The Perth Comedy Festival arrives at the perfect time, just when we’ve bounced back after Fringe. Here are my tips.
Comedians from around the world and around the corner have arrived to perform 85 comedy sets.
Perth Gala Festival. The Gala is always at the top of my list. If you’re not sure who to see this smorgasbord will help you out. I always find a new act to check out. There are three Gala’s on this year, April 30, May 6 and 13.
WA Comedy All Stars. If you miss out on tickets to the Gala this is another good option to see a range of comedians. If I say Peter Rowsthorn that’s probably enough to get you in, but we also have Suns of Fred, Xavier Michelides, Xavier Susai, and Ian Burke. It’ll be a hoot.
Hour of Power. A third variety style offering is the Hour of Power. Held at the Rechabite Hall this late-night comedy session is held on April 30, May 7 and 14.
Jimmy Rees. As a reviewer we have the privilege of seeking out free tickets however that’s up to the promoter so you’re never one hundred percent guaranteed to get a ticket. That’s fine unless you really want to see a show. Rees is one of those shows. I saw his first Perth show, missed out last time, so have made sure I bought a ticket this time.
Aboriginal Comedy All Stars. Also on the bill is the Aboriginal Comedy All Stars, well it would un-Australian not to go wouldn’t it? Am really looking forward to this one.
The Umbilical Brothers. Talk about being un-Australian, you have to see these guys live at least once in your life and once you do, you’ll put them on your dance card every time they’re in town. This year they’re celebrating 25 years of their show Speedmouse.
Local girl power. This year the local girl line up is brilliant with the likes of Geraldine Hickey, Jenny Tian and Bron Lewis. Lewis has been rising up higher and higher on my list and this year she’s a must see for me.
Sure bet local fellas. Then there are the sure bets of Dave Hughes, Josh Thomas, Matt Okine, Nazeem Hussain, Blake Pavey and Lloyd Langford, yes, he is classed as a local now.
International acts. This year there’s around a dozen international acts. David O’Doherty, is here again, is he international or local these days? The same can be said for Daniel Sloss (Scotland) and Stephen K Amos (UK). I like the sound of Alison Spittle from Ireland, her name alone has me intrigued as does Elf Lyons from the UK. Then there’s Chris Parker who I haven’t seen live but have loved on various TV shows.
Venues. I like to see comedy in different venues as you can get a very different feel at the cool older venues like Regal Theatre, Astor Theatre and Rechabites Hall compared to Freo Social and the large State Theatre Centre. Don’t just stick to one.
Running from April 20 to May 17 for more information go to Perth Comedy Festival 2026
