Shake, rattle and LOL – Aruga’s top picks at Brisbane Comedy Festival

Get ready to chuckle, chortle, cackle and crack up – Brisbane Comedy Festival is back from Friday 28 April to Sunday 28 May and it’s bringing the big names and even bigger laughs. 

Aruga loves a belly laugh and you’ll definitely find us rolling and LOL-ing into a stack of shows across the month-long Festival.

With more than 100 international and homegrown comedic geniuses at iconic Brisbane venues including Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli and The Fortitude Music Hall, it can be hard to know who to see.

We’ve tapped into Team Aruga’s collective knowledge and wildly diverse senses of humour to compile this rib-tickling list of acts you shouldn’t miss.

So grab your date, mum, brother or bestie and book your spot to see some of the nation’s best comedians, live and in person.

“I think Edmonds’ account of the wild journey of motherhood will be honest, raw and hilarious – completely relatable to a mum-of-two aged three and under! I can’t wait to laugh along at the messy truth of parenting and the failures that go with it! *Booking the babysitter now*” – Tracy, Agency Director. Tickets here.

“I’m an absolute fangirl for Brisbane’s homegrown hero and queen of comedy, Mel Buttle. Having seen her Brisbane Comedy Festival shows over many years, she feels like a friend (you know, a friend that doesn’t know who I am…). Now that she’s a bonafide TikTok superstar, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that her ‘mum’ makes an appearance too!” – Adam, Co-Founder and Creative Partner. Tickets here.

“I saw Reuben on stage in Brisbane Writers Festival’s Literary Death Match last year and goodness me, I was entertained! The quick wit and sassy comments had me in stitches from the start to the end and I sent a text to everyone I know afterwards, encouraging them to get tickets. This show is a guaranteed good night out.” – Donna, Co-Founder and Strategic Partner.

“I saw Reuben at an event with Brisbane Writers Festival in 2022 and he was hilarious, savagely honest and fabulously dressed.” – Beth, Account Director. Tickets here.

“Sara Pascoe is one of my favourite regulars on the UK comedy show scene – QI, 8 out of 10 Cats and The Big Fat Quiz to name a few. She’s sarcastic, self-deprecating, witty as all hell and a must-see for lovers of that iconic UK humour.” – Nat, Campaigns Director (PR). Tickets here.

“I’m always excited to see Wil Anderson’s name on the bill. I’ve seen him about six times over the past 10 years or so and I always enjoy his clever and political humour.” – Louise, Marketing Director. Tickets here.

“Just because I have a huge crush on him.”  – Beth, Account Director. Tickets here.

“I’ve seen Danny Bhoy quite a few times over quite a few years and he has this innate ability to poke fun at anyone and everyone without appearing malicious. His observations on Australian culture and behaviour, in particular, are savage in their accuracy and delivered with cheeky reverence, a hint of self-deprecation and an Aussie accent that is 10/10.” – Bel, Content Director. Tickets here.

“I recently went to the Comedy Club in Melbourne and saw Dilruk’s show. He has a way of making uncomfortable topics light-hearted and boosting the energy of any room he’s in. – Lilly, Senior Account Executive. Tickets here.

It’s pretty clear our team has a huge crush on Reuben Kaye (and Tommy Little… #nojudgement), so before we snap up every last ticket, secure yours now. 

Check out the full program here.