Untitled - Canberra Comedy Festival

Festival Club
HELLO FROM THE CANBERRA COMEDY FESTIVAL TEAM
We are pleased that Canberra Comedy Festival has been
welcomed by the Canberra region as a permanent fixture on
the events calendar, and that we can present such a diverse
program of comedy for our 3rd annual festival.
2015
This festival we welcome an array of talent from all over the world,
including Ireland, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and more, as
well as some great talent from Australia and right here in Canberra. This year we have partnered with Canberra Theatre Centre to
present more big shows at the venue, as well as partnering with
Enlighten Festival to co-present the multi-award winning comedy
theatre trilogy Bane from the UK.
A couple of the great successes from the 2014 festival were the
kids shows and late night Festival Club. This year we welcome
those back and expand on their programming further, while also
adding some new elements such as free street performances.
Make sure you stay tuned to our website/Facebook/Twitter/App for
further announcements and details.
With so much on, it can be difficult to decide what to see. A festival
is all about discovery; so go and see your favourite comedians, but
also consider taking a punt on a fresh act that you haven’t seen
before.
From the Canberra Comedy Festival Team:
Tim, Paddy, Benjamin, James and Dave
WELCOME FROM THE CHIEF MINISTER
It is a pleasure to welcome you to another Canberra Comedy
Festival in 2015
The festival is back following great success in previous years. This
year, Canberrans will get the chance to laugh and enjoy world-class
performances from some of Australia’s funniest and most entertaining
comedians.
Events such as the Canberra Comedy Festival are vital to our growing economy- attracting interstate visitors to join in the fun. Just like
other comedy festivals around Australia, the event contributes enormously to our rich social fabric and is another exciting contribution to
the Territory’s diverse arts and entertainment calendar for 2015.
The ACT Government is proud to support the Canberra Comedy
Festival and I look forward to the array of entertainment on offer. I
can only hope that this year, I might learn a joke or two to use for next
year’s welcome.
Andrew Barr MLA
ACT Chief Minister
W e ’r e B a c k !
OPENING NIGHT GALA
Tue 17 March 7pm (120min)
Canberra Theatre
All Tix $65*
The Star Studded Opening Night Gala kicks off the festival with a bang!
OPENING NIGHT GALA - ENCORE
Tue 17 March 7:30pm (120min)
Canberra Theatre, Playhouse
All Tix $65*
EXTRA SHOW JUST ANNOUNCED DUE TO DEMAND!
A very special encore of our star-studded gala, featuring the same acts, but with a
different host. Book now or you will miss out.
JASON BYRNE (IRE) in YOU NAME THE SHOW!
Fri 20 March, Sat 21 March
$46.90 Full* / $44.90 Conc*
9pm (60min)
Canberra Theatre, Playhouse
Following hugely successful UK and Australian tours, do not miss your chance to see
Jason Byrne in Canberra. Tickets will sell fast.
 “Jason Byrne is so good it hurts“ -Metro, UK
 “Jaw achingly funny“ -Sunday Herald Sun
THE UMBILICAL BROTHERS
KiDSHoW (NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN)
Fri 20 March, Sat 21 March 7pm (75min)
$46.90 Full* / $44.90 Conc*
Canberra Theatre, Playhouse
The Umbilical Brothers are back with a brand new show, and it’s a KIDS SHOW! It
contains violence, sexual references, drug taking and frequent coarse language. It is
absolutely NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN
“Deranged and twisted… You owe it to yourself to see this show.” 
-Edinburgh Evening News
“Absolute Triumph” ½ Under the Gun
CAL WILSON UNDERCURRENTS
Fri 20 March 7pm (60min)
ANU Arts Centre, Theatre
$35 Full* / $32 Conc*
As seen on QI.
Cal comes to Canberra with a brand new hour of stand-up, reminding us all why she
is one of Australia’s most popular comedians. “Masterful”  Edinburgh Evening News
*A Transaction Fee of $3.30 applies
AKMAL SALEH IS LOST
Thu 19 March 8:30pm (60min)
Canberra Theatre, Playhouse
$44.90 Full* / $42.90 Conc*
Akmal Saleh is back! Known for his incredible ability to deal with hot topics in a hilarious and slightly offensive way, Akmal is bringing his brand new show to Canberra.
“No one wanted the show to stop…he seemed to own the stage” -Sydney Morning
Herald
URZILA CARLSON (RSA/NZ) POISE CONTROL
Wed 18 March, Thu 19 March 8:30pm (60min)
Canberra Theatre, Courtyard Studio
All Tix $25*
A crowd favourite at the 2014 Opening Night Gala – Urzila Carlson is back with a
full show! Urzila Carlson will teach you Poise Control and how to handle difficult
situations while dealing with assholes.
“laugh-out-loud funny” -Chortle
NAZEEM HUSSAIN LEGALLY BROWN
Friday March 20 8:30pm (60min)
ANU Arts Centre, Theatre
$35 Full* / $32 Conc*
Nazeem is the star and creator of the critically acclaimed smash hit TV show Legally
Brown (SBS) and was one half of award-winning cult comedy duo Fear of a Brown
Planet.
“Hussain’s cheerful manner belies the acuity of his observation”-The Guardian (UK)
RONNY CHIENG
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT
Thu 19 March 7pm (60min)
ANU Arts Centre, Theatre
$35 Full* / $32 Conc*
Winner MICF-Directors’ Choice Award 2014 / Winner Sydney Comedy Festival-Best Show 2014
Nominated Best Comedy Performer – Helpmann Awards 2014
Nominated Cleo Bachelor of The Year 2014 / Nominated Best Comedy Release 2014 ARIAs
“Great stage presence and a wonderfully aggressive style that never lets up.” 
-The Age
JOHN SAFRAN MURDER IN MISSISSIPPI
Thu 19 March 7pm (60min)
Canberra Theatre, Playhouse
$42 Full* / $40 Conc*
WINNER - 2014 Ned Kelly Award for Best True Crime.
John Safran is coming to Canberra with his live show, Murder In Mississippi, the true
story of how he met a white supremacist, befriended his black killer and wrote a book.
*A Transaction Fee of $3.30 applies
PETER HELLIAR TOTES GROUSEBALLS
Sat 21 March 7pm (60min)
ANU Arts Centre, Theatre
$38 Full* / $34 Conc*
As seen on The Project, Rove, & It’s A Date.
Peter Helliar’s brand new stand-up show is totes amazeballs with added grouse.
Don’t miss him when he comes to Canberra!
“One of Australia’s best-loved comedians.” -Sydney Morning Herald
“Brilliant comedic skills…killer punchlines.” -Herald Sun
TOMMY LITTLE ENTER THE WEAPON
Fri 20 March 8:30pm (60min)
Novotel Canberra
$30 Full / $28 Conc
As seen on THE PROJECT and TIME OF OUR LIVES.
This may only be Tommy’s second time in Canberra, but he’s been smashing it at
festivals and clubs around the country (and overseas) for years! One show only! Book
a ticket – you deserve it.
“Tommy Little is huge” ½ -Herald Sun
SARAH KENDALL (UK) A DAY IN OCTOBER
Sat 21 March 6pm & 7:15pm (60min)
Canberra Theatre, Courtyard Studio
All Tix $25*
‘A Day In October’ is the brand new show from London-based Aussie Sarah Kendall. Kendall
has been nominated for the Perrier Award and the Time Out London Comedy Award, and has
won a Herald Angel and Three Weeks Critics’ Choice Award. Her last show won The Comics’
Choice Award at the 2014 Melbourne Comedy Festival.
“Kendall excels as a raconteur… Displaying a
“Truly brilliant”  -Chortle.
wonderful sense of comedic timing”  -Three Weeks
SAMMY J & RANDY AN EVENING WITH SAMMY J & RANDY
Sat 21 March 8:30pm (60min)
ANU Arts Centre, Theatre
$35 Full* / $32 Conc*
An hour of songs, smut and shenanigans from Australia’s most popular ARIAnominated, Barry-award-winning, ham-and-cheese-foccacia-eating comedy duo.
Drink it in. Bask in the glory. Guaranteed to change your life. No refunds.
“Sammy J & Randy’s best show yet – not to be missed” ½ -The Age 2014
HEATH FRANKLIN’S CHOPPER REPEAT OFFENDER
Wed 18 March 8:30pm (60min)
ANU Arts Centre, Theatre
$35 Full* / $32 Conc*
Don’t believe what you read in the papers; CHOPPER is back!
“This hour long, side-splitting show ascertained Heath Franklin has one of the
quickest and sharpest wits in Australia” –Rip It UP
*A Transaction Fee of $3.30 applies
RAW COMEDY
PRESENTED WITH THE MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL
Thu 19 March 8:30pm (120min)
ANU Arts Centre, Theatre
All Tix $26.40*
Throwing caution to the wind and taking the ultimate leap, catch the most recent crop
of RAW comedy contestants.
THE STEVENSON EXPERIENCE WHO DARES TWINS
Fri 20 March & Sat 21 March 8:30pm (60min)
Canberra Theatre, Courtyard Studio
All Tix $25*
Sold out Adelaide Fringe Festival 2013, 2014, Melbourne International Comedy
Festival 2013, 2014, Canberra Comedy Festival 2013, 2014. The Stevenson
Experience, are back! Join Australia’s favourite bickering brothers for a brand new
hour of hilarious songs. Come and see what all the fuss is about.
“Hilarious. You will not regret it.” ½ -The Herald Sun
NICK CODY BEARD GAME STRONG
Fri 20 March 9:30pm (60min)
The Civic Pub
All Tix $20
In the last year, Nick performed at the invite-only Just For Laughs festival in Montreal,
filmed his debut stand-up special at a sold out Metro Theatre in Sydney and featured
on hit TV series “Kinne” & “Please Like Me”.
“Nick Cody is a revelation.” -The Herald Sun
RHYS NICHOLSON FORWARD
Sat 21 March 9:30pm (60min)
The Civic Pub
All Tix $20
This show is about heirlooms and legacies. When/If I die, what will Rhys be
remembered for? Seventy glittering years at the top of show business?
The show will also feature jokes about penises.
“Evolving into an incisive wizard of stinging wit” -Sydney Morning Herald
DANIEL CONNELL THE GET OUT STAKES
Wed 18 March 7pm (60min) All Tix $20*
Canberra Theatre, Courtyard Studio
For 6 years Daniel Connell loved to gamble.
During this time he placed a $1,000 bet on a racehorse.
Take a punt on The Get Out Stakes.
“Definitely keep an eye on this comic” – Herald Sun
*A Transaction Fee of $3.30 applies
DAVE THORNTON SPIT & POLISH
Sat 21 March 8:30pm (60min)
Novotel Canberra
Full $30 / Conc $28
Most things can do with a bit of spit and polish. What does that even mean? Join
Dave for a brand spanking new hour of stand-up and you will probably leave none
the wiser.
“a quick and self deprecating wit” -The Age
 -Scotsman
WIL SYLVINCE (USA) SYLLABLES, FAT, AND CELIBACY
Thur 19 March & Fri 20 March 7pm (60min)
Canberra Theatre, Courtyard Studio
All Tix $25*
Three things Wil can’t live without; his thesaurus, wheatgrass and lotion. Words
fascinate Wil. His daily struggle for the “right” word often ends badly. In his brand
new show Syllables, Fat & Celibacy Wil discusses this, as well as his past as an
overweight man.
“Sylvince is a fireball.” -Paste Magazine
*A Transaction Fee of $3.30 applies
Canberra Theatre Centre
Main Theatre / Playhouse
Tuesday
17 March
7:00pm
Opening Night Gala
7:30pm
Opening Night Gala - Encore
7:00pm
The Civic Pub
Courtyard Studio
The Civic Pub
Daniel Connell
Sophie Rutzou
7:30pm
Wednesday
18 March
8:15pm
Cam Knight
8:30pm
Urzila Carlson
9:00pm
9:30pm
7:00pm
Andrew and Danny Bensley
John Safran
Wil Sylvince
Sophie Rutzou
7:30pm
Thursday
19 March
8:15pm
8:30pm
Cam Knight
Akmal
Urzila Carlson
9:00pm
9:30pm
Andrew and Danny Bensley
10:00pm
7:00pm
Late Night Festival Club
The Umbilical Brothers
Wil Sylvince
Ellen Briggs
7:15pm
7:30pm
Friday
20 March
8:15pm
Luke Heggie
8:30pm
9:00pm
Stevenson Experience
Jason Byrne
9:30pm
10:00pm
Late Night Festival Club
1:00pm
Matty Grey (KIDS)
3:00pm
Matty Grey (KIDS)
6:00pm
Sarah Kendall
7:00pm
Saturday
21 March
Nick Cody
The Umbilical Brothers
7:15pm
Ellen Briggs
Sarah Kendall
7:30pm
8:15pm
Luke Heggie
8:30pm
9:00pm
Stevenson Experience
Jason Byrne
9:30pm
Sunday
22 March
Rhys Nicholson
10:00pm
Late Night Festival Club
1:00pm
Matty Grey (KIDS)
3:00pm
Matty Grey (KIDS)
ANU Arts Centre
Drama Lab
Main Theatre
Novotel
Teatro Vivaldi
Novotel Canberra
7:00pm
7:30pm
7:00pm
Bane Part 3
7:30pm
Sean Woodland
8:15pm
8:30pm
Heath Franklin’s Chopper
9:00pm
Josh Glass and Riley Bell
9:30pm
Ronny Chieng
7:00pm
Shane Dundas
7:30pm
Sean Woodland
8:15pm
Raw Comedy
8:30pm
Alice Fraser
9:00pm
Josh Glass and Riley Bell
9:30pm
Late
Cal Wilson
Daniel Townes
Sparrow-Folk
7:00pm
7:15pm
7:30pm
Toby Halligan
8:15pm
Nazeem Hussain
Harris Stuckey
Tommy Little
8:30pm
9:00pm
Chris Endrey
9:30pm
Late
1:00pm
6:00pm
Peter Helliar
Sparrow-Folk
7:00pm
7:15pm
7:30pm
Toby Halligan
8:15pm
Sammy J and Randy
Chris Endrey
Dave Thornton
8:30pm
9:00pm
9:30pm
Late
1:00pm
CAM KNIGHT 100 PERCENTER
Wed 18 March & Thu 19 March
The Civic Pub
8:15pm (60min)
All Tix $20
Cam Knight’s 100 Percenter, an all night laugh fest will have Canberra in stitches.
 “Cam Knight’s show has it all…Knight will have you in stitches from the
first minute till the last…this show will be one of the best at this year’s Fringe and is a
must see.” –The Adelaide Advertiser, Feb 2014
SPARROW-FOLK SuBIRDiA
Fri 20 March & Sat 21 March
Novotel Canberra
7pm (60min)
All Tix $20
Award-winning Sparrow-Folk are bringing sexy back to suburban Australia in a
musical-comedy smash-hit. Thermomix-ing together hysterical songs, the deceivingly
sweet pair are jaw-droppingly naughty – it’s Kath & Kim on citric-acid.
“Not to be missed”  -The Advertiser
TOBY HALLIGAN THE BAD GAY
Fri 20 March & Sat 21 March
ANU Arts Centre, Drama Lab
7:30pm (60min)
All Tix $20*
Toby is bad at dancing, dating, dressing (crocs with socks, anyone?) and pretty much
everything else starting with D. Except dick jokes. He’s very good at dick jokes.
Last year, he found love, lies and lunacy, all in one place. This is his story.
“One of Australia’s brightest comedic talents” -Herald Sun
SHANE DUNDAS BELIEVE
Thu 19 March
Teatro Vivaldi
7pm (60min)
All Tix $20
Shane Dundas has done lots of comedy as half of Perrier-nominated super-duo The
Umbilical Brothers. But there’s one thing he’s never done: his own solo show. In order
to get through it, he’s going to have to believe.
“Think early Bill Bailey meets Rhys Darby… both hilarious and weird – a winning
combination every time.”  -Three Weeks (Edinburgh)
LUKE HEGGIE YOU’RE NOT SPECIAL
Fri 20 March & Sat 21 March
The Civic Pub
8:15pm (60min)
All Tix $20
Everyone wants to believe they’re special. They’re not. Luke Heggie is back with
another show, about dickheads he met at a barbecue one time. This is a comedy
show involving his opinion, which should be your opinion. No lowbreeds please.
“Deadpan genius..one of the funniest standups around” -Sydney Morning Herald
*A Transaction Fee of $3.30 applies
ELLEN BRIGGS DARK SIDE OF THE WOMB
Fri 20 March & Sat 21 March
The Civic Pub
7pm (60min)
All Tix $20
Ellen Briggs is a talented mother of two, with a sharp tongue and a rapidly rising
career in the comedy industry!
With just two years experience, she bagged first prize on the National Foxtel Comedy
Channel’s ‘Be a Comedian’ and earned a spot on Stand Up Australia.
HARRIS STUCKEY COMEDY SOUNDS
Fri 20 March 8:30pm (60min)
Teatro Vivaldi
All Tix $20
A show about music and lies featuring Patrick Quinn Quirke on guitar Nic Dullow on
drums and Harris Stuckey on jokes. Come for the comedy and stick around for drinks
and music.
“Gold!” -Squirrel Comedy
DANIEL TOWNES CRASH AND BURN
Fri 20 March 7pm (60min)
Teatro Vivaldi
All Tix $20
Daniel Townes returns with a laid-back and hilariously honest take on some big
questions about morality, hypocrisy, and the unwelcome realities of life.
 “Top-mark laughs, clever call backs and acerbic social commentary.” -Herald
Sun
CHRIS ENDREY THE WORLD IS A PLAYGROUND
Fri 20 March & Sat 21 March
ANU Arts Centre, Drama Lab
9pm (60min)
All Tix $20*
For the cheeky, there’s fun to be had everywhere.
That said, please do check all cowardice at the door, for while this show may appear
to be a laugh – with all the jokes, games, songs, etc. – do not let yourself be fooled.
The whole thing is actually just a flimsy front for Endrey to parade his under-loved
opinions and launch his jaunty little truth-axe.
ANDREW AND DANNY BENSLEY
BROTHER FROM THE SAME MOTHER
Wed 18 March & Thu 19 March
The Civic Pub
9:30pm (60min)
All Tix $17
Andrew and Danny Bensley are brothers.
Danny has a house, a car, a loving girlfriend but he’s not sure how. Andrew still lives
with his mum and can’t quite figure out what it means to be an adult. This is a show
about growing up too fast, or not growing up at all.
*A Transaction Fee of $3.30 applies
ALICE FRASER SAVAGE
Thu 19 March
Teatro Vivaldi
8:30pm (60min)
All Tix $17
A chance encounter. Paper towels. Love tips. Raised hands. Alice Fraser (SBS
Comedy, A Rational Fear) explores the jungle in a new savage comedy show about
love, anger and belief.
“Brilliant” -Sydney Morning Herald
SEAN WOODLAND FOUND MY MARBLES
Wed 18 March & Thu 19 March
ANU Arts Centre, Drama Lab
7:30pm (60min)
All Tix $20*
Sean Woodland lost his marbles, then found them again.
The result is a brand new show from the multi-award winning comedian which
shares the wisdom which comes from being knocked out by a car park boom gate or
humiliating yourself in front of well known public figures.
 “Do yourself a favour and get along” -The Adelaide Advertiser, Feb 2014
SOPHIE RUTZOU DON’T SAY I DIDN’T WARN YOU
Wed 18 March & Thu 19 March
The Civic Pub
7pm (60min)
All Tix $17
Sophie once had what seemed like a perfect life.
Her hilarious debut solo stand up show explores the notion of happily ever after, her
failed relationships and how to avoid becoming a cynical old hag (possibly too late).
JOSH GLASS AND RILEY BELL ANGRY FISHERMEN
Wed 18 March & Thu 19 March
ANU Arts Centre, Drama Lab
9pm (60min)
All Tix $17*
A comedy variety show with many special things, including but not limited to:
Laughter.
Happiness.
Two young men simply trying their best.
*A Transaction Fee of $3.30 applies
Fe s t i
n
o
i
t
a
m
va l I n f o r
The Festival is held in and around Canberra’s city centre (Civic).
All the venues are within walking distance of each other and offer access to a
variety of bars, restaurants and nightlife to make your night out a memorable
one.
It is a good idea to plan to get to the show venue at least 15 minutes before
the performance commences. Come on in early and stay and play!
Vis itin g Can ber ra
While recovering from a big night of comedy, see some of the sights.
Canberra is home to a wealth of National Institutions for daytime
visits such as The National Museum, National Gallery, National
Library, National Portrait Gallery, National Botanic Gardens and War
Memorial. And for a bit more light-hearted fun, there’s everything
from wineries to hot air ballooning! The Visit Canberra website
(visitcanberra.com.au) is packed with all the information you need to
plan your trip.
We will be adding to the attractions with roaming street performers
during the festival. Keep an eye out for them in Civic. Pick up a copy
of BMA magazine to find out about live music and other cool things
happening around Canberra during the festival week.
Ac c o m m o
dation
There is a range
of accommodation
around the city centre
to suit your budget.
But you might not
need to look further
than Novotel Canberra
with its quality 4.5 star
rooms which is close
to all the venues.
During the Festival updates and
other info will be made available at
canberracomedyfestival.com.au,
Facebook, Twitter and our iPhone
and Android Apps.
On these, you’ll find our Daily
Diary – which will tell you what’s
going on each day of the festival
– as well as Festival Club line-up
announcements.
Make sure you sign up to the
festival newsletter on the website
to hear about all the special offers!
S t ay u p - t
o-date
All our venues have bars, so you can enjoy a drink before and after a show. We
recommend a Coopers if you really want to have a good time. Just make sure you
drink responsibly, remembering it is our job to be the clowns.
These days Canberra delivers eating and drinking options that will liven your taste
buds like a punch line finding your funny at the Opening Night Gala. The city centre is a taste sensation with stuff being pork pulled, wood fired and micro brewed
from Haig Park right down to the lake. You can get the local word on what’s good
from websites like outincanberra.com.au and hercanberra.com.au.
In some cases you will have everything you need at our festival venues! The Civic
Pub offers an exceptional “Pub Grub” menu every night and just 50 metres down
the road is Chez Frederic doing gourmet food take-away style. Back in Civic,
Novotel Canberra’s One Restaurant and Bar offers a fine dining experience and
a relaxed bar to catch up with friends. For festival goers, they are offering a $20
meal and drink deal on the Friday and Saturday.
Ea tin g & Dr ink ing
T ra n sp o rt
Parking
Car parking around all festival venues is limited. Allow plenty
of time to find a park and walk to the venue. Think of public
transport, car sharing, or walking as alternatives.
Buses
Action buses run regular bus services.
Please visit their website (action.act.gov.au) for more details.
Taxi Services
Canberra Elite - 132 227
Cabxpress - 1300 222 977
Walking Times
ANU Arts Centre to Novotel: 14min
Civic Pub to Novotel: 8min
Canberra Theatre to Civic Pub: 12min
Canberra Theatre to ANU Arts Centre: 17min
Canberra Theatre to Novotel: 7min
Bikes
If you don’t want to walk, why not hire a bicycle?
Novotel has a few out the front.
1 Canberra Theatre
2 The Civic Pub
T i c ke t i n
We encourage you to go through
canberracomedyfestival.com.au to purchase
tickets.
g
The Festival promotes a low carbon
footprint, tickets do not need to be printed,
presenting your ticket on your mobile device
is encouraged.
For shows at Canberra Theatre Centre and
ANU Arts Centre Theatre or Drama Lab,
ticketing support is available from Canberra
Ticketing:
Web: www.canberraticketing.com.au/site/
Phone: (02) 6275 2700
9:00-5:00pm Monday-Friday ; 10:00-2:00pm Sat
For shows at Novotel Canberra, The
Civic Pub or Teatro Vivaldi, ticketing
support is available from ticketing@
canberracomedyfestival.com.au
or 0406 191 416.
3 ANU Arts Centre
4 Novotel
Connect with
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