Get dramatic with these must-see theatrical comedies at Brisbane Comedy Festival
Obviously when thinking about the Brisbane Comedy Festival, the first thing that comes to mind are the incredible stand-ups, from international talents to fresh-faced newcomers. But that’s not all the festival offers in terms of hilarious entertainment. Here is our hit list of those acts putting the hee-hees into theatrical comedy this season.
Burton Brothers, Vegas Residency, May 17–18
Melbourne sketch-comedy duo the Burton Brothers make their Brisbane debut with Vegas Residency. The show tells the tale of two brothers, toiling away in obscurity on the Vegas Strip, who make a devil’s deal with the shady owner of Nice Dice Casino. The deal leaves them in deep with the wrong crowd – now each show is a dice roll for life or death. A one-stop shop of glitz and glamour, sleaze and cheese.
Frankie McNair, An Intimate Evening With Tabitha Booth, May 19
Winner of Best Newcomer at the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Frankie McNair stars as Tabitha Booth, a heavily medicated lounge singer and starlet on the comeback. Strap in for an evening of unhinged comedy as she shares classic stories – from her breakout role as ‘Long Fork Lady’, to being kneecapped by Marylin Monroe for trying to harmonise ‘Happy Birthday’ – and serenades off-off-off Broadway hits you’ve never heard and love.
44 Sex Acts In One Week, May 16–25
Described as an “apocalyptic rom-com” from playwright provocateur David Finnigan, Club House Productions has turned this classic radio play into a critically acclaimed smash hit that Time Out called “brilliantly horny and unhinged”. Six microphones. Four plastic sex tarps. Post-pandemic beatz. Heaps of fruit. Check it out.
Queerstories, May 19
A national storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, Queerstories returns to Brisbane Comedy Festival with a stellar line-up of unexpected tales, stories of pride, prejudice, resilience and resistance, delivered with warmth and humour by some of Australia’s best LGBTIQ+ comedians and incredible local storytellers. The line-up includes Nancy Denis, Cheryl Leavy, Bizzi Lavelle, and more. All Queerstories events are Auslan interpreted.
Geraldine Quinn, Broad, May 23–26
Multi-award-winning rock-comedy artist Geraldine Quinn returns to Brisbane Comedy Festival with her first Queensland show in more than ten years, Broad – a drag cabaret ode to fabulous, bold, (mostly ginger) older women from Agnes Moorehead to Rhonda Burchmore to Vivienne Westwood with a tit out. Get inspired to unlock your inner Endora with this powerhouse performer.
Andy Balloch, Am I the Drama?, May 23–26
With a clutch of awards under his belt from Melbourne Fringe, Andy Balloch’s show bravely asks “Am I the drama?” as it explores the world of this – self-described – unhinged homosexual. Join Andy on a ride of mad-capped mayhem, where you’ll meet some truly borked characters, from clingy Nazis to desperate real estate agents, and learn that when good gays do nothing, we end up with glitter crocs.
Sam Kissajukian, Museum Of Modernia, May 25–26
A captivating blend of comedy, art and mental-health education, exploring the ineffable mental state of comedian turned artist turned comedian-artist Sam Kissajukian, who created 300 paintings during a five-month bipolar manic episode. Described as “a stand-up comedian building an art museum” and “an art museum collapsing on a comedian” this celebrated show is accompanied by a free exhibition of Sam’s paintings in the Underground Foyer at Brisbane Powerhouse.
This article was created in partnership with our friends at Brisbane Powerhouse.
To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.
