Sydney’s biggest month of laughs is about to kick off, with some of comedy’s best set to hit the stage at Riverside Theatre in Parramatta.
After a few years of restrictions and alterations, Sydney Comedy Festival’s Director, Jorge Menidis, said he’s ecstatic to see it finally back in full swing.
“Every festival we’ve done in recent years has been under a bit of a shadow, so although we’ve been working really hard, there’s always been that threat of it not happening,” Menidis said.
“Even when we got out last year, audiences weren’t really there, whereas this year it feels as though they’re back on board, and we’re pretty pumped up about it.”
With over 250 shows on the program, this year’s festival will be the biggest ever, hosting exciting acts from all over the globe – some new, and others returning.
Menidis said there are a few that even he can’t wait to see.
“I’d lie if I didn’t say that I was particularly excited about Joe Lycett and Sara Pascoe,” he said.
“But, I’m also super excited about the fresh program that we have, which is unearthing the next batch of acts. If you see ‘Fresh’ on any of our marketing program, that’s an act that we’ve got a lot of faith in.”
Though the talent in the famous Sydney Comedy Festival Gala, which will be held at Riverside on Wednesday, April 26, is still under wraps, Menidis said audiences should expect to laugh until their cheeks hurt.
“The Galas are a great sampler of what we’ve got coming up,” he said.
“What you can expect is about a dozen acts, and they’re all killer acts. Some will be from overseas, some will be from here, some you will know, lots you won’t, but they’re all going to come out and give you five minutes of ridiculously funny times.”
In addition to the Gala, one of South East Asia’s most iconic and respected comedians, Kumarsutra, will also be taking the stage at Riverside as part of the Sydney Comedy Festival program.
For those who may not have seen his work, Kumar describes his comedic style as ranging from current affairs and politics to sexual innuendos.
“It’s a bit more daring, and edgy,” he said.
The festival will see Kumar heading back to Australia for just the second time, and he couldn’t be more excited.
“I love the audience, so I’m happy to be coming over again,” he said.
The show, ‘Greatest Hits’, will be on Saturday, April 29, and is a culmination of Kumar’s best work, showcasing all that made him famous in the first place.
“I’m going to be saying a lot of old jokes that I’m not going to say again ever, and, of course, a lot more new stuff,” he said.
Sydney Comedy Festival will be on across Sydney from April 24 to May 21. Visit sydneycomedyfest.com.au.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.