A night packed with laughs.

Our 7th Bendigo Comedy Festival Gala will continue the tradition.

Featuring comedians from across the Festival, plus a special guest or two.

This is the best place for a Bendigo Comedy Festival showcase!

It’s the Comedy Extravaganza.

It’s the Comedy Spectacle.

It’s The Gala.

This year’s Gala includes comedians:

Amy Ruffle (Something Good, Vampire)

Urvi Majumdar (Live!)

Dame Granny Smith (An Evening With…)

Patti Fawcett (Comedy at Camelot, Homos Odyssey)

Benjamin Reid (The Fresh Meat Comedy Hour)

with special guest Oliver Kane

and headliner Dave Thornton

all MC’d by Tim Hewitt.

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from the Ulumbarra Foundation, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

Adult Themes

Have you ever watched a sign language interpreter on stage at a music concert and thought gee I’d love to learn how to sign songs in Auslan but just do them in a crowd of people all learning the signs through jokes being told by a comedian and qualified Auslan interpreter and then sign the songs together with everyone else?

Then this is the show for you!

We’ll be doing just that. It’s the most vocal you can be with your hands.

This show is suitable for people who don’t know Auslan and those who do.

We’ll all be singing in Auslan together and don’t worry if you make a mistake, in sign language no-one can hear you scream.

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

Adult Themes

Most people have an unbelievable, fantastical story from their life; the kind that makes others question if that really, truly, happened. Thanks to an unconventional life, Lucy Best has collected more than most. In this one-woman storytelling show, Lucy unpacks a treasure trove of hard to believe but true tales.

Do you know anyone else who held a baby dolphin as it died?

Or was expelled from boarding school?

Did you know bisexuals are actually real?

Pocket rocket Lucy Best will share (mostly) hilarious true tales about these things and more!

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

Adult Themes

Don't let his appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, or Netflix, or Just for Laughs, or Comedy Up Late fool you. Don't be sucked in by his five star reviews or the hundreds of millions of views he has online. Come see for yourself why this is Simon Taylor's most rambunctious show yet.

Bounding out of the Melbourne comedy scene, Simon found himself in Los Angeles early in his career, penning jokes for Jay Leno and touring the United States. Since then he’s released four comedy specials, receiving critical acclaim for his blend of smarts and hilarity.

Catch him before his agent makes him increase the ticket price.

“His delivery is so finely tuned that he scores belly laughs each time” - The Age

“The sheer amount of enthusiasm he brings to his sharply-written performance is a joy to behold.” - The Advertiser

★★★★★ - The Age

★★★★★ - The Advertiser

★★★★★ - Glam Adelaide

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from the Ulumbarra Foundation, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

Adult Themes

Get ready to see Bendigo like never before.

Join your tour guides, Mike Elliott and Mikey Dynon, as you roll through the historic streets of Bendigo. To kick things off right, your ticket includes a complimentary drink upon arrival, perfect for settling in before the chaos begins.

But fair warning: this is definitely not your average heritage tour. We'll be sharing our own deeply "historical" version of Bendigo's past... which is to say, completely made up. Expect nonstop laughs, utterly fabricated local lore, and plenty of ridiculousness. It's fast, it's loose, and it's beautifully inaccurate.

This is the ultimate way to experience Bendigo. Seats are strictly limited, so secure your tickets before this ride sells out.

Tramendous!

Content Warning:

None

After 15 years in marketing, Tristan quit to do magic for a living. Family to feed, stakes are high. Is this a bold pivot, mild-breakdown or both?

Great Question looks at the strange world of magicians and how the pursuit slowly shifts from fooling people… to trying to understand them.

It’s a real-time experiment built around a couple of scary questions:

Will this actually work? If nothing was stopping you, what would you be?

There’ll be magic. There may be mind reading. There'll definitely be questionable life choices.

Then we’ll find out whether this bold pivot is visionary...or a very public mistake.

No pressure.

Tristan debuted his first show, DM for Deception at MICF in 2025 being described by The Theatre AU as "a slick hybrid of magic, comedy and commentary, delivered with a wink and a perfectly timed delivery. In a festival packed with noise, DM for Deception is a standout piece of intimate and clever programming."

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

Adult Themes

"Anisa Nandaula (Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen) dives headfirst into the chaos of her life—nearly getting into a fight, feuding with her next-door neighbour, and surviving her old workplace drama. Then, after a decade away, she returns to Africa and brings back a suitcase full of hilarious, unforgettable stories. No filters, no small talk—just big laughs.

Nominee Best Newcomer 2025 Melbourne Comedy Festival

""Anisa is a must-see!"" Chelsea Handler

""Put her in front of any crowd and she’d be at home…She’s one to watch, for sure."" Chortle

""She’s unstoppable, playing out scenarios with a bombastic side-eye and confident strut. If you’re seeking a comedic act that will keep you at ease, Nandaula should be your pick."" The Age "

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from the Ulumbarra Foundation, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

Three venues. Four comedians. Two hours.

Tour Bendigo like never before.

Start at the Sporting Globe, head to the Black Swan Hotel, and finish at Bendigo Brewing for laughs and liquids.

Comedians will be from the Bendigo Comedy Festival line-up. Including touring acts from across Australia.

Age limit is 18+

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

The funny side of Star Wars. Comedian Dan Willis brings his new show to the Fringe. After Ferris Buellers Day Off, The Walking Dead and Cobra Kai, Willis now points his attention at the most successful franchise in film history.

Having watched every movie during the year of release, he's decided this is the year to introduce his 11-year-old daughter to the Force.

Will she find it as exciting as he did or will she be consumed by the Dark Side?

'Unpretentious, informal, belly-laughs-a-minute stand-up' **** (ThreeWeeks). 'Sixty minutes of side-splitting laughter' ***** (Plains Producer).

Part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival and held at an independent venue.

Content Warning:

None.

It's lo-fi beats to watch man to. It's a new happy Bon. Let him take you on a tour of everything he enjoys. Bon is okay now. It's Bon, it's good.

As seen on Aunty Donna, Grouse House, Thank God You're Here on Channel 10 and We Interrupt This Broadcast on Channel 7.

'Ben immediately hypnotized me into a blissful delirium that I never wanted to end' The Funny Tonne

'Unlike anything even the most seasoned festival-goer will have seen before.' ★★★★ The Age

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

They say you can’t put lipstick on a pig. Well call the Guinness Book of Records, 'cause I did it and she’s a sexy little sow.

This show is not about that, I just wanted to let you know that it can be done, and the results are absolutely stunning.

You may have seen me on Taskmaster, Gold Diggers, Thank God You’re Here or a bunch of other shows if you are partial to free to air TV.

I’ve also won some big time comedy awards if you care about that stuff. I’ve won Raw Comedy, Best Newcomer at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Pinder Prize and been nominated for Most Outstanding Show.

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from the Ulumbarra Foundation, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

None

For an entire generation there was peace and harmony across Australia. That was because all disagreements and conflict were solved with a beautiful display know as the Australian Rock Eisteddfod – a competition where high schools from around the country would do battle using the weapons of music, costume and dance.

My school didn’t participate in the Australian Rock Eisteddfod. Never did I get the thrill of addressing complex social issues through the medium of dancing to 90s pop hits. But today, I change that! Join me as I funnel the enthusiasm of 55 regional Victorian high schoolers into one middle aged man and solve the world’s ills with moonwalking and jazz hands!

Hi I’m Michael Williams, a Melbourne comedian and I am excited to bring the world premiere of my new show to Bendigo. You can come and be the first to see it, you can even bring a few friends.

“I cannot recommend this enough. Michael is a brilliant storyteller” Squirrel Comedy

“Adorably absurd and no shortage of creativity” The Herald Sun

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

As seen on Thank God You're Here, Most Upsetting Guessing Game and NETFLIX's Mako Mermaids

This is the debut hour from Amy Ruffle about brains, bodies and the last place you'd expect to find a burrito.

“With a cheeky glint in the eye, Amy found the balance between overt silliness and intellectual insights, providing commentary on serious health issues, diet culture and societal expectations.” Hugging Comedians

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

None

This is a mediaeval lineup of stand up, sketch and song. And you get to decide who dies.

King Arthur (Freddie Arthur) is heartbroken - and also suffering a bout of pestilence. To escape the king's wrath, lowly serfs (Patti Fawcett and Dane Knowles) present him with the funniest court jesters Camelot has ever seen. But while Arthur is confined to his throne (the toilet - because he has IBS) his ex-lover Merlin seals the famous sword, Excalibur, in stone (again!).

Patti and Dane must help the king regain his strength, reclaim his sword, and ask the audience (that's you) to decide which of the jesters to f*ck, marry, kill.

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content warnings:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

Adult Themes

Discusses Mental Illness

Can artificial intelligence learn to be funny, or is comedy one thing humans still do best? 

Three comedians will take on the purpose built ChatGPT robot.

Can they save humanity?

Will wit, experience and human creativity outshine a machine that has studied the internet?

This is a comedy show, a live experiment and a friendly contest between humans and technology.

Where the final verdict belongs to you.

May the better comedian win.

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

None

Matt Stewart featuring Suren Jayemanne...or Suren Jayemanne featuring Matt Stewart? Either way it’s an hour of fresh, dry, witty comedy.

Matt is an award-winning Melbourne-based comedian. In 2013 he won Australia’s largest open mic stand-up comedy competition, RAW Comedy, and is the co-host of one of Australia’s most popular comedy Podcasts Do Go On and its spin off Who Knew It with Matt Stewart.

Suren is a comedian, writer and actor who has appeared on ABC (Question Everything, The Weekly, Comedy Next Gen, Comedy Up Late) and SBS (Celebrity Letters and Numbers, The Cook Up with Adam Liaw).

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

Three venues. Four comedians. Two hours.

Tour Bendigo like never before.

Start at the Sporting Globe, head to the Black Swan Hotel, and finish at The Courthouse Hotel for laughs and liquids.

Comedians will be from the Bendigo Comedy Festival line-up. Including touring acts from across Australia.

Age limit is 18+

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

Every song is about Charizard (the Pokémon), interspersed with stories that take you on a journey of love, betrayal, hardship and humour. The show mixes comedy, acoustic guitar, booster packs, magic and other spectacles alongside positive and uplifting crowd interactions (unless they are Squirtle fans).

Thanks to Bendigo Comedy Festival ADULT TICKETS are HALF PRICE! (compared to the 2026 Adelaide Fringe and the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival where the show sold out!)

PLUS everyone who attends receives a free Pokémon card.

You will hear nostalgic cult classics including A Song About Charizard, I Choose You Charizard and Why Did You Have To Leave Me Charizard, along with a song written entirely in Indonesian: Lagu Lagu Charizard Harus Dangdut La.

Pokémon knowledge is not required, but encouraged. People who arrive curious usually leave as Charizard fans.

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from the Ulumbarra Foundation, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

None

After witnessing his neighbour throw dog poo at a stranger in the park, comedian Rowan Thambar faced an unexpected moral (and legal) dilemma.

Sorry For The Late Reply is a sharp, story-driven comedy show about avoidance, neighbourly conflict and Fatman Scoop.

A former writer for The Project, this acclaimed hour blends big laughs with surprising heart and the awkward reality of doing the right thing in a messy world.

★★★★★ 27 Magazine

★★★★ Funny Tonne

“Rowan Thambar proves himself a captivating and insightful storyteller in Sorry For The Late Reply” The Advertiser

“His tales of working behind the scenes on The Project are engrossing. As are his quips about modern day friendship, immigration and tales of visiting Sri Lanka” The Age

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (frequent/strong)

Adult Themes

Yes, the poster looks like Chinese propaganda, the title’s a Vietnamese pun and I’m Chinese. None of it makes sense – and that’s kind of the point. You Pho Real? is a bowl of contradictions left to simmer too long – a mix of 'good intentions' that, when combined, look suspiciously like a manifesto.

It’s about juggling identities, expectations and experiences that don’t fit. Ever had a doctor call you out for having a fat neck? Or somehow lose weight because your dog’s on a diet? Exactly. Make it make sense.

It’s confusion served hot, garnished with trauma and topped with a slice of "Is this for real?". It’s funny until it’s not – then it’s even funnier. A series of jokes that make as much sense as the poster.

Welcome to the contradiction buffet we call life.

As seen on Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, Thank God You're Here and Fisk.

★★★★ The West Australian

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

None

Hosted by ventriloquist David Salter

The world's most celebrated apple returns to the stage for an intimate in-conversation event. From her vaudeville debut at age five to her breakthrough role in Disney's Snow White, Dame Smith will take you on a journey through her storied life and multi-decade career, all told with her trademark candour and wit. Warm, funny, uplifting, absurd and 'a show you’ll remember for many years to come' (Glam Adelaide).

SOLD OUT Adelaide & Edinburgh Fringe 2025

WINNER: Best Variety Award, Adelaide Fringe 2025.

WINNER: Frank Ford Prize, Adelaide Cabaret Fringe 2024

“One of the funniest shows I’ve seen in years ... his ventriloquism is next-level” - Comedian Alan Davies

“A roomful of grown adults suspend their disbelief to really, really believe” - The List

“The new breed of ventriloquist” - SuchCliché

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from the Ulumbarra Foundation, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

Wingin' It is comedy’s ultimate high-wire act - completely stripped of a safety net. We’re forcing the festival’s sharpest comedians to ditch their rehearsed jokes and fly entirely blind.

The setup is beautifully brutal: No material. No notes. Just a comic, a mic, and a giant screen dropping chaotic prompts that you and the comedian see at the exact same time.

From unhinged hypotheticals to crowd-sourced curveballs, they have zero seconds to think before the clock starts ticking. It’s a high-octane battle of wits where genius meets beautiful disaster. Will they strike comedic gold or suffer a spectacular onstage meltdown? There’s only one way to find out.

Part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival and held at an independent venue.

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

Dave O'Neil as seen on Spicks and Specks (69 appearances!) and 'Fisk' returns with a brand new stand-up show. He's sick of being called a Boomer when he's in fact Gen X. Ok sure he's 60 now and yes his life involves colonoscopies, podiatrist appointments and soft food, but hey, he gets to sit on the special seat on the bus. A cackfest of the highest proportions!

"O'Neil is a comedy juggernaut, a never ceasing volley of rapid wit" ★★★★★ Theatre Matters

Part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival and held at an independent venue.

Content Warning:

None

A police raid over a chihuahua, a robber invited home, Collin. Essentially Patti is going to recount her career as a standup from just 14 years of age to 22, all the juicy bits that she previously couldn't for fear of Mum and Dad finding out. Starting comedy at 14 Patti quickly established herself with 'A sharp observational eye, a unique voice, a mastery of syntax, timing, cadence.' The Age. She has been making strides ever since, from TedX to Women of Wit to Breast of the Fest. So come join award winning Patti Fawcett for "The greatest adventure story of all time" Homos Odyssey.

'Patti is absolutely one to watch.' Scenestr

Presented as part of the Bendigo Comedy Festival with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Agnico Eagle, and the Benefit Bendigo.

Content Warning:

Coarse Language (occasional/mild)

Adult Themes

Discusses Mental Illness