Sydney Comedy Festival returns this April with an all-star cast of Indigenous comedians

Joseph Guenzler Published February 29, 2024 at 9.35am (AWST)

culture

The Sydney Comedy Festival has grown quickly and now attracts 111,000 patrons every year. (Image: Supplied)

The Sydney Comedy Festival has unveiled additional acts for the 2024 edition, scheduled from April 22 to May 19.

The festivities begin with the much-anticipated Galas running from April 23-25 at various locations throughout Sydney.

A star studded up, the Festival Stage will feature Indigenous comedians Dane Simpson and Dave Woodhead who are bringing their shows 'Always Was, Always Will Be...Funny' and 'Black and White', respectively.

*Dane Simpson was a Deadly Funny national finalist in 2015 and now tours the country with his witty shows. (Image: Supplied)*

Dane, hailing from a family of jesters in Walgett, modernises traditional humor, infusing it with a 'Rad' touch, bringing a freshness to Australian comedy.

Dane has been seen on Thank God You're Here, The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition and Have You Been Paying Attention?

Dane expresses gratitude for Sydney, noting the audience's openness to his unique show, emphasising the simple joy of laughter.

"I love coming to Sydney... people will take a punt on a show like mine and just come and have a laugh," said Mr Simpson.

In his new performance, he shares family stories, particularly focusing on his dad, who he brought alongside him in The Amazing Race.

Additionally, Dane shares his perspective on Australia Day, blending humor with personal importance, making it a lighthearted yet meaningful part of his show.

"What I love in this new show is telling stories about my family, particularly my Dad," he said.

"I do express my opinions on Australia Day in this show, and what it means to me in particular. It's just silly and fun but also something important to me."

*Dave Woodhead is the Lunch host on triple j, a writer and cast member on Black Comedy. (Image: Supplied)*

Triple J presenter Dave Woodhead offers a distinctive perspective on his upbringing in Australia as a proud Torres Strait Islander man.

Mr Woodhead reflects on his Sydney Comedy Festival experience, deeming it one of the best gigs in his career.

Currently performing in Adelaide, he fine-tunes the show, aiming for perfection when he brings it to Sydney.

"I did Sydney Comedy Festival last year and it honestly one of the best gigs of my entire life," he said.

"I'm performing it right now in Adelaide and i'm able to play around with it so by the time I bring it to Sydney it should be perfecto."

"I'm in Sydney now for work so I always love coming back and doing shows here."

The show delves into the intricacies of navigating identity with humor, highlighting the contrast between his Torres Strait Islander heritage and his "very white mother."

"It's a very black show and I talk about my experiences growing up - being white passing and having a black Dad," he said.

"It's a whole different vibe from last year."

"The jokes I'm doing forces the crowd to be challenged a bit more. I can feel them pull back and come forward when it works."

Sydney Comedy Festival tickets are available online.