Wil Anderson image courtesy of the Brisbane Powerhouse
Want to hear something funny? Then you should totally go to the Brisbane Comedy Festival at
Brisbane Powerhouse this February-March!
Bart Freebairn image courtesy of the Brisbane Powerhouse
The festival boasts something for every comedic taste: Paul Foot, Bart Freebairn and Sam Simmons for those who like their laughs on the surreal, whimsical storytelling side, Damien Power, Tom Gleeson, Harley Breen and Wil Anderson for the fans of intelligent, insightful, humanist routines with a left wing bent, Sandra Bernhard and Chris Wainhouse for those who like their comedy with bite, Celia Pacquola, Hannah Gadsby, and Cal Wilson to prove that friend who thinks women aren't funny oh so wrong, Nick Cody, Matt Okine and Harley Breen for that affable nice guy vibe, and Tom Ballard, Mel Buttle and Frenchy cover pop culture and 'youth speak' laden routines that appeal to the younger generations (and the young at heart).
Hannah Gadsby image courtesy of the Brisbane Powerhouse
The Brisbane Comedy Festival has so much on offer, that list above doesn't even scratch the surface. There are some familiar faces from TV making an appearance too: Heath Franklin as Chopper (
The Ronnie Johns Half Hour), Dave Thornton (
Stand Up Australia, Rove), Fiona O'Loughlin (
Rove, Spicks and Specks, Good News Week), Em Rusciano (
Australian Idol), Glenn Robbins (
Kath and Kim, Full Frontal, Upper Middle Bogan) and Dave O'Neil (
Tractor Monkeys, Spicks and Specks).
Sam Simmons image courtesy of the Brisbane Powerhouse
But don't think for a second the Brisbane Comedy Festival is just for grown-ups!
Captain Fun Pants and the Mystery of the Fun-O-Matic Wand starring Harley Breen and Heath Franklin is a comedy show written just for kids. The teens might want to check out the
Class Clowns comedy competition for school aged comedians and there's even a comedy workshop on offer for those who want to learn the art of being a clown.
Celia Pacquola image courtesy of the Brisbane Powerhouse
Aside from Sandra Bernhard, who commands quite the fee (with VIP tickets to her show at $199.90) average ticket prices are around the $30-$40 mark. For those of you despairing that you're still a bit low on disposable income after the festive season, fear not!
The Pineapple Club and Knockoff are two shows offering free laughs in The Comedy Channel Laughter Lounge throughout the festival. Night owls will also love the surprise and spontaneity of
Chalkboard, where the Powerhouse gathers a bunch of comedians from the festival to jump up and perform quick late night ten minute sets.
Brisbane Powerhouse lights up with laughter during the annual comedy festival
In all, the Brisbane Comedy Festival is bringing over 40 comedians from Australia and around the world to town to make you LOL, and maybe even ROFL. I've attended the festival for many years running now, and it has gone from strength to strength. I recall one year laughing so hard at Wil Anderson my face and tummy hurt the next day, Tom Gleeson made me do that embarrassing snort laugh thing until I had tears, and Sam Simmons amused my friend so much she nearly fell off her chair laughing. So I'm going to go all Molly Meldrum on you now and say, 'do yourself a favour' book yourself some tickets for Brisbane Comedy Festival.
