Comedy at the Shirley: July

Next date: Friday, 10 July 2026 | 07:30 PM to 09:00 PM

Comedian Tegan Higginbotham wearing a green shirt in front of a green background.

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. 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
Spicks and 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.

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Comedians

Richard Stubbs

A true legend of the Australian comedy scene. Richard’s rapid-fire delivery and sardonic style have seen him reign supreme on standup stages across the globe. He was king of breakfast radio for the better part of two decades and was Friday night host of Channel 7’s essential 90s show Tonight Live.

@richardstubbsofficial

Tegan Higginbotham

Tegan is an award-winning comedian, actor, and one of Australia’s most versatile screenwriters. Her first stand-up comedy show was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festiva, and in 2014, she won Best Comedy at the Melbourne Fringe (and was nominated for the same award in 2025).

You may also have spotted Tegan in feature films including Neil Armfield’s Holding the Man as well as family comedy adventure film Oddball (that adorable movie where the dog guards the penguins – Tegan played one of the baddies). And if you are watching new ABC series Ground Up, keep your eyes peeled because guess what….she’s in that as well.

@teganhigginbotham

Gavin Baskerville

With his dark-edged wit, engaging stage presence, and unique takes on topics from the mundane to the ridiculous, Gavin has carved a name for himself as a well-respected favourite of the Australian comedy circuit. Brimming with puns, gags, clever wordplay, thigh slappers, Dad jokes, rib-ticklers and more, Gav is an absolute joke machine.

@gavinbaskerville

Lauren Edwards

Lauren is a comedian and writer originally from QLD. She is known for her quintessential takes and nostalgic sense of humour. Lauren has toured around Australia and is a popular guest on podcasts and radio such as ABC Melbourne, Confessions and Mads World.

@livelaughlauren__

This event is a part of our Comedy at the Shirley series.