Wagga Comedy Fest 2024 line-up announced
Published: 05 Mar 2024 1:56pm
COMEDY FEST 2024 – Laughing all the way through the June long weekend
Wagga Comedy Fest is back in 2024 and promises to deliver all the laughs, with some of the country’s best comedians taking to the stage over the King’s Birthday long weekend, from 6 to 10 June.
Presenting more than 20 comedy shows and workshops over five days and three venues, the line-up rivals its international festival counterparts and places Wagga Wagga’s local comedy festival firmly on the annual calendar of touring comedians and audiences.
Tickets are now on sale for the Wagga Comedy Fest, which features names like Mel Buttle, Wil Anderson, Geraldine Hickey, Tom Gleeson and ABC Radio’s Thank God It’s Friday.
The festival will open on Thursday night (6 June) with a free performance of Are You Pulling My Leg? Showcasing some of Australia’s funniest comedians with disability or chronic illness, this raucous accessible comedy event boasts a line-up of award-winning performers.
“The show sold out in its premier showing at Sydney’s Vivid festival, so we are thrilled to be able to bring the show to Wagga Wagga and offer it as a free performance to our theatre loving audiences on opening night,” Civic Theatre Manager Claire Harris said.
“What a way to kick off Comedy Fest! It is a little bit naughty though, so definitely for the over 18s.”
The festival line-up continues to offer a show to suit all tastes.
“If you like your comedy from big name TV comedians, we’ve got you covered. If you like things a little crazier and more unpredictable, you need to get your tickets for Garry Starr, Shad & Pete or Dirty Laundry,” Ms Harris said.
The Riverina Comedy Club House returns in 2024 and will play host to a program of workshops, improvised comedy and local talent curated by the Riverina Comedy Club.
Local personalities will take to the stage in the Great Wagga Comedy Fest Debate to open the Club House program on Thursday night.
The Comedy Fest will again deliver family friendly shows with affordable ticket prices to ensure that the kids don’t miss out on all the fun.
The Laugh Lounge will also make a return – the heated marquee in front of the Civic Theatre making a perfect base during the festival.
“We have deliberately staggered the show start times so you can catch as many comedians as possible each night,” Ms Harris said.
“The Laugh Lounge provides a chill out space between those shows, but it is also a great place to meet for drinks and food after work.”
Happy Hour offers will be in place at the Laugh Lounge between 5pm - 6pm Thursday and Friday to encourage local workers to pop in and sample the food, wine and beer and of course the famous Wagga Comedy Fest Gluhwein (mulled wine).
Thursday 6 June
The ABC Drive show with Richard Glover featuring Thank God It’s Friday
Crips and Creeps – Are You Pulling My Leg?
The Great Wagga Comedy Fest Debate
Friday 7 June
Geraldine Hickey – Don’t Tease Me About My Gloves
Tom Gleeson – Gear
Lizzy Hoo & Dave Thornton – A Double Bill
Garry Starr – Greece Lightning
Saturday 8 June
Clowning Workshop with Jeromaia Detto
Camp Culture
Wil Anderson - WILEGITIMATE
Dirty Laundry - Briefs
Mel Buttle – Not Here to Put Socks on Centipedes
Garry Starr – Greece Lightning
Shad & Pete – Save the World
Sunday 9 June
Mr Snot-Bottom’s Stinky Silly Show
Mr Snot-Bottom’s Comedy Workshops
Wil Anderson - WILEGITIMATE
Mel Buttle – Not Here to Put Socks on Centipedes
Monday 10 June
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow