Entertainment
16 April, 2026
Laugh until it hurts so much
AUSTRALIA’S biggest comedy festival is rolling into Innisfail on 26 April, bringing a powerhouse line-up of comedians for a night guaranteed to leave the Cassowary Coast in stitches.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is back for its 28th year, delivering some of the freshest and funniest acts from the 2026 festival straight to regional Queensland.
This year’s line-up features a mix of comedy heavy-hitters and rising stars, including host Alec Ward, crowd favourite Dane Simpson, deadpan dynamo Nick Schuller, musical comedy sensation Sez, and international standout Takashi Wakasugi, who joins the tour from Japan.
Host Alec Ward, a Queensland ex-pat, keeps the laughs rolling with whip smart punchlines and quick-fire wit. Dane Simpson, the undisputed comedy king of Wagga, brings big energy and even bigger laughs. A national Deadly Funny finalist, he’s appeared on ‘The Amazing Race: Celebrity Edition’ and ‘The Cook-Up’ with Adam Liaw.
Nick Schuller, known for his dry, devastatingly funny delivery, is one of the most exciting acts to emerge from Melbourne’s thriving comedy scene.
Armed with a guitar, an omnichord and a gloriously unhinged Gen Z perspective, Sez has built a massive online following with her folk pop bangers and razor-sharp storytelling.
International favourite Takashi Wakasugi, or “Waka” to his fans has become one of Australia’s most beloved comedians since moving from Japan.
A MICF Directors’ Choice Award winner and Taskmaster Australia contestant, his stand up has been described as “exquisite” by Chortle UK.
The roadshow is supported by the Queensland Government’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership with Cassowary Coast Regional Council that helps bring world class arts experiences to regional communities.
The roadshow will be at The Con Theatre, Innisfail on Monday 26 April. For more details and tickets, visit www.bit.ly/4cAuHY4
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