The below information was published in the lead-up to the 2024 Festival – stay tuned for next year's event details 

The annual Newcastle Comedy Festival is back with a bang, kicking off with its famous Festival Gala evening at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre on Saturday, June 29.

Thanks to the City of Newcastle, Novocastrians will once more have the opportunity to laugh for almost a whole month with Newcastle Comedy Festival’s biggest and most diverse lineup yet!

The sold-out Gala will showcase the best of Australian and New Zealand comedians coming in hot from their showcases in Melbourne and Sydney Comedy Festivals. The Newcastle Gala promises to deliver the best iteration of each performer’s show.

This year's program boasts some of the biggest names. Here's some of the highlights:

Nazeem Hussain

This joker has fast become one of the biggest stars of Australian comedy and a much-loved television and radio personality. Nazeem hits the stage touring his new show, Totally Normal, to Novocastrians for the first time on July 13.

Cameron James

Returning to his hometown, Cameron is touring his new show, Mixtape – which has been two years in the making and the most anticipated comedy release of the year. Catch Mixtape on July 6.

Luke Heggie

Luke Heggie brings his show grogan to Newcastle on July 20, sharing the tribulations of someone just trying to stay alive until he’s dead while attempting to remain a man of the people. 

Kirsty Webeck

Don't miss Kirsty Webeck on June 30 (sold out) and July 1 when she performs her cracking show I'll Be the Judge of That. You'll be instantly charmed by her impeccable sense of humour and sunny personality.

Daniel Muggleton

Fresh off his first international tour in 2023 and a headline show at the Sydney Opera House, Daniel Muggleton's mix of social commentary and incredible crowd work have made him one of comedy's fastest rising stars. Catch him performing his show Blinded by the Whites on July 5.

Andrew Hamilton

Andrew Hamilton is bringing his show Shit Bloke to Newcastle Comedy Festival, so get ready for this follow-up to his smash-hit debut show Jokes About the Time I Went to Prison on July 5, which saw him nominated for Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2023.

He Huang

Award-winning comic He Huang will take you on a hilarious global journey with her show Tiger Daughter vs The World, happening on July 12. You'll be in stitches thanks to her sharp wit and storytelling prowess.

My Cousin Vlad

Dis/Dat is a greatest hits show of My Cousin Vlad's takes on society and pop culture. With music, a screen show, an unpredictable stage antics, this is a show not to miss – block out your calendar for July 12.

Throughout the almost month-long festival, there will be showcases at Earp Distilling Co (both already sold out), Newcastle Comedy Club, Civic Theatre, Newcastle Conservatorium, and The Gal on Beaumont. For the full festival program, head to the website, and get your tickets booked.

Newcastle Comedy Festival

Where: Across Newcastle
When: 28 Jun – 21 Jul
More information: visit the Newcastle Comedy Festival website.