Eight things not to miss on at the Canberra Comedy Festival 2025
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Filling the capital with laughter and humour, the Canberra Comedy Festival is back from Wednesday 12 until Sunday 23 March!
This year features a cast of comedic characters, each more determined than ever to keep you laughing non-stop. There’s something for everyone, according to Patrick Hornby, one of the founders of the festival.
“Think a comically oversized piping bag filling the city with all manner of hilarity. Everyone’s sense of humour is invited to the riotously funny feast,” he says.
Tickets are live and ready to be snapped up – you don’t want to miss out on your chance at some comedic relief because the capital isn’t so serious after all!
Here are eight highly recommended shows to give you a taste of what’s to come. Miss out and you will be craving something funny to fill your tummy.
The Comedy Festival Gala
Want a quick snippet of what you’re in for? Head along to the two-hour showcase of some of the very best comedy lineups in the 2025 festival. It’s perfect for those who struggle with paying attention – cough Generation Alpha, we are talking to you.
Monday 18 March | Street 1, The Street Theatre or Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre | Book here
Melanie Bracewell – A Little Treat
This year we have a special treat from New Zealand: Melanie Bracewell herself. They say your twenties are full of a whirlwind of mistakes and experiences and as Melanie comes to the end of it, you can indulge in two days of comedic relatable relief. You might just even relate!
Previously featured on The Cheap Seats, Taskmaster, Thank God You’re Here and Have You Been Paying Attention, don’t miss out on her latest project.
Friday 21 March, and Saturday 22 March | Street 1, The Street Theatre or Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre | Book here
Luke McGregor – Okay, Wow
Okay, wow! This show has so much to chat and laugh about as Luke explores his hectic life with rapid changes. Jump into jokes all about his new life with a wife, children, two chickens and an axolotl –an animal so ugly it’s cute.
You might know him from Rosehaven, Guy Montgomery’s Spelling Bee and Thank God You’re Here.
Saturday 15 March | Street 1, The Street Theatre or Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre | Book here.
Sara Pascoe – I Am A Strange Gloop
In this show we see a new era of Sara, as she shifts from self-exploration to navigating the tricky world of being a middle-aged mum where the world no longer is your own but everyone else’s.
Summed up in a sentence? Have you ever been awake in the middle of the night and thought something so smart and astute that you couldn’t wait for the world to wake up so you could tell them? This show is that thought.
Tag along on Saturday 22 March to get a sneak peek of the critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, who also happens to be recognised for writing, broadcasting and podcasting.
Saturday 22 March | The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre | Book here
Nath Valvo – The Nath Valvo Show
Join Nath for a glorious hour of quality stand-up and frivolity. Sit and enjoy the ride while Nath explores the spectrum of wedded bliss to retired parents, from Aldi to gay pandas. Be ready to laugh till your cheeks ache!
Friday 21 March | Canberra Theatre, Canberra Theatre Centre | Book here
Geraldine Hickey – Meander
Appearing on Question Everything, The Hundred, Have You Been Paying Attention?, and Thank God You’re Here, Geraldine Hickey is a regular on our screens – and this is your chance to see her live.
Wondering what the show is about? You’ll have to head along to see it for yourself.
Thursday 20 March | The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre | Book here.
The Bear Pack
The clever, quick-witted duo Steen Raskopoulos and Carlo Ritchie are back, better than ever and ready for your inspiring prompts to create a story that will get everyone laughing. The audience will have no clue what twisted adventure they are in for, not two shows are the same.
Join the dynamic duo, the masterminds behind The Bear Pack, on Sunday 16 March.
Sunday 16 March | Street Theatre, Street One Childers Street, City| Book here.
Cartoon Workshop and High Tea
Do you love colouring in but with ink? Drawing and creating your own masterpieces? Then this is the workshop for you! Made for ages seven to 14 (with the option of parents and guardians to join), this workshop explores cartooning and caricature with the professional cartoonist himself, Andrew Hore.
The fun doesn’t stop there! If you’re a mum and dad who need a break of your own, while your child is exploring new talents you can treat yourself to a high tea! With sweet and savoury treats (with some bubbly surprises thrown in there) it makes for a great family outing for those younger families who have a lot going on!
Saturday 15 March | Novotel, Level One 65 Northbourne Avenue, City | Book here.
Feature image supplied.
