Featuring the best and brightest of the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we’re bringing the funny to you!
Lineup Announced: Ray O’Leary (NZ), Bron Lewis, Suren Jayemanne & more
Get ready for a stellar line-up with Roadshow favourites alongside the most talked-about breakthrough stars of the moment, together in one jam-packed show that’s sure to leave the whole nation laughing. So, get some mates together, book your tickets and head out for a much-needed comedy fix when the Roadshow hits a stage near you!
Artist Bio: Ray O’Leary
The Kiwi comic known for his deadpan delivery and iconic grey suit, Ray O’Leary has been nominated two years running for Best Male Comedian by the New Zealand Comedy Guild, and in 2022 he picked up a win for Best Joke and Best TV Comedy Performance, after being nominated for Best TV Comedy Performance the previous three years. Additionally, he has been twice nominated for New Zealand Comedy Festival’s prestigious Billy T James Award.
His razor-sharp wit has seen him perform across both sides of the Tasman and tour sold-out runs in Christchurch, and Auckland & Wellington as part of the New Zealand Comedy Festival. He has also performed alongside top comedic talent including Flight of the Conchords and Rhys Darby.
Ray is a staple on Australasian television screens and can be seen on Ten’s Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Cheap Seats, and SBS’ Patriot Brains, hosted by the UK’s Bill Bailey and Sue Perkins. In Australia, he is also a regular writer for The Cheap Seats and Have You Been Paying Attention. In NZ, Ray regularly appears and writes for 7 Days, Have You Been Paying Attention and much more.
Ray can be heard on the philosophy podcast Socrates Walks Into A Bar, which won Best Comedy Podcast at the NZ Podcast Awards in 2022. He was also a regular on The Spinoff’s hit Dungeons and Dragons podcast Waterdeep Mountain High.
In 2023, Ray made his Australian debut to sold out audiences with his new show, Everything Funny All The Time Always and was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Ray continued a string of sold out shows throughout New Zealand and will add to his TV credits as a contestant on season 4 of Taskmaster NZ.
In 2024, Ray will return to the live stage, touring the UK with Melanie Bracewell and returning to tour his new show, Your Laughter Is Just Making Me Stronger, throughout Australia and New Zealand.
“A funny man. He’s got comic timing… Great, perfect timing” – Matt Heath & Jeremy Wells, Radio Hauraki
“Very funny” – New Zealand Herald
“Showed a supreme mastery of using repetition to its absolute perfection” – The Ruminator
Artist Bio: Bron Lewis
Bron Lewis is one of Australia's most promising new comedians. She was the co-winner of the National Raw Comedy competition in 2022, a four-time champion of the Moth storytelling competition, and both the best and the worst mum living at her house.
Bron is a writer at The Project, a regular panellist on the hit show ‘Have You Been Paying Attention?’ and has a prominent presence on stages all around the country. Bron's critically acclaimed show 'Probably' sold out in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane, scoring her a nomination for Melbourne International Comedy Festival's 'Best Newcomer' for 2023.
In 2024, Bron will tour her new show ‘Obviously’ throughout Australia.
“Lewis has a skilful, natural delivery, in control of her material and holding the audience rapt without seeming to make an effort.” - Chortle
“Hilarity and humanity - a joy to behold.” - Sammy J
'Bron is the whole package: smart, relatable, hilarious and adorable. It shouldn't be allowed.' -Ellen Briggs
Artist Bio: Suren Jayemanne
Suren Jayemanne is a stand up comedian, writer and actor. Suren was selected for the prestigious Moosehead Award in 2023 for his show The Bag of Vegeta which wowed critics and audiences alike at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Suren is the creator and host of SBS Food's Good Tucker and his stand up special featured on ABC's Comedy Next Gen (2018) and he has appeared on Comedy Up Late (ABC), Australia Talks (ABC), The Cook Up (SBS) and Celebrity Letters and Numbers (SBS). He is also a writer for and panelist on Wil Anderson's Question Everything (ABC).
Performances often contain coarse language, adult themes, sexual references and material that may offend.
The show is recommended for people aged 15 years or older. Smoke Machine/Hazer may be used during this performance.
More information
The Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre and cinema opens 30 minutes prior to a cinema sessions and 60 minutes prior to a live performances. We strongly recommend that you pre-purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Accessible seating is available.
Please check our FAQ page for more information on ticketing, refund policies, and contact details.
The Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre is located at 96 Graham St, Wonthaggi and operated for the community by Bass Coast Shire Council.