Wagga Comedy Fest is once again bringing laughs, light, and happiness into the deepest, darkest depths of a Wagga Wagga winter. This weekend, the Civic Theatre precinct is comedy central with over 20 performances happening across three venues.
The long weekend comedy festival has become an event on the national comedy calendar, attracting some of the country’s most successful comedians to our city, whilst also offering opportunities for emerging local talent to gain skills and perform on stage.
The line-up for the festival is carefully programmed, with each show selected specifically to suit our local audiences, showcasing big names and lesser-known comedians who have been seeing success at other comedy festivals around the country.
Civic Theatre Manager, Isobel MacCallum said “I really encourage locals to get tickets to see one of the comedians they haven’t seen before.
“The amazing talents of comedians like David Quirk, Jude Perl and Otto & Astrid have been selling out shows at Melbourne Comedy Festival and taking their shows internationally. So, it really is amazing that that level of talent is part of our festival program.”
This weekend, the headliner shows like Tommy Little and Lano & Woodley have sold well, with Tommy Little’s show completely sold out.
The Laugh Lounge marquee is also open from 5pm with food and drink vendors and live music. This heated marquee is open to all, even if you don’t have a ticket to one of the shows.
Wagga Comedy Fest is taking place this weekend 8 – 11 June. Whilst some shows have sold out, tickets remain for most performances and will be available at the door.
Find out more about the full line-up at www.civictheatre.com.au/comedy-fest
Here is some information about two of the performers this weekend:
David Quirk is the hot tip from staff at the Civic Theatre. His show Astonishing Obscurity tells the story of quitting comedy in 2017 and emerging four years later to talk about the day he ended a 32-year-old family vendetta.
David Quirk has cemented his place on our TV screens and as an original voice on the international comedy circuit, with hit live shows in Australia and the UK.
You might have seen him in Rosehaven, Celia Pacquola and Luke McGregor’s acclaimed ABC series where he plays the character of Damian, the Tasmanian hoarding locksmith. Or as Josh Thomas’ love interest in Please Like Me. If not there, perhaps it was with Sam Simmons in Problems, with The Kates in Get Krackin, or with Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane.
But if you have not seen him live, be at the Wagga Comedy Fest on Friday night to witness his quick wit and impeccable timing.
Jude Perl is one-part exceptional musician, one-part hilarious comedian. She has won four Green Room Awards for Best Original Songs, along with a host of music and cabaret performing awards. Her 2015 debut show at Melbourne International Comedy Festival sold out and the trend has continued year-on-year.
Jude will be bringing her Greatest Hits show to Wagga Comedy Fest on Saturday night. She will perform as many of her mental health bangers that she can fit into one hour discussing everything from share house living to school crushes to stomach issues to meerkats.
★★★★★ “Jude, you made me laugh, cry and then do that weird laugh-cry thing where you aren’t exactly sure what emotions you’re feeling but snot and tears are dribbling down your face yet you’re still laughing. “- AU Review
