British stand-up comic Paul Smith will bring his viral brand of crowd-roasting comedy back to Australia and New Zealand for in early 2027, with his first run of arena shows across the region as part of his new global tour, ‘HAPPY’.
Promoted by Live Nation, the tour begins at Perth HPC on February 3rd before heading to Melbourne’s John Cain Arena, Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena and Brisbane Entertainment Centre, wrapping the Australian leg at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on February 12th. Smith will then travel to New Zealand for performances at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre (February 15th), Christchurch Town Hall (February 19th) and Auckland’s Spark Arena (February 20th).
The arena run follows a breakout period for Smith, whose stand-up has become a viral staple online thanks to his quick-witted audience interactions and improvisational roasting. Across more than 5,000 clips circulating on social media, the UK comic has built a substantial global following, helping propel his previous tour, ‘Pablo’, to major success. The UK leg of that run alone sold more than 600,000 tickets.
‘HAPPY’ marks Smith’s sixth stand-up tour and his biggest yet, with dates spanning the UK, Ireland, Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. The new show leans into the style that has made him one of the most recognisable stand-up comics online: fast-paced sets built around spontaneous crowd work, sharp observational humour and stories drawn from everyday life.
According to tour promoters, the show centres on “finding joy in the chaos, laughter in the everyday, and comedy in absolutely everything,” combining Smith’s trademark audience interaction with tightly written material.
While Smith’s viral roasting clips have introduced him to a global audience, he is also widely regarded within the UK circuit for his writing and stagecraft. He has long served as resident compère at Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club and recently headlined the launch of the venue’s purpose-built new theatre, billed as the largest comedy club in Europe.
Over the course of his career, Smith has moved steadily from club rooms to theatres and now arenas, with his energetic style and improvisational confidence translating across venues of all sizes.
Fans attending the ‘HAPPY’ tour can expect the same unpredictable format that has made his online clips so popular. Audience members—particularly those seated near the stage—often find themselves drawn into the show as Smith fires off rapid responses and playful takedowns in real time.
Tickets for the Australia and New Zealand dates go on sale to the general public on March 20 at 3pm local time. Mastercard cardholders in Australia and eligible Westpac Mastercard customers in New Zealand will have access to presale tickets beginning March 17th at 1pm local time, with a Live Nation presale running from March 19th.
Full tour and ticket details are available via Live Nation locally.
Paul Smith ‘HAPPY’ Australia & New Zealand 2027 Tour
Mastercard Australia pre-sale 1pm Tuesday, March 17th until 1pm Thursday, March 19th (local time), plus preferred ticket access on Friday, March 20th at 3pm. More information here.
Westpac New Zealand pre-sale 1pm Tuesday, March 17th until 1pm Thursday, March 19th (local time), plusWestpac hotpoints® Mastercard cardholders also have access to exclusive preferred tickets from Friday, March 20th at 3pm local. More information here.
General public tickets go on sale on Friday, March 2oth at 3pm local time.
Wednesday, February 3rd
Perth HPC, Perth
Friday, February 5th
John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Saturday, February 6th
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Tuesday, February 9th
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Friday, February 12th
Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Monday, February 15th
Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
Friday, February 19th
Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch
Saturday, February 20th
Spark Arena, Auckland