SHOWS

GC Laughs Festival – Thursday 17th March to Sunday 20th March at HOTA

Ocean Road Magazine

// March 18, 2022

WORDS: Amy Stalinescu PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied - HOTA

The annual GC Laughs Festival – March 12 to 20 – kicks off this weekend at HOTA, Home of the Arts in its biggest and best year yet, with over 30 shows across 6 nights and a bumper star-studded line up.

Starting strong with the largest comedy showcase on the Coast, the SOLD OUT GC Laughs Gala kicks off the Festival this Saturday, March 12 for the biggest night of comedy on the Gold Coast.

Sink your teeth into two hours packed with a surprise line-up of the festival’s funniest stars and homegrown heroes, hosted by stand-up comedian, writer and actor, Celia Pacquola, who is one of the most in-demand performers in any genre.

On Sunday, March 13, Michelle Brasier, Melanie Bracewell and Cameron James take to the stage, followed by Emma Holland, Aaron Chen, Nikki Britton, Ivan Aristeguieta (who won the weekly award for Best Comedy at Adelaide Fringe Festival), Matt Ford, Dani Cabs and John Cruckshank on Thursday, March 17.

Australian comedy legend, Peter Helliar, will have crowds roaring with laugher on Friday, March 18, along with Nath Valvo, Kirsty Webeck, Damien Power, Bec Charlwood, Harley Breen, Dusty Rich and Lizzy Hoo.

Then on Saturday, March 19, funny man Dave Hughes hits the GC Laughs stage for the first time, in addition to Ben Kochan and Concetta Caristo, David Quirk, Blake Freeman, Nick Cody, Mel Buttle, Kat and Stav Davidson, Shayne Hunter, Becky Lucas, Simon Taylor (recently received 5 stars at the Adelaide Fringe Festival) and Oliver Twist.

Rounding out the festival, Chris Ryan, Rhys Nicholson and Luke Heggie put on a show on Sunday, March 20.

Then as an added bonus, Australian absurdist comedy group, Aunty Donna, best known for their Netflix series Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun return to HOTA on Wednesday, May 11 as an extension to the GC Laughs Festival.

GC Laughs Festival Director, Josh Armstrong, said comedy lovers are in for a treat this year.

“We can’t wait to bring the laughs to life on the Gold Coast from this weekend – and oh my, don’t we need it,” said Josh.

“Audiences can expect side splitting comedy from a huge line-up of incredible talent every night of the GC Laughs Festival, with so many brand-new shows from festival favourites and newcomers, our program is enormous and we’re staying true to this being the biggest and best festival yet.”

“We’ve welcomed over 14,000 comedy fans to HOTA across four years and we hope to see even bigger crowds embracing the art of comedy in 2022,” added Josh.

Get your comedy fix at the GC Laughs Festival on March 12-20 and May 11 at HOTA, Home of the Arts.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via www.gclaughs.com.au or via the HOTA Box Office,
(07) 5588 4000.

For more information, visit: www.gclaughs.com.au

FULL EVENT PROGRAM:

Thursday 17 March 2022

6:40PM – Emma Holland – Dreamer In The Mist

7:00PM – Aaron Chen – If I Weren’t Filmed, Nobody Would Believe

7:30PM – Nikki Britton – One Small Step

7:45PM – Ivan Aristeguieta – Happy Papi

8:05PM – Matt Ford – Get On Board

8:15PM – Dani Cabs – Poncho: Keep it Up!

9:05PM – John Cruckshank – WCT: Choof Meridian