Adelaide Fringe 2024: Top Picks: Comedy

From returning heroes to rising stars, these comedy shows will ensure you're in on the joke

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Felicity Ward image courtesy of Laughing Stock
Published 06 Feb 2024

Felicity Ward – I’m Exhausting 

The Garden of Unearthly Delights, until 17 March

The Australian comedian returns home for her first national tour in five years, with no topic off the table. Expect gags about birth, Quorn, fingering and transition lenses, all with Felicity’s trademark high-energy delivery.

Brown Women Comedy image courtesy of Daizy Mann

Brown Women Comedy

Various venues, until 17 March

A phenomenal line-up of award-winning Indian, Pakistani and South Asian comedians divulge tales of growing up brown in Australia. Featuring Daizy Maan, Leela Varghese, Kushi Venkatesh, Yasmin Kassim, Amna Bee, Sashi Perera, Shyaire Ganglani, Aarti Vincent and Kru Harale.

Dear God... photo by Megan Motmans

Dear God, please take me now

The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum, until 25 February

Molly Dooner presents a heartwarming exploration of some of life's darkest moments, encouraging open conversations and using the power of laughter to heal.

Ed Byrne photo by Roslyn Gaunt

Ed Byrne – Tragedy Plus Time

Gluttony, until 17 March

Stand-up comedian Ed Byrne is a household name in Ireland and the UK. Tragedy Plus Time is his most personal show: an unvarnished, prickly and, most of all, funny tribute to his late brother, the renowned comedy director Paul Byrne.

Fern Brady photo by Raphael Neal 

Fern Brady: I Gave You Milk To Drink

The Garden of Unearthly Delights, until 17 March 

Scottish comedy queen Fern Brady returns to Australia with her brand new show, throwing out the age-old question: what happens when you get everything you want and it’s not enough? 

Foxdog Studios photo by Michael Mannion

Foxdog Studios: Robo Bingo 

Electric Dreams @ Freemason’s Hall, until 17 March

Described as an interactive show for introverts, Robo Bingo sees IT consultants Lloyd and Pete take you on a journey which includes robots, comedy and chaos. All you need to play along is a charged phone.

Garry Starr photo by Aaron Walker

Garry Starr: Classic Penguins

The Gallery at The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum, until 25 February

Self-described “overzealous idiot” Garry Starr takes it upon himself to single-handedly save the penguins by performing every Penguin Classic novel ever written, in an hour and mostly nude.

Hannah Camilleri photo by Pat Mooney

Hannah Camilleri – Lolly Bag

The Chapel at The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum, until 3 March

Most Outstanding Show nominee and winner of the Pinder Prize at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Hannah Camilleri returns for six nights only with her hugely popular one-woman sketch show.

Han Arbuthnott photo by Rebekah Halls

How to Shave

The Majestic, until 17 March

Transmasculine comedian and rising star Han Arbuthnott brings his Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut to Adelaide, with jokes about being on testosterone for three years, having an elective double mastectomy and more, all in a celebration of trans joy.

Nazeem Hussian image courtesy of Live Nation

Nazeem Hussain – Totally Normal

Upstairs at Rhino Room, until 24 February

Australian comedian and actor Nazeem Hussain has been on a two-year break but now that he’s back, he’ll soon be hitting stages around the country with his brand new stand-up show in tow.