRANKLIN’S CHOPPER
13
Powerhouse Theatre
KNOCKOFF
40
Turbine Platform
LAWRENCE MOONEY
11
Powerhouse Theatre
LEHMO
27
Visy Theatre
LIVESPARK
40
Turbine Platform
NEEL KOLHATKAR
06
Powerhouse Theatre
NICK CODY
25
Visy Theatre
PAULY FENECH
15
Powerhouse Theatre
QUEENSLAND THEATRESPORTS™ CHAMPIONSHIPS
39
Turbine Platform
TIM HEWITT
33
Graffiti Room
6.45pm
6.45pm
8.45pm
7pm 6pm 6pm
5pm
5.30pm
4.30pm
3.30pm 9.30pm 7pm
7pm
7pm
7pm
7pm
7.45pm
7.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
6pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
PAGE 59
8.45pm
8.45pm
7.45pm
Week Three SHOW
P.
VENUE
TUE 13 MAR
WED 14 MAR
THU 15 MAR
FRI 16 MAR
SAT 17 MAR
10.15pm
10.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
SUN 18 MAR
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AFTER HOURS
39
Turbine Studio
ALEX WARD
36
Graffiti Room
BRISBURNED
34
Graffiti Room
CLASS CLOWNS
38
Visy Theatre
CONVINCE ME!
38
Turbine Platform
COOL STORY BRO
32
Rooftop Terrace
DAVE THORNTON
13
Visy Theatre
DILRUK JAYASINHA
21
Rooftop Terrace
JOEL CREASEY
19
Powerhouse Theatre
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
6.15pm
5.45pm 2pm
3pm 5.30pm 5.15pm
7pm
7pm
7pm
7pm
7pm
6pm
6.45pm
6.45pm
6.45pm
5.45pm
9.30pm
9.30pm
8.30pm
GILLIAN COSGRIFF
33
Turbine Studio
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
6.15pm
HARLEY BREEN
22
Turbine Studio
8.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
7.45pm
KNOCKOFF
40
Turbine Platform
LIVESPARK
40
Turbine Platform
MATT STEWART
24
Graffiti Room
8.45pm
8.45pm
7.45pm
NAZEEM HUSSAIN
12
Powerhouse Theatre
7.45pm
7.45pm
QUEENSLAND THEATRESPORTS™ CHAMPIONSHIPS
39
Turbine Platform
7.45pm
7.45pm
QUEERSTORIES
37
Powerhouse Theatre
SHAYNE HUNTER
17
TOMMY LITTLE
09
ZOË COOMBS MARR
27
6pm 3.30pm 8.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
6pm
Rooftop Terrace Visy Theatre
8.30pm
9.45pm
9.45pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.15pm
8.15pm
8.15pm
8.15pm
7.15pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
9.30pm
9.30pm
8.30pm
Powerhouse Theatre
8.45pm
4.15pm
Rooftop Terrace
BRISBANE CITY HALL ANIMATED!
48
Brisbane Room
CAL WILSON
47
Ithaca Auditorium
7pm
7pm
7pm
6.15pm
6.15pm
5.15pm
CELIA PACQUOLA
45
Ithaca Auditorium
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
7.45pm
7.45pm
6.45pm
DUSTY RICH
45
Brisbane Room
7.15pm
8pm
8pm
JIMEOIN
46
Main Auditorium
7pm
7pm
8.45pm
LIVE AND LOCAL
51
Brisbane Room
6.30pm
6.30pm
5.30pm
WIL ANDERSON
44
Main Auditorium
8.50pm
8.50pm
6pm
YADA YADA YADA
49
Ithaca Auditorium
9.15pm
9.15pm
53
SunPAC
SUNPAC JIMEOIN
7.30pm
PAGE 60
Week Four SHOW
P.
VENUE
TUE 20 MAR
WED 21 MAR
THU 22 MAR
FRI 23 MAR
SAT 24 MAR
10.15pm
10.15pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
SUN 25 MAR
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AFTER HOURS
39
Turbine Studio
BRISBURNED
34
Graffiti Room
CAM KNIGHT
23
Turbine Studio
CONVINCE ME!
38
Visy Theatre
COOL STORY BRO
32
Rooftop Terrace
DEANNE SMITH
09
Rooftop Terrace
DEMI LARDNER
23
Rooftop Terrace
DES BISHOP
10
Visy Theatre
IVAN ARISTEGUIETA
34
Visy Theatre
KNOCKOFF
40
Turbine Platform
LIVESPARK
40
Turbine Platform
QUEENSLAND THEATRESPORTS™ CHAMPIONSHIPS
39
Turbine Platform
RAMA NICHOLAS
22
Graffiti Room
RICH HALL
04
Powerhouse Theatre
ROSE CALLAGHAN
33
Turbine Studio
SAM SIMMONS
08
Powerhouse Theatre
SAM TAUNTON
24
Graffiti Room
STEPHEN K AMOS
05
THE TRAVELLING SISTERS
5.45pm 8.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
7.45pm 5.30pm
5.15pm 6.45pm
8.30pm
6.45pm
6.45pm
5.45pm
8.15pm
8.15pm
7.15pm
7pm
7pm
7pm
6pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
7.30pm
6pm 3.30pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
7.45pm
7.45pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
6.15pm
8.45pm 7.15pm
7.15pm
7.15pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
9.30pm
9.30pm
8.30pm
8.45pm
8.45pm
7.45pm
Powerhouse Theatre
7.45pm
7.45pm
6.45pm
28
Turbine Studio
7.15pm
7.15pm
6.15pm
TOM WALKER
28
Rooftop Terrace
8.15pm
9.45pm
9.45pm
8.45pm
URZILA CARLSON
03
Powerhouse Theatre
7pm
6pm
6pm
7pm
7pm
7pm
7.15pm
8pm
8pm
8.15pm
8.15pm
BRISBANE CITY HALL FIONA O’LOUGHLIN
43
Ithaca Auditorium
JACQUES BARRETT
47
Brisbane Room
JIM GAFFIGAN
41
Main Auditorium
7pm
7pm
LIVE AND LOCAL
51
Brisbane Room
6.30pm
6.30pm
5.30pm
SIMON TAYLOR
51
Brisbane Room
9.30pm
9.30pm
8.30pm
THE NAKED MAGICIANS
50
Ithaca Auditorium
8.30pm
8.30pm
8.30pm
7.30pm
TOM GLEESON
42
Main Auditorium
8.50pm
8.50pm
8.50pm
7pm
8.30pm
All shows run for approximately 50–60 mins, unless otherwise indicated. The information in this guide was correct at the time of printing. For any updates please visit brisbanecomedyfestival.com PAGE 61
7pm
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL IS PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE WITH SUPPORT FROM BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL FESTIVAL VENUE PARTNERS
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY SCENESTR