Brisbane Comedy Festival 2025: The Laughs Are Locked In

Brisbane, get ready to giggle — the full program for the Brisbane Comedy Festival 2025 has just dropped, and it’s an absolute riot! Celebrating its sweet 16th birthday in style, this year’s festival is bursting at the seams with more shows, more laughs, and more reasons than ever to ditch your dignity and double over in public.

From 23 April to 25 May, Brisbane becomes Australia’s comedy capital, with venues like Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli, Fortitude Music Hall and The Princess Theatre turning into laughter factories for five glorious weeks. According to Brisbane Comedy Festival Director Phoebe Meredith, “there are over 130+ shows this year, with everything from sharp stand-up and witty storytelling to sketch and musical comedy, and a very strong contingent of clowns (not the creepy kind).”

All Eyes on The Lineup

Let’s talk about what everyone wants to know — The Lineup. And this year’s is a certified cracker.

Kicking things off with a crowd favourite, the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars return in full force. Andy Saunders, Elaine Crombie, Janty Blair, Jay Wymarra, Kevin Kropinyeri and Sean Choolburra are set to serve up belly laughs from the heart of the country. A particular standout? Janty Blair, performing her first solo show at 60! She’s not just a comedian — she’s a nurse, midwife, mother, friend, sister, daughter, and a Deadly Funnies winner. Her debut is shaping up to be a heartfelt, hilarious journey full of physical comedy and stories that only a cool Blak Aunt could tell.

Local legends are also lighting up the stage, including Matt Okine, Ben Hunter, and social media sensation Anisa Nandaula. Rising stars like Jordan Barr (who’s opened for Hannah Gadsby and Catherine Cohen), Fady Kassab with his show Fady Issues, and Stuart Daulman with a mix of fresh and classic material, are set to keep the laughs coming.

Musical mischief is on the cards too with the award-winning twin duo The Stevenson Experience, and Harry Jun’s Friendship Safari, which explores the highs and lows of connection in the quirkiest way.

Then there’s Queerstories, back by popular demand with a powerful blend of hilarious and heartbreaking LGBTQIA+ storytelling. Add in Frocking Hilarious, a comedy gala for women’s rights featuring some of the funniest women in the biz and hosted by Claire Hooper, and you’ve got purpose-driven laughs with a whole lot of heart.

After Dark, It Gets Even Funnier

Need more? Enter After Hours, where comedians throw out the rulebook and test new material, revisit old gems and generally cut loose. The lineup changes weekly, so keep your eyes on @brisbanecomedyfest on Instagram and @brisbanecomedyfestival on Facebook for the freshest gossip and surprises.

Some events are already sold out — including the glitzy Opening Gala at Fortitude Music Hall, Kiwi comedy king Rhys Darby, Aunty Donna’s Broden Kelly, and the absurdly relatable Wankernomics, who’ve been causing chaos from Australia to Edinburgh.

Don’t drag your feet — tickets are flying for other headline events like the Brisbane Comedy Festival Showcase on Sunday 11 May, featuring a jam-packed list of legends and future icons.

Expect the Unexpected

There’s no shortage of theatrical silliness this year, either. Brace yourself for Elf Lyons and the world’s first comedy show performed entirely by a horse. Yes, you read that right. Or maybe you’d prefer Furiozo, a punk-rock clown show, or Garry Starr, who’ll be attempting to perform every classic Penguin novel. In one hour. Good luck, Garry.

Festival Director Phoebe Meredith summed it up best: “The rise of the clown for me brings an extra layer of theatricality and commitment to silliness that I know our audience will really enjoy.”

And according to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, it’s more than just laughs — it’s a flagship event for the city. “The Brisbane Comedy Festival is a showpiece event putting Brisbane on the map as one of the best places for comedy,” he said.

Whether you’re a fan of sharp satire, absurd antics, or moving monologues with a comedic twist, Brisbane Comedy Festival 2025 has your ticket to a laughter-filled adventure. With more than 130 shows locked in, the hardest part is choosing what not to see.

Time to grab your mates, book those tickets and laugh yourself silly. Brisbane’s about to get seriously funny.