early bird tickets now on sale!
(ends 5pm may 18)
NEXT GEN COMEDY 2026
Next Gen Comedy returns for 2026 — a live competition where you vote for WA’s best new comedian.
Presented by the City of Stirling in partnership with WA Comedy, this is your chance to experience raw, rising WA talent before they break through — in a high-energy night of laughs, surprises, and unpredictable moments.
No judges. No panels. The audience decides.
Heats June 13, 20 and the Grand Final on June 27
Comedians are competing for a share of $2,250 in prize money — and the title of WA’s Best New Comedian.
Applications Close
April 22 @ 5pm!
” 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.
How It Works
- Every show is hosted by a professional comedian
- Each heat features a lineup of 10-12 emerging WA comedians
- Each performer has 5 minutes to make you laugh and win your vote
- The top 2 acts from each heat advance to the Grand Final
- Wildcard spots may be awarded to standout performers
- In the Grand Final, you choose WA’s Best New Comedian. Cash prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Show Dates & Venues
Next Gen Comedy is held exclusively within the City of Stirling at community focused venues.
All venues are fully licensed with basic bar offering. Non alcohol options also available.
- Heat 1
- Sat June 13
- 6.30pm - 8.00pm
- Contestants announced Monday April 27
- Heat 2
- Sat June 13
- 8.30pm - 10.00pm
- Contestants announced Monday April 27
- Heat 3
- Sat June 20
- 6.30pm - 8.00pm
- Contestants announced Monday April 27
- Heat 4
- Sat June 20
- 8.30pm - 10.00pm
- Contestants announced Monday April 27
- Grand Final
- Sat June 27
- 7.00pm - 9.00pm
- Contestants announced after each heat
Doors for all heats is 30 minutes before show time.
The Grand Final festivities start from 6pm with a Pop-up bar and food vendors
