The Civic Theatre launched 2021 Wagga Comedy Fest today, with a line-up to rival its international festival counterparts.
After a less than comedic 2020, the Wagga Comedy Fest will deliver all the laughs with its largest festival to date over the Queen's birthday long weekend, 9 to 13 June.
Tickets are now on sale for the Wagga Comedy Fest, which features Wil Anderson, Umbilical Brothers, Geraldine Hickey, Nat's What I Reckon, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival roadshow, ABC Radio's Thank God It's Friday, Nurse Georgie Carroll, Nath Valvo, Shad & Pete, and the Riverina Comedy Club.
"Wil Anderson was one of the headliners in our 2017 Wagga Comedy Fest, when he famously got arrested on his flight here," Civic Theatre Manager Carissa Campbell said.
"His show Wilegal was built around this event, so it is very fitting that he performs his show here, where it all began."The popular Winter Markets will also be back, with hot food, drinks and free laughs on offer from Thursday to Saturday.
They say laughter is the best medicine and the Civic Theatre is delivering five days of laughter therapy this year to take advantage of its long weekend timing.
"We are expecting tickets to be snapped up quickly this year," Ms Campbell said.
"People just want to get out and have a good time, and with the Service NSW Discover vouchers available for redemption, a ticket to see your favourite comedian just became very affordable!
"The shows have staggered start times so you can catch as many comedians as possible each night.
"In between, you can enjoy warm fires, food, drinks and free entertainment at the Winter Markets outside the theatre."
The 2021 Wagga Comedy Fest is the biggest yet and features a mix of established and emerging comedians, along with a healthy serve of local talent.
"We were lucky to play host to the Riverina Comedy Club's monthly shows in the latter months of 2020, while other venues remained closed," Ms Campbell said.
"It was great to see the growth of Wagga Wagga's own comedy scene with sell-out audiences time and time again.
"Another highlight will be Geraldine Hickey's show What A Surprise, which has just this week been awarded the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award for the Most Outstanding Show."
To buy tickets, visit civictheatre.com.au or contact the Box Office on 6926 9688.
