Whether you’re a die-hard stand-up fan or completely new to the idea of seeing live comedy (it’s like those Netflix specials, except you’re actually there), this year’s Perth Comedy Festival is sure to have something for you, with some of the biggest Australian and International names heading to town.
Anyone who missed out on seeing Nick Cody, Luke Heggie or Rhys Nicholson recently will be delighted they’ve returned with each of their solo shows, albeit for one night only. Scottish stand-up sensation Daniel Sloss has clearly capitalised on his popular run last year, having already added a second show in 2019 due to popular demand.
While these big acts are sure to own the occasion, this year X-Press comedian-in-residence SIAN CHOYCE also lets you know about some names you might not be quite as familiar with or have never been seen in Perth before. This Top 10 is by no means exhaustive, but with such an amazing program running for four weeks from April 22 to May 19 it’s a great place to start. Make sure you check out the full list of shows on the Perth Comedy Festival website.
PERTH COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOWCASE – SPECIAL X-CLUSIVE DISCOUNT
If you’re interested in getting a taste of everything in one succinct swill, head down to the Perth Comedy Festival Showcase in its new home of Rock Rover in Fremantle. This is always one of the most popular events of the festival, and this year we’re happy to offer X-Press readers a 25% discount on tickets so you can catch the best of the fest in one place. Simply claim your discount on tickets for Thursday, May 2 HERE, or for Thursday, May 9 HERE. This offer expires Tuesday, March 19 at 5pm.
1. JAMES ACASTER – COLD LASAGNA HATE MYSELF 1999
James Acaster reflects on both the best year of his life and the worst year of it in his new critically acclaimed show. He was the first UK comic to film more than one Netflix Original special, with his four-part series Repertoire. Come along and see why.
GET TICKETS HERE
2. IVAN ARISTEGUIETA – THE FOURTH FLOOR
In Venezuelan culture, turning 40 is celebrated by the phrase “You’ve hit the fourth floor!”, which means you’re about halfway up the building of life. Rapidly rising in the elevator to his own Fourth Floor, Ivan explores the possible mid-building crisis ahead.
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3. CASSIE WORKMAN – GIANTESS
Multi-award winning comedian, Cassie Workman seamlessly weaves comedy, storytelling, music and illustration together in this new show exploring the themes of self acceptance and coming to terms with gender identity.
GET TICKETS HERE
4. RON FUNCHES – LIVE
Making his Australian debut, Ron Funches has been performing on stages all across the world and has too many TV credits to try to list here. Having been described as “comedy’s relaxing equivalent of a glass of wine in a fragrant bubble bath”, Ron’s show is sure to have something for everyone.
GET TICKETS HERE
5. BIGGEST COMEDY SHOW ON EARTH
Do you like variety? Can’t decide what solo shows to see? Unsure if you have the attention span to listen to one person for a whole hour? This is the showcase for you, with some of the biggest names of the festival jumping on stage so you can see them, love them and buy tickets to their individual shows.
GET TICKETS HERE
6. FIONA O’LOUGHLIN – ADDRESSES THE NATION
Whether it be at people, places or quite a few things in between, Fiona brings her big guns, taking aim at some of the BS 2019 has already started to serve. You’re sure to have a laugh (as long as you’re not Nicole Kidman).
GET TICKETS HERE
7. CRAIG HILL – C’MON THE LADS
Hot off the heels of his last sell-out tour, kilted comedian Craig Hill returns to Perth to show audiences how it’s done. Being described as a master of audience interaction, no topic is left untouched in this hilarious hour.
GET TICKETS HERE
8. JAMALI MADDIX – VAPE LORD
Host of the Viceland series Hate Thy Neighbour, critically acclaimed UK comedian Jamali Maddix’s first time is Perth is not to be missed. He’s taking a brutally honest look at the state of society all across the globe. It promises to be insightful and unflinching.
GET TICKETS HERE
9. STEVE HUGHES – ARE YOU SERIOUS?
Hard hitting, Steve Hughes, returns to Perth with a look at today’s society and how it all keeps turning. Having performed for over 20 years to sold out crowds in more than 30 countries, there’s not much about performing comedy this man doesn’t know. The modern world and how it works? Perhaps, not as much.
GET TICKETS HERE
10. LOCAL LEGENDS
These are just a few of the amazing local comedians with shows you can check out during PCF, there were so many we had to squeeze them all into one one suggestion!
TOR SNYDER – BIG GIRLS DONUT CRY
CAMERON MCLAREN – THE VERY HUNGRY CAMERPILLAR
UMAR AZAD – HALAL? IS IT MEAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
THE MOTHERHOOD – SURVIVING THE CIRCUS
MATT STORER – GOOD EGG
CRAIG QUARTERMAINE – NOVELTY ACT
