Lee Simpson, Jamie Way, Peter Casey and the team at the Civic Theatre are inviting you to enjoy a show at the Wagga Comedy Festival. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
What started as a dream a decade ago for Wagga comedy legend Dane Simpson and the Wagga Civic Theatre has become one of the city’s biggest drawcards.
After starting the Riverina Comedy Club several years ago, Dane Simpson has helped shape Wagga’s funny bone, and the rest of the country is starting to take notice.
The 2025 festival will feature 21 shows in three venues across four days, building on the foundations that have made the Wagga Comedy Festival a tourism juggernaut for the town.
Comedians from far and wide, including Wil Anderson, Tom Gleeson, Dave Hughes, Melanie Bracewell and Geraldine Hickey, have all embraced the festival at some point or another and in large part its due to Mr Simpson’s advocacy for the region.
“Dane has always been a comedian from when he was a little fella, and he has always wanted to bring comedy to as big an audience as possible,” Dane’s mother, Lee Simpson, said.
“He really pushes Wagga, even when he’s overseas. He always bases things around the idea that this is his home, and this is where he was raised. I know that when the comedy festival comes to town, it’s his favourite time of the year.
“While we do see Dane advertising the big names like Tommy Little or Dave Hughes, you’ll always find him supporting local talent and smaller acts as well. That’s how he has helped build a growing comedy reputation here.”
The Great Wagga Comedy Fest Debate
Lee will be taking part in the Great Wagga Comedy Fest Debate on Thursday night, on the affirmative team, with Jamie Way serving as her captain.
With the support of Matt Luff, the trio will try to prove that ‘Money equals happiness’, while Peter Casey, Katrina Roe and Mark Atkinson attempt to convince the audience otherwise.
“We know it’s going to be a winning team,” Lee said, smiling at her team captain.
“Our family has always been filled with funny people, but taking that to the stage is completely different. Hopefully, I won’t say anything that Dane will use in a show later on.”
Captains Jamie Way and Peter Casey threw quick jabs at one another ahead of the debate, hoping to sway the court of public opinion early.
“The proposition is that money equals happiness, and we, of course, are arguing that it doesn’t,” Mr Casey said.
“It might help you get there, but that happiness comes from other places, and they (the affirmative team) don’t realise it, but they’re going to make our case for us.
“That’s the kind of confidence that comes from being completely wrong,” Mr Way replied.
“It’s called the Dunning-Kruger effect. The more wrong you are, the more right you think you are.”
Featured Shows
Aside from the debate, 20 other shows, including national talent Dave Hughes and Melanie Bracewell, will be taking the stage.
“This year, we’ve got the big names, and a few brilliant unknowns you’ll be glad you took a chance on,” Civic Theatre manager Claire Harris said.
“National heavyweights will take to the Civic Theatre stage across the weekend, with sold-out shows from Tommy Little and Dave Hughes proving just how much Wagga loves a laugh.
“Joining the line-up are household names Melanie Bracewell, Luke McGregor, Sammy J, and Chris Ryan, each bringing their signature style and finely tuned wit to the Riverina.
“There’s something incredibly heartening about sitting in a warm theatre on a cold night and sharing a laugh with your community.
“Out-of-the-box shows like the family-friendly Karate Man, a live-action video game on stage, and the wildly unpredictable Dilapidated Diva offer something truly different. And then there’s Garry Starr – once a risk, now a Comedy Fest favourite.
“The Wagga Comedy Fest is more than just a collection of shows. It’s a winter highlight, a gathering of funny people and fun-loving audiences, and a celebration of creativity and connection. There’s never been a better time to dive into live comedy.”
The Wagga Comedy Festival runs from 5 to 8 June. For more information, full program details, and to purchase tickets, visit the Civic Theatre website or contact the box office on (02) 6926 9688.
