Wil Anderson

It is upon us once again – the month during which the entire city gets to bump its collective funny bone. If you’ve left it until now to book tickets, though, you may find that many of the big names’ shows are sold out (or getting very close to it). What’s a wannabe chuckler to do? We asked star of The Gruen Transfer Wil Anderson, who also just happens to be on stage at the Comedy Theatre with his own new show Wilarious, which of the lesser-known acts and shows he’d recommend.

Justin Hamilton: The Goodbye Guy
As Justin confirmed with the title of his wonderful podcast Can You Take This Photo Please?, he is the best comedian in Australia that no one knows the name of. Make sure you catch what might possibly be his last show (at least for a while).

Tegan Higginbotham: Million Dollar Tegan
I first saw Tegan perform at Justin Hamilton and Adam Richard’s room The Shelf. She blew me away. In this show she learned to box, and had a fight, so I highly recommend it. Not just because she could kick my arse.

FanFiction Comedy
This show stars the best young comedians in New Zealand reading fan fiction they wrote themselves. I saw this in Auckland and loved it so much I’m producing it for the festival. Some big names will drop in and read their stories too (and I will be doing all my Batman fan stories).

Wilarious
Comedy Theatre, 228–240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
27 March–15 April

The Goodbye Guy
Victoria Hotel, 215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
29 March–21 April

Million Dollar Tegan
Spleen Bar, 41 Bourke Street, Melbourne
28 March–14 April

FanFiction Comedy
Melbourne Town Hall, 90–120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
31 March–22 April

Take the edge off with the best remedy: solid stand up comedy.

Not all shows are on every night. Check the Comedy Festival website for details. Bookings through Ticketmaster or on 1300 660 013.