A whole lot of giggles will be on offer when the Canberra Comedy Festival returns for 2017 from March 20-26. Want to make the most of the week-long festivities? Here's our pick of what not to miss:
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- LATE NIGHT FESTIVAL CLUB
Like stalking the talent after a show? Us too. We've heard whispers that the best way to have a drink with some of the comedians after the shows is to head to the Late Night Festival Club. From 10pm on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, the Festival Club bar pops up outside Canberra Theatre. There's even more comedy and you never know who you'll bump into. The secret to getting in? It's free but you need a ticket from one of that night's Canberra Comedy Festival shows. And get in early - space is limited. 18+.
- CLEAN COMEDY SPECTACULAR
It's not until you're watching comedy with your kids/parents/new date who you just realised is very easily offended that you notice how much swearing/sex/general inappropriateness there is. Hey, it's not their fault it's funny. New to the Canberra Comedy Festival this year is the Clean Comedy Spectacular - a lineup of comedians from the festival doing one show only of squeaky clean material that is both hilarious and tasteful, with none of the dirty bits. It's suitable for ages 12 and up and is on March 25 at The Street Theatre. Tickets $20-$25.
- LUKE MCGREGOR
You might have fallen in love with him in his illuminating documentary series for the ABC Luke Warm Sex, and Luke McGregor will be here in the flesh with his stand-up show, Almost Fixed It. If you're not familiar, he's awkward and brutally honest, and it's utterly delightful. He's on March 24 at the Canberra Theatre Centre. Tickets $35-$38.
- GIRLS CAN'T TAKE A JOKE
Think ladies aren't funny? Well, you're wrong. If you don't believe me, head along to Girls Can't Take A Joke on March 22. Six of Canberra's funniest newcomer lady comedians are teaming up for an evening of fresh funny jokes and scathing social commentary. The show is on at The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre. Tickets $20.
- THE STEVENSON EXPERIENCE
If you want to check out some local talent, see The Stevenson Experience. They're twin brothers, they're from Canberra, they perform musical comedy, and they are very, very funny. They'll be at The Street Theatre on March 25. Tickets $25.
- RAW COMEDY FINAL
For the sake of bragging rights down the track when they make it big, see the comedy stars of tomorrow at the Raw Comedy Final. The finalists from the open mic competition will battle it out to secure a place at the RAW Comedy National Grand Final in Melbourne. The winner from that gets to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. Previous competitors include Chris Lilley, Josh Thomas, Hannah Gadsby, Peter Helliar and Luke McGregor. It's on March 23 at The Street Theatre. Tickets $22.50-$26.50.
On top of that, the lineup includes Stephen K Amos, Dave Hughes, Hannah Gadsby, Tommy Little, Jeff Green, Cal Wilson, Nick Cody, Paul Foot and more. For the full program and tickets head to canberracomedyfestival.com.au.
