Ten acts at the Canberra Comedy Festival you don’t want to miss

Posted on 15 March, 2023

The Canberra Comedy Festival is back with its 2023 line-up, and our cheekbones are hurting just thinking about it.

Kicking off this Thursday 16 March and happening until next Sunday 26 March, Canberra Comedy Festival 2023’s jam-packed program features some of Australia’s most celebrated and anticipated acts, bringing their jaw-dropping jokes, masterful wit, and relatable observations straight to Canberra Theatre Centre. Here are our ten picks of lols you don’t want to miss this March, although honestly—any shows from this incredible line-up are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Enjoy!

Nick Schuller – Fire Brand

In true professional comedian style, Canberra-born Nick has transformed the grief and trauma he and his family experienced after losing their home in the Black Summer bushfires into an hour of golden entertainment. Yes, really.

With the seamless ability to make us laugh and cry (sometimes simultaneously), Nick explores the loss of his childhood home and the unlikely items that survived the flames. Yes, burnt chips and antifungal cream are included in this line-up.

A master of deadpan humour, his dry wit and ability to find humour in even the darkest of places is both commendable and refreshing. Nick is one to have on your comedy radar.

Friday 17 March \  Tickets here

Chris Ryan – Busy

We’ve said it and we’ll say it again—Canberra’s beloved Chris Ryan is one of the most exciting voices in the comedian scene. Her new show, Busy, is filled with relatability, targeted jokes (only to those who deserve them, of course), and her signature, dry snark leaving you both horrified and laughing. Chris is someone you should definitely always put at the top of your festival bucket list.

24-25 March \ Tickets here 

Jeremy Smith and Marky Worthington – Consistently Different

As up-and-comers in the comedy scene Jeremy and Marky are quickly building an insightful and delightfully funny reputation. With plenty of observational humour, vivid insights, and gripping storytelling, we can almost guarantee you will be left in stitches.

Wednesday 22 March \ Tickets here

Frankie McNair – Relax Your Knees

Frankie McNair is truly magnetic on stage. From her highly-strung charisma, captivating presence and engaging tone, you quickly become lost in their world—in fact, by the end of Frankie’s set, you won’t want to leave.

Crafting an autobiographical stand-up set, Frankie explores gender fluidity, ADHD, dating and more. Strap in, this is gonna be good.

Monday 20 March \Tickets here

Kirsty Webeck – A bit of fun

Finding humour in the hostile, Canberra’s own Kristy Webeck is a pleasure to watch on stage with her positive ‘feel good’ outlook on life consistently growing her fanbase to both local and international audiences.

Bursting with wit and sharp insights, this talented comedian creates a feeling that you are simply having a chat with your hilarious bestie. Just as healing as it is humorous.

Thursday 23 March \ Tickets here 

The Women’s Room 2: Just Add Estrogen

After their wildly successful sold-out show in 2022, it’s no surprise these five hilariously selfaware and proudly ‘middle-aged’ female comedians are gracing Canberra Theatre Centre again for the Women’s Room 2: Just Add Estrogen. Comprised of a widow, an ex-nurse, a midwife, a carer and a self-proclaimed “Belconnen bogan,” the comedians of the Women’s Room varied backgrounds and distinctive voices make for a beautiful unison of laughter and life. Proof that Canberra’s own comedy scene is teeming with life.

18-19 March | Tickets here

Wil Anderson – Wiluminate

Moving effortlessly between the profane and the profound, Wil Anderson needs no introduction. With over a quarter of a century of making our stomachs hurt and jaws drop, you can guarantee that Wil’s 2023 show will continue to raise the comedy bar. A Helpmann Award winner, six-time MICF People’s Choice Award winner, and an all-round funny guy, if you haven’t bought tickets for Wiluminate yet, we recommend you get in quick.

Saturday 25 March \ Tickets here

David Hughes – Too Good

Word on the street is that David Hughes only continues to get funnier – yes, even with over 20 years in the game. His new show proves there is always a reason to laugh in life, with a goofy, whimsical outlook on life that keeps audiences coming back for more. Truly a master of his craft.

Friday 24 March |Tickets here 

Josie Long – Re-Enchantment

Intertwining the personal with the political, Josie Long takes us on a captivating journey through her political career, revealing the highs and the lows, sprinkled with plenty of insights on life that feel authentic and, above all, human. From her rowdy rants to her brilliant observations, Josie will leave you feeling transformed. Yes, Australian female comedians really do rule.

Thursday 23 March | Tickets here 

Schalk Bezuidenhout – Feeling Good

If you aren’t familiar with this electric South African comedian (with an impressive moustache to match), that may be because this is his first Australian debut. Rich with nostalgic 90’s throwbacks and an inviting awkwardness, Schalk’s Australia show has been deemed perhaps his funniest show yet. Come for the moustache and stay for the good times.

Monday 20 March, multiple sessions | Tickets here