Next Gen Comedy returns for 2026 — a live, audience-driven competition where you vote for WA’s best new comedian.

Presented by the City of Stirling and WA Comedy, this is your chance to experience raw, rising WA talent before they break through, with the power to shape the outcome — each show is hosted by a professional comedian, delivering a high-quality night of big laughs, surprises, and unpredictable moments.

No judges. No panels. The audience decides.

Comedians are competing for a share of $2,250 in prize money — including $1,500 for first place, plus a paid spot at a WA Comedy All-Stars show and ongoing mentoring.

“Winning Next Gen in 2025 really gave me the confidence to follow my dreams. I would encourage anyone, any age or gender to have a go.”
— Nola Bliss, 2025 Winner

Previous winners including Suns of Fred, Joe White, Ciaran Lyons and Ian Burke have gone on to establish themselves on the WA and national comedy circuit — making Next Gen Comedy a genuine launching pad for new talent.

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🎟️ HOW IT WORKS

Each heat features a lineup of 10-12 emerging WA comedians competing for a place in the Grand Final.

Each audience member receives a ballot to rank the comedians — from their favourite to least favourite.

At the end of the night, the audience votes.

The top 2 acts from each heat progress to the Grand Final based on audience vote, with a limited number of wildcard spots used to give standout performers a second chance.
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📍 SHOW DATES & TIMES

Heats – Saturday June 13
Stirling Community Centres (Inglewood)
• Heat 1: Doors 6:00pm | Show 6:30pm – 7:45pm
• Heat 2: Doors 8:00pm | Show 8:30pm – 9:45pm
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Heats – Saturday June 20
Osborne Park Bowling Club
• Heat 3: Doors 6:00pm | Show 6:30pm – 7:45pm
• Heat 4: Doors 8:00pm | Show 8:30pm – 9:45pm
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🏆 Grand Final – Saturday June 27
Stirling Leisure Centres (Hamersley)
The best WA acts from the heats go head-to-head, with the winner decided by the audience.

Doors 6:00pm
Pop-up bar and food options available from 6:00pm
Show 7:00pm – approx. 9:30pm (includes intermission and audience voting)
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All venues are fully licensed with bar service. 18+ only.
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🎟️ TICKETS

Early Bird tickets available until May 18.
Groups of 4+ available — make a night of it.

Please note: Each heat and the Grand Final require a separate ticket.

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🎤 COMEDIANS
Think you’ve got what it takes?
Applications are now open — apply here:
https://wacomedy.com/next-gen-comedy-registration/
(entries close 5pm Wed April 22)