Patrons stock up on drinks at the Civic Theatre Bar before heading to the Wagga Comedy Fest shows in 2018. Photo: Wagga Civic Theatre.
The Wagga Comedy Fest will dominate this weekend’s event schedule, so head down to the CSU Riverina Playhouse or the Civic Theatre to laugh the night away as some of Australia’s best comedians perform their latest material.
For those wanting to make an early start on their night before the comedy kicks in, a winter market will take place in Civic offering food, drink and live music.
Keen cyclists can head to the new Tarcutta Jump and Pump Track all weekend. On Sunday, vintage car enthusiasts will be well taken care of at the Wagga Veteran and Vintage Motor Club’s Annual Rally and Vehicle Display.
All Weekend
Last year’s markets were a success, so make sure you rug up and come down this year. Photo: VisitWagga.
Comedy Festival Winter Markets
When: Friday 10 to Saturday 11 June, 5:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: Wagga Civic Theatre Lawns, Burns Way
Cost: Free entry
After the sun goes down on Friday and Saturday night, come down to the Civic precinct, grab a drink and warm up before your choice of comedy show in the heated marquee. All manner of food and delicious treats will be available at the Comedy Fest Winter Markets. You can also enjoy live music from local artists Sam Butt (Friday night) and Millie & Harry (Saturday night). Can’t decide which comedy show to see? Just read on.
Tarcutta Public School students try out their skills on the new bike pump track in late May. Photo: Tarcutta Public School.
New Tarcutta Jump and Pump Track
When: Open 24 hours
Where: Paddy Osborne Park, Tarcutta
Cost: Free
The result of a collaboration between Wagga Council and the Tarcutta Progress Association, the Tarcutta Bike Jump track is an exciting new addition to the little town’s landscape. NSW Government ClubGRANTS program provided $127,000 to help create the sloping track, which is 140 m long. It features rollers, berms, two dirt jump lines (one easier and one harder) and two table-top jumps that nearly anyone can ride. The track is perfect for skateboarders, scooters, all bikes and most importantly, riders of all ages and abilities.
Friday
The TGIF crew always presents a unique show. Photo: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Drive with Richard Glover: Thank God It’s Friday! LIVE
When: Friday 10 June, 5 pm
Where: CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: $5 per person and can be purchased here
The Thank God It’s Friday! radio show features live comedy and music, broadcast live every Friday on ABC Radio from 5 pm to 6 pm. The ABC’s number one drive-time radio presenter Richard Glover has taken his show off the air and into the Playhouse. In this special live edition of the show, Glover will appear alongside a star-studded lineup, including singer-songwriter Raechel Whitchurch, comedians Tommy Dean, Rebecca De Unamuno, and the infamous Wheel of Death and local comedy legend Dane Simpson.
By popular demand, Anh returns with his smash hit show after releasing his autobiography almost a decade ago. Photo: Wagga Civic Theatre.
Anh Do – The Happiest Refugee Live!!
When: Friday 10 June, 7:30 pm
Where: Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way off Tarcutta St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: From $65 per person and can be purchased here
Anh Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee has made readers laugh and cry for more than a decade. This stage show brings Anh’s story to life, combining his skills as a stand-up comic with real life stories, photos and filmed pieces. If you have never heard Anh tell his story, you cannot miss this widely-acclaimed show, allowing people of all ages (recommended seven and up) to enjoy the happiest night at the theatre.
Brazier’s unmissable show received rave reviews from the Sydney Morning Herald and renowned UK comedy guide, Chortle. Photo: Triple J Unearthed.
Michelle Brasier: Average Bear
When: Friday 10 June, from 8:30 pm
Where: CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Adult $30 per person, Concession/Student/Group 4+ $25 per person, purchased here
The fictional story of Average, a bear with a painfully ironic and very impractical fear of hibernation weaves throughout this critically acclaimed and highly awarded show. Brazier’s personal experience living in the shadows of a hereditary illness makes for a show that is both heart-destroying and hysterical. Average Bear walks a tightrope of grief and joy, emphasising that life is too short to waste and too silly to be serious about. The show won the Directors Choice Award at the 2021 Sydney Comedy Festival and was a nominee for Most Outstanding Show at the 2021 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
After performing his latest show Didgeridoozy at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Dane Simpson is looking forward to his first show back home. Photo: Chris Roe.
The Dane Simpson Variety Hour
When: Friday 10 June, from 9:45 pm
Where: Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way off Tarcutta St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: $25 per person and can be purchased here
Game show, talk show, stage musical – this finale is the epitome of all things Wagga Comedy Fest. Dane has rounded up a show full of the Festival’s favourite stars and special guests to round off the 7th annual comedy festival with a bang.
Saturday
With big smiles, big hair and big Greek energy, Effie is sure to leave everyone in stitches with her latest show. Photo: Sydney Morning Herald.
Effie: Hello Good Thanks – Better Out Than In
When: Saturday 11 June, 6:30 pm
Where: Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way off Tarcutta St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Adult $50 per person, Concession/Student/Group 4+, $45 per person, purchased here
Greek goddess Effie Stephanidis has been in Australian homes for more than 30 years, starring in the stage show Wogs out of Work and smash-hit TV shows Effie: Just Quietly and Greeks on the Roof, after getting her start in the iconic Acropolis Now. Effie breaks the mould of how immigrant women in Australian society are represented with her trademark sass, smarts and genuine affection for the authenticity of the character. The alter-ego of comedy legend Mary Coustas is back to chat with the audience about what’s next in the aftermath of the COVID apocalypse. This show for modern audiences, mixed with a dose of 80s and 90s Australiana, cannot be missed.
Luke’s show was the standout at the Sydney International Comedy Festival last year, so audiences are in for a treat. Photo: Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Luke Heggie: Your Stupid
When: Saturday 11 June, 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Adult $30 per person, Concession/Student/Group 4+, $25 per person, purchased here
Luke has a very specific clientele in mind for his stand-up show. “If you’re the type of snivelling little Lord Muck who needs to agree with absolutely everything someone else does and says, you’ve never been punched, you’ve been involved in a mass participation world record attempt, you’re under 30, or you’ve eaten a full meal at a bowling alley, then don’t come to this show. No low breeds please.” As for his skill as a comedian – he took out Best Show Award at the 2021 Sydney Comedy Fest 2021 and Most Outstanding Show at the 2021 Melbourne International Comedy Fest. ‘Nuf said.
Joel Creasey is, in his own words, “basic af”. Photo: Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Joel Creasey: Basic AF
When: Saturday June 11, 8:30 pm
Where: Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way off Tarcutta St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Adult $45 per person, Concession/Student/Group 4+, $40 per person, purchased here
With his first solo tour at the age of 19 earning him a Best Newcomer nomination at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Joel has gone on to present 10 acclaimed, sell-out tours across Australia, UK, Asia and the USA. “Each year I write a blurb trying to entice you along to my show with some sexy ‘hook’. But I’ve gotta be honest, after the dumpster fire of the past two years I just want to laugh,” he says. “My brilliant comedy colleagues write these intellectual, political masterpieces. This ain’t it. Come along, let’s have a laugh and then I’m going home to eat a box of Cheezels and watch Bridgerton. I’m Basic AF and I’m fine with that.”
Sunday
This annual event brings cars (and people) of all ages to Wagga to revel in history. Photo: WWVVMC.
When: Sunday 12 June
Where: The Range Function Centre, 308 Copland St, East Wagga Wagga
Cost: Free entry
The Wagga Veteran & Vintage Motor Club invite the public to their annual vehicle display at the Range Function Centre in western Wagga. The Club takes pleasure in inviting motoring fans of all ages to enjoy the event, which attracts around 150 entries each year. Veteran, vintage, post-war and classic vehicles and motorcycles from the early 1900s to the 30-year cutoff will all feature. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
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