Comedy Zone: Comedy Festival’s hub for emerging talent is unleashing the next-gen this month
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06.03.2024

Comedy Zone: Comedy Festival’s hub for emerging talent is unleashing the next-gen this month

Comedy Zone
Photo: Henry Yan – MICF/Nick Robertson
Words by Staff Writer

Comedy Zone is celebrating its 24th year, and they're ready to unleash the next-gen of comedy superstars!

Comedy Zone 2024

  • March 28 – April 21
  • Trades Hall – Common Rooms Bar
  • Tickets here

Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Gear up for stacks of laughter from Australia’s rising stars of comedy, featuring:

Meg Jäger (QLD)

Meg is a high school history teacher by day and a belligerent bitch by 3pm. In her short time doing comedy, she has become a prominent presence on the Brisbane comedy scene. Meg is one to watch. She won Good Chat’s Brat Pack Comedy Competition in 2021, has opened for household names such as Mel Buttle and Randy Feltface, and was named runner-up in the RAW Comedy national competition in 2023. Meg’s blunt and bittersweet commentary about family and dating and her extensive knowledge of World War One have charmed audiences all across Australia.

Henry Yan (VIC)

In 2023, Henry emerged victorious at Melbourne In ternational Comedy Festival’s RAW Comedy National Grand Final and showcased his talents at the Edinburgh Fringe’s So You Think You Are Funny? competition. He is currently living his dream. Henry’s comedy uncovers the quirks of everyday life and his unique perspective on the world’s absurdities. With a penchant for silliness, he adds a flavourful touch to life, choosing to spread a light-hearted joy to the world.

Frankie Rowsthorn (WA)

Embarking on stand-up comedy at the age of 16, Frankie’s comedic material delves into the challenges of living at home, the awkwardness of puberty and the realities of dealing with porn addiction. Now at 21, her writing has matured alongside herself as she humorously navigates the complexities of her early 20s. Recently featured on The Amazing Race Australia and newly added to the triple j weekend presenting crew, Frankie is a rising talent that you definitely won’t want to overlook!

Rapha Manajem (VIC)

Rapha engages in the sale of fidget spinners beneath the West Gate Bridge every other Tuesday, firmly believing in their imminent comeback. This conviction is largely driven by the realisation that he entered the market too late and urgently needs to clear his existing stock. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, his professors described him as “informed”. Rapha wowed audiences and judges alike across the 2023 RAW Comedy competition and is sure to be one of the most talked about artists at this year’s Festival.

William Wang (VIC)

Hailing from China, William immigrated to Australia seven years ago, where he discovered his comedic calling. In 2022, he debuted at the Adelaide Fringe with Unrelatable Funny, a solo show that showcased his distinctive comedic style. The following year, he soared to success, as co-winner of RAW Comedy’s Victorian State Final and he secured a spot as a national finalist, solidifying his position as a rising star in Australian comedy. His journey from China to the Aussie stage reflects both cultural diversity and a unique ability to connect with audiences through laughter, marking William as a promising force in the world of stand-up comedy.

Comedy Zone Asia Allstars

  • Sun 31 Mar: 8pm
  • The Capitol, 113 Swanston St
  • Hosted by Fakkah Fuzz (Singapore)

Comedy Zone Asia is back with an Allstars edition featuring beloved fan favourites and exciting discoveries in one very special big show!

Diverse, dynamic and downright hilarious, this show presents the current finest and funniest voices from across Asia, all together for a one-night-only dose of laughter. This promises to be the Festival’s must-see of 2024!

Featuring Daniel Fernandes (India), Ting Lim (Singapore), Jenhan Kuah (Malaysia), He Huang (China), Jason Leong (Malaysia), Kanan Gill (India), Sam See (Singapore), Showko (Japan), Takashi Wakasugi (Japan) and Urooj Ashfaq (India).

Grab tickets here.