Hobart Festival of Comedy

Hobart Festival of Comedy will take over Odeon, Altar Bar and In The Hanging Garden precinct for five epic nights, 18–22 March, 2026. A fully-stacked lineup of 30 comedians will come together from our island state, the mainland, and overseas.

We’re treating you to five nights of polite roasts, provocative performances, musical comedy, post-divorce rants, a dash of hypnosis, and even a naughty little number called Nun Slut (sorry, nan).

Lineup

  • Opening Night

    Opening Night

    Presented by The Clubhouse

    Buy Tickets18+Selling Fast

    A handpicked crop of comic talent from Hobart’s comedy hangout will be led by host David Bakker. Sharing the stage will be Alex Johnston, Ben Richardson, Beth Warren, Daryl Peebles, Elisa Ryan, and Susie Youssef.

  • Anisa Nandaula

    Anisa Nandaula

    No Small Talk

    Buy Tickets18+Selling Fast

    Anisa was nominated Best Newcomer at 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. She dives headfirst into stories about feuding with her next door neighbour, surviving workplace drama, and visiting Africa after a decade away.

  • Damien Power

    Damien Power

    Unnerved

    Widely regarded as one of Australia’s best comedians, the multi-award winning laughmaster returns with an unmissable hour of new material.

  • Gen Fricker

    Gen Fricker

    Good Time

    A popular guest on Question Everything and Have You Been Paying Attention?, the former Triple J presenter and AWGIE-nominated Gruen writer has been charming audiences with her humour for 15 years. Save yourself a seat for witticisms laced with her signature sass.

  • Elouise Eftos

    Elouise Eftos

    Australia’s First Attractive Comedian

    Self-deprecation? Overrated. The magnetic Eftos subverts the traditional script for stand-up, delivering razor-sharp remarks on feminism... and a wickedly fun performance. Nominated for Best Newcomer at Edinburgh Fringe, she’ll be showcasing her many talents at Altar Bar.

  • Ivan Aristeguieta

    Ivan Aristeguieta

    Ready to Mambo

    The 3x Adelaide Fringe Best Comedy Winner’s new show is about dancing through tough times, finding joy in chaos, and shaking off your worries to a Latino beat. You may recognise him from Have You Been Paying Attention?, MICF Opening Gala and Thank God You're Here.

  • Kirsty Webeck

    Kirsty Webeck

    Lost For Words

    Buy Tickets12+Selling Fast

    As seen on Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee and Question Everything, this lovable, funny and kind-hearted Aussie is a pro at finding humour in random situations and having something to say about everything. To further prove her knack for having a few hilarious words for any occasion, she’s written a brand-new hour of stand-up all about it.

  • Lloyd Langford

    Lloyd Langford

    Okay, I Believe You

    Buy Tickets15+Selling Fast

    He’s been making audiences laugh for 20 years— and is still finding new ways to be hilarious. The Welshman’s brand-new show may contain jokes about giraffes, clouds, and salt. As seen on Have You Been Paying Attention? and Thank God You’re Here.

  • Nun Slut

    Nun Slut

    Claire Robin

    An award-winning hour of critically acclaimed chaos, this hilarious show is a wild ride through religion and the body. A delightful mashup of physical comedy, sketch and cabaret, this absurd journey is as silly as it is sinful.

  • Pete Helliar

    Pete Helliar

    An International Kerfuffle

    Buy Tickets15+Selling Fast

    In this hilariously outrageous true story, Pete Helliar finds himself at the centre of a media firestorm after a throwaway line on The Project goes global. Was Pete off side—or just ahead of the game?

  • Phoenix Montgomery

    Phoenix Montgomery

    Mind Games Comedy Hypnosis Show

    “The Mind Guy” blends sharp comedy with hypnotic spectacle, turning audiences into willing accomplices in his mischievous, mind-bending world. Expect hilarious hypnosis, playful mind-reading, and volunteers transformed into rock stars, racers, and even aliens. Lose your mind and your inhibitions.

  • Schalk Bezuidenhout

    Schalk Bezuidenhout

    Hey Hey Divorcé

    Fresh from a sell-out world tour, the South African comic brings rapid-fire gags, manic energy, and laugh-out-loud honesty to Hobart. Expect the unexpected as he navigates life’s next wild ride without a map. As seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, and an arena run supporting Trevor Noah.

  • Sez

    Sez

    Sorry, What?

    Sez presents a sharp and original mix of musical comedy and unhinged storytelling. Armed with a guitar and omnichord, expect deeply serious (but completely unserious) bangers and giggles!!!

  • Stephen K Amos

    Stephen K Amos

    Now We're Talking

    You’ve seen him on TV and on stages across the globe —now the beloved UK comic is back, unfiltered and in fine form. The feel-good king with a wicked streak takes on life’s icks and everyday absurdities, wrapped up in his trademark mix of warmth and wit.

  • Takashi Wakasugi

    Takashi Wakasugi

    Japanese Aussie

    Buy Tickets18+Selling Fast

    The charming Takashi (or Waka) has garnered popularity through appearances on The Gala, Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee and Taskmaster Australia. His clever cultural observations of our strange nation are always met with amusement. Expect polite roasts and maybe an apology to vegemite toast.

  • Tom Cashman

    Tom Cashman

    NPC (Nearly Proficient Comedian)

    Buy Tickets15+Selling Fast

    Presenting his new hour of comedy, this is stand-up that promises to creep ever so close to proficiency. You may know Tom from Taskmaster Australia, The Hundred with Andy Lee, TikTok or from his show descriptions which usually end very abru

  • Closing Night Party

    Closing Night Party

    Presented by CULT Comedy

    For ten years, CULT has summoned laughter in its purest, weirdest form. Prepare to sacrifice some dignity in exchange for a good time with host Rob Braslin and Aaron Maxwell, Jem Nicholas, Liam O'Loughlin, Mick Davies, Scott Lleonart, Sharnie Stimm, and Tracey Cosgrove.

Schedule

Choose your fighters.


All venues are within the precinct, so don’t be shy—stack your night with familiar favourites and fresh faces, and meet for pre-drinks followed by a post-show-debrief at In The Hanging Garden.

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Encompassing some of the city’s finest live haunts, In The Hanging Garden will host Hobart Festival of Comedy once again.

Odeon

167 Liverpool Street, Hobart

Hobart’s historic former cinema and live entertainment venue comes to life with some of comedy’s biggest names. Turn up early to enjoy a drink in grand surrounds.

Accessibility
Assisted level-access is available via Liverpool Street. Please contact us prior to arrival at info@odeontheatre.com.au. There is one accessible toilet.

Altar Bar

112 Murray Street, Hobart

A multi-storey, inner-city hangout in the heart of the city, transformed into an intimate comedy club.

Accessibility
Level 1 of Altar Bar—where the stage is located—is fully accessible with an accessible toilet. Accessible entry is via the chevron laneway on 112 Murray Street. Unfortunately at this time, Level 2 is only accessible by stairs.