The Brisbane Comedy Festival has announced its full program for the 16th edition.
Running from 23 April to 25 May, the festival will be held at Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli, Fortitude Music Hall, and The Princess Theatre, offering a month of comedy.
Brisbane Comedy Festival Director, Phoebe Meredith, mentioned that over 130 shows are scheduled this year.
“The rise of the clown for me brings an extra layer of theatricality and commitment to silliness that I know our audience will really enjoy,” Meredith said. “As always, we have a few viral sensations making the leap from your phone screen to the stage, international icons, people you see on the telly and hear on the radio, as well as a pack of up-and-comers ready to make you lol. No matter your taste in comedy, there’s something for everyone.”
Mayor Adrian Schrinner is excited about the festival’s return. “The Brisbane Comedy Festival is a showpiece event putting Brisbane on the map as one of the best places for comedy,” Cr Schrinner said.
“We can’t wait to welcome thousands of fans and for them to experience this incredible month-long celebration of comedy. This year’s program is stacked with performances from world-class comedians to our very own rising stars. Events such as this help make Brisbane’s lifestyle even better and create more to see and do in our vibrant city.”
The 2025 festival will feature Elf Lyons with the first-ever comedy show performed entirely by a horse, “Furiozo”—a punk-rock comedy—and Garry Starr performing every classic Penguin novel in one hour.
Aboriginal Comedy Allstars also returns, featuring First Nations comedians like Andy Saunders, Elaine Crombie, Janty Blair, Jay Wymarra, Kevin Kropinyeri, and Sean Choolburra.
Janty Blair, a proud Butchulla, Mununjali, and Woppaburra woman, will perform her first solo show at 60. A nurse, midwife, and winner of the 2022 Deadly Funnies, Janty will share her stories through comedy.
Brisbane locals Matt Okine, Ben Hunter, and Anisa Nandaula will also perform, alongside rising stars such as Jordan Barr, Fady Kassab, and Stuart Daulman. There will also be musical comedy from The Stevenson Experience and Harry Jun’s Friendship Safari.
“Queerstories” will return, showcasing a talented lineup of LGBTQIA+ comedians.
“Frocking Hilarious!” will feature top women comedians, hosted by Claire Hooper, with proceeds supporting ActionAid’s mission for women’s rights.
“After Hours” will give comedians the chance to try new material and revisit old favourites. Anything can happen during these shows.
Some shows have already sold out, including the opening gala at Fortitude Music Hall, Rhys Darby’s new show, Aunty Donna’s “Broden Kelly”, and “Wankernomics”, which has sold out in Australia, Edinburgh, and London.
For the full program, transport info, and more, visit brisbanecomedyfestival.com.
Brisbane Comedy Festival 2025
Tickets on sale now at brisbanecomedyfestival.com
Wednesday, April 23 – Sunday, May 25