Everyone needs a good laugh now and then and there’s nothing like an evening of comedy to help let it out. Alongside Perth’s comedy lounges and clubs, there are a host of comedy festivals that tour through the city each year, including Perth Comedy Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, as well as one-off comedy showcases. Offering a wide variety of acts ranging from witty self-deprecating humour to outrageous displays of physical comedy, you’ll find something to tickle you. Check out some of the best comedy events coming up in Perth.
Underground Comedy Showcase (July 2 & August 6)
With an incredible line-up of some of the best comedians in Australia, the Underground Comedy Showcase will be sure to leave you in hysterics. Held on the first Friday of each month at Northbridge’s only underground comedy venue downstairs at The Rechabite, the show will feature some of the most hilarious acts from Fringe World's incredibly popular 2021 Underground Comedy Showcase. You can grab tickets and find out more here.
Hannah Gadsby: Body of Work (September 9-11)
Following the sensational and soul-baring performance Nanette, Hannah Gadsby is back with another evocative comedy, Body of Work. Created amid a global pandemic, the award-winning comedian delivers once again. Nanette, which won an Emmy and Peabody award, touched on several topics, including her experiences as a gay woman, homophobia and misogyny. Douglas, the sequel to Nanette delved deeper into her life with high-functioning autism and explored themes of prejudice and chauvinism. With more than 10 years of experience in stand-up, Gadsby continues to challenge the conventions of comedy in her subsequent work. Showing at the Regal Theatre from 9 - 11 September, Body of Work is a show you won’t want to miss.
The Crushers Comedy Gala (July 23)
Guaranteed to serve up some serious giggles, the Crushers Comedy Gala is coming to Northbridge on 23 July at The Rechabite. After an incredible sold-out show in April, the Crushers Comedy Gala will be back to deliver another set of laughs and good times. Created by two of Australia’s biggest comedy producers, Ronan Freeburn and Paul Dragan, the gala will feature crushers Mike G, Ben Darsow, Janelle Koenig, Tor Snyder, Emo, Grant Mushet and emerging talent, Zeppo.
Joel Creasey “Messy Bitch” Tour (August 6 & 7)
Dubbed the Prince of Aussie Comedy, Joel Creasey is coming to the Crown Theatre for two nights only on August 6 & 7 on his Messy Bitch tour. You'll know Joel from his days on iconic Aussie shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here Now! and Have You Been Paying Attention? and his Netflix stand-up special Thirsty on Comedians of the World. Bringing a whole bunch of sass and wit to the stage, in Messy Bitch the charismatic comedian will take you through the tale of his life.
Shreklesque (August 27)
What do you get when you mix burlesque, drag, musical theatre and opera together? The answer is the riotous production that is Shreklesque. Showing at Astor Theatre on 27 August, Shreklesque is a parody show based loosely on Dreamwork’s Shrek. Filled with hilarious and at times, lewd moments, the show is a blend of light-hearted fun and jaw-dropping entertainment. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Shrek’s release, this year’s event will feature even bigger and better acts and costumes, with the appearance of a few new characters.
Perth Comedy Festival Gala (September 22)
Perfect for those who weren’t sure about what to see at the Perth Comedy Festival, the gala will feature a little bit of everything, including stand-up and sketch, improv, satire, musical, theatre and absurdist comedy. Coming to the Regal Theatre on 22 September, the Perth Comedy Festival Gala will feature a spectacular line-up of some of the best comedians in Australia.
Every Brilliant Thing (August 25 to September 17)
A production that marries both comedy and drama, in Black Swan’s Every Brilliant Thing, Luke Hewitt captivates the audience with an incredible play filled with humour and meaningful life lessons. Beginning as a well-meaning gesture, the daughter of a mother with depression helps her mum persevere by compiling a list of every brilliant thing in life. 20 years on, the list provides a profound reminder that the beauty of life is all around us. Prepare to be healed by the wisdom and laughs brought to you by Luke Hewitt. Showing at Studio Underground between August 25 - September 17, get ready for the ultimate journey through life and its trials.
