Lou Wall, IKEA Wars, Geraldine Hickey, Nikki Britton, Daniel Kitson and more
Daniel Herborn
With decidedly unfunny headlines raining down on us, the Sydney Comedy Festival has arrived at just the right time. This year it’s bigger than ever, with more than 400 shows representing every genre of comedy imaginable.
Whether you want a sure thing, an educated gamble, classic stand-up or something more exotic, we’ve got you covered with our recommendations.
Bankers: Programs that guarantee laughs and a good night out
Lou Wall
While it’s no one’s idea of a safe comic book, Lou Wall’s hot streak in recent years—including the modern classic Bisexual’s Lamentprevious winner of the grand prize at this festival – making it a must-see for anyone interested in the possibilities of audiovisual comedy. Combining lo-fi rap, memes, hard-edged stand-up, and video editing skills with a unique vision of their highly online world, Wall has taken his multimedia creations to the next level in recent years, bringing personal storytelling into his work.
Where are all the Tall Grandmothers?, Grand Electric, April 26
Geraldine Hickey
An artist completely comfortable with her minimalist style, Geraldine Hickey has spent years fine-tuning her craft and has few friends in long-form storytelling. She accomplishes so much with so little, and her slyly amused facial expressions and pregnant pauses add nuance and laughter to every story. Hickey’s latest show, Meander, It was an ode to aimless wandering, quietly subversive in its rejection of the culture of the hustle. This time she tells the story of her recent breast reduction surgery. Expect something equally warm and funny.
A Weight Off My Chest, Grand Electric, 2-3 May
Aboriginal Comedy All-Stars
This long-running group show has something for everyone. This year’s rotating cast includes the cabaret stylings of Jay Wymarra, who describes himself as “part Torres Strait Islander, part gay magician”, and the masterful observational comedy of Andy Saunders. Kevin Kropinyeri brings the intelligence of a seasoned master of comic storytelling, while Sean Choolburra is also a veteran; he sometimes incorporates his many other talents into his sets, such as dancing and didgeridoo. Warm and approachable Janty Blair, a former midwife, made a splash in comedy after starting out in her 50s; Elaine Crombie is also an actor (Top End Bubble), He brought his first full-length show, reflecting his family and pain, to festivals this year.
Factory Theatre, 7 May and Bondi Pavilion, 8 May
Your next favorites: You might not know it yet, but we think you’ll love it
A.J. Lamarque
An up-and-comer on the Sydney stage, Lamarque is a sassy and captivating presence on stage. His work mostly followed an autobiographical path; addresses his identity as a mixed-race gay man and explores the nuances of the gay touring scene. This year, he’s changing course by diving deeper into Egyptology, shedding light on the pyramid-building, magic-making society he fell in love with during a semester abroad. Expect to laugh while you learn.
A Beginner’s Guide to Ancient Egypt, Enmore Theatre, 14-15 May
Bronwyn Kuss
There are goofy comedians, and then there’s Bronwyn Kuss, a stand-up whose delivery is as flat as roadkill. It’s a stylistic choice that fits her personality perfectly; he quietly enjoys life’s little quirks, though he’s not always impressed. His writings are extremely intelligent and his profile is growing Sam Pang Tonight And Weekly with Charlie Pickeringhe is heading towards a stardom to which he will inevitably remain indifferent.
Bronwyn & Sons, Enmore Theatre, 9-10 May
Anisa Nandaula
You may be one of the millions of people who have seen her on TikTok, but on stage for the hour-long show, Anisa Nandaula truly shines. With a confident presence that belies the fact that this is only her second show, and the control of tone she’s honed during her time as an award-winning slam poet, the Ugandan-Australian comic is fast becoming a popular ticket. His new hour features hilariously realistic father stories and the deft, playfully charged crowd work that has become a hit online.
No Small Talk, Comedy Store, May 16-17
Genius or car crash? It may not be for everyone, but it may be your new favorite.
Daniel Kitson
When Daniel Kitson last visited for works-in-progress, he delivered stream-of-consciousness monologues, observations on life’s minutiae, and why describing yourself as a “hot dickhead” doesn’t mean “I’m a sexy dickhead!” There was a memorable digression wandering around that it was a euphemistic way of saying: These extravagant displays are not an ideal introduction to Kitson’s lyrical genius, nor will they be the carefully constructed masterpieces he has crafted in the past. On the other hand, he is a unique stand-up genius. It’s probably worth the gamble.
Work in Progress, Manning Bar, 21-24 April
IKEA Wars
Have you ever failed to make FJÄLLBO? Were you defeated by a BESTÅ? Then you might sympathize with the comedians competing in IKEA Wars, competing with each other to expertly assemble the famous Swedish furniture. This live game show has become a popular fixture at other and comedy festivals; host Kieran Bullock also introduces mid-game “sabotages” to raise the difficulty level. Offering the opportunity to see familiar artists pushed out of their comfort zones, this movie is an ideal comedy that will cleanse your taste buds.
Bondi Pavilion, 7-8 May
David Correos
You never quite know what you’ll get from this adorable Kiwi oddity, but rest assured it won’t be boring. He carried the same enthusiastic energy and disdain for convention that made him an unforgettable contestant. Taskmaster New Zealandhis show can evolve from pranks and costume changes to electronic music and creative stage comedy. Correos has mellowed out a bit in recent years, but that’s a relative term for a comedian who shovels cat food into his face on stage.
Touching My Active Mind, Comedy Store, April 25
Tired of stand-up? Shows to try something different
Con Coutis
Few comics use surround sound as innovatively as Con Coutis. In the film’s final hours, an offbeat and interactive mix of one-man action movie, technical wizardry, and physical comedy, Coutis battles forgotten publisher Qubi, who plans to “make the world vertical.” Coutis, who comes across as a kind of budget James Bond with his slim physique and playful smile, fights invisible villains and escapes danger; they all have little more than a controller to manipulate audio cues and a little help from their audience.
Joke Protocol, Factory Theatre, 13-15 May
nikki britton
One of the most enterprising comedians around, Nikki Britton, is bringing two shows to the festival this year; is an hour-long autobiographical stand-up, and this engaging concept is “a basic, low-impact, zero-pressure dance aerobics class meets stand-up act,” and also includes the opportunity to work on some more realistic principles of alignment. Grab your best leotard and leg warmers and rest assured: “Your drink bottle won’t be smelled upon entry.”
Your Nan’s Not Aerobic, Grand Electric, May 9
Hot Department
Sketch duo Hot Department is truly a crazy deal. The final hours of these crazy theater kids jump from Liberal voter impressions to wild musical interludes. Then there’s a confrontation between Barbie and a rival doll that veers into B-movie horror territory, a special moment between two football players (who are decidedly not gay), and even a stand-up routine performed without punchlines and where heckling is welcome. It’s a movie for anyone looking for late-night chaos with chilling audience interaction.
Reunion, Factory Theatre, 29 April-1 May
