Join us for an unforgettable evening of gut-busting humour, featuring a treasure trove of comedic talent that'll have you laughing 'til your cheeks ache.
Expect big-name comics and rising stars from Australia and around the world – here to light up the Shirley Burke Theatre for one night only. You’ll recognise these talents from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, and from shows such as Have You Been Paying Attention?, Thank God You’re Here and Spicks & Specks. Lovingly curated by veteran comedy programmer Janet A McLeod (aka the fairy godmother of Melbourne comedy), Comedy at the Shirley is guaranteed to leave you in hysterics.
June show features
From left to right: Claire Hooper, He Huang, Oliver Hunter, Matt Stewart
Claire Hooper
One of Australia's most beloved performers, Claire is well-known for her brilliantly funny live comedy shows plus her many TV appearances including Good News Week, The Great Australian Bake-Off, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Spicks and Specks, and countless panel shows. Moving through joke-after-joke, Claire's warmth and personality brings sparkle to any stage.
@theclairehooper
He Huang
He Huang grew up in the small mountain town of Chongqing, China, a mountainous region, where her family has lived for generations with their strong passion for drinking, cursing, and gambling. Turns out this is the perfect setting to start life as a stand-up comic. After travelling the world, He eventually found herself in Australia, making a name for her deceptively laid-back style and wit so sharp it could cut through bricks. As featured on Thank God You're Here, Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala and Just For Laughs.
@hehuangcomedy
Oliver Hunter
Loveable, laconic and a little bit dark, Oliver has been cracking jokes about living with a disability for over 8 years Originally hailing from Albury, Oliver has played all major venues in his local area - the Wagga Comedy Festival, the Riverina Comedy Club and the Ulladulla Comedy Festival. To balance this level of glamour, he has also performed at the Hollywood Improv and comedy clubs in Dallas and Seattle. When not wearing his comedian hat, Oliver is a disability consultant and keynote speaker and is definitely not inspirational.
@oliverhunter_95
Matt Stewart
Unassuming comedy with an off-kilter twist. Matt's lowkey delivery just makes it all that more hilarious! Always funny, always intelligent - get ready to discover your new favourite comedian.
@mattstewartcomedy
July Show Features
From left to right: Bron Lewis, Ray O'Leary
Bron Lewis
One of Australia's most in-demand comedians, Bron was co-winner of the National Raw Comedy Competition in 2022, a four-time champion of the Moth storytelling competition and was voted as both the best and the worst mum living at her house. Smart, relatable, joyous, and hilarious. "Lewis has a skillful, natural delivery, in control of her material and holding the audience rapt without seeming to make an effort."
@bronlewiscomedy
Ray O'Leary
Looking like an accountant who has accidentally wandered on stage, this brilliantly deadpan New Zealander sells out shows wherever he goes. A regular on Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Cheap Seats and NZ Taskmaster, Ray can also be heard on hit Dungeons and Dragons podcast , Waterdeep Mountain High (of course he can).
@rayolearycomedy
And more to be announced
ACCESS
Shirley Burke Theatre is wheelchair accessible and accessible toilets are available. For more information please visit: Venue Accessibility.