Last month I was lucky enough hit the road and perform in Cairns at Laughing Heart, and Mackay where I headlined for the very first time at The Ambassador Hotel. What an amazing experience! The long drives were totally worth it and the crowds in Mackay and Cairns were some of the best I’ve ever had.

I also got to hang out with local comics in a thriving scene in Cairns and an energetic new scene in Mackay. The comics I spoke with all asked about the current comedy scene in my area. The state of Townsville comedy has also been the topic of other local conversations with peers and fans… so I thought I’d take a bit of a snapshot. I’m about to hit my 4th anniversary of starting stand-up back in 2019, and the Townsville comedy scene has gone through some pretty big changes since then. So, some history:

In 2019 everything here was centrally coordinated and supported by a company called The Comedy Generation which oversaw a loose fraternity of maybe 40 comics in the area. There was an monthly open mic at Pimlico, where I mostly hung out, as well as a larger curated monthly show at Kirwan and a few times a year comedians from others areas would put on professional shows with local supports in a theatre environment, all under the annex of The Comedy Generation. There was a clear framework which was both supportive and limiting.

The formal and central annexing of comedy events here changed in 2020, with Covid killing the live scene completely and the founders of The Comedy Generation winding up operations. When things resumed at the end of the year, a few of the more established local comics stepped up and established their own rooms. These were the loose and rowdy monthly open mic at The Commonwealth, the infrequent but popular Roast events at the Heritage Exchange, and the monthly open mic events at Molly Malones’, which also was the venue for pro shows when touring acts came to town. There was a “Triple Threat” curated show at Pimlico, as well as a resurrection of the old open mic nights there.

This was a time where local comics filled the gap of the old guard by stepping up and all running their own stuff, which was exciting. The number of participating comics grew and all kinds of events were happening, all with their own flavour. Use of the theatre environment at the Townsville Brewery recommenced and there were even some ‘alt comedy’ events happening in suburban backyards. A website was created to publicise and track all of the comedy activity here.

Now it’s 2023 and everything’s streamlined somewhat. A lot of the room-runners have excited the scene, the venues have changed again and the number of active comedians has slimmed down significantly (although we’re going through a period where we see emerging talent popping up every month). The website is dormant and the NQ Comedy group on Facebook is the home for that sort of thing.

My personal feeling, and I don’t want to malign or offend anyone (please don’t @ me) is that the Townsville comedy scene is in the best shape ever. The actual standard is much higher – of both venues and performers – than I’ve ever seen it. Many of the stalwarts of the scene have moved on, but the ones who’ve stayed have grown strong and are forces of nature. The venues we have are all suitable (not something I’ve been able to say about every place Townsville’s comedy has been hosted), enjoyable and supportive of local talent.

So here’s a rundown of the regular comedy events and spots here:

OBJ’s Sports Bar
Address: 9/10 Little Fletcher St, Townsville City QLD 4810
Phone: (07) 4771 5121

This is the newest addition to Townsville comedy, so new I haven’t had a chance to attend or participate yet. It’s an open mic on Tuesdays, and I think Indy C is the one who’s set it all up. I’m told it’s a lively and fun atmosphere in a casual environment. $20 vouchers for anyone who gets up and contributes to the enjoyment. Lots of enthusiasm and potential.

Molly Malone’s
Address: 87/95 Flinders St, Townsville City QLD 4810
Phone: (07) 4448 4486

Open Mic nights at Molly’s have gone from strength to strength. It’s become a free night again, and a great room for comedy with wonderful supportive staff. Now it’s every second Thursday with prizes for best newcomer. Molly’s also hosts pro shows, the annual RAW Comedy events and other exciting things. Most comedians have a place they regard as “their” home base and that’s definitely how I feel about Molly’s.

Sunday Roast: Comedy at The Empire
Address: Mcilwraith St, South Townsville QLD 4810
Phone: (07) 4281 6764

Sunday afternoons at the newly refurbished Empire Hotel are relaxed, casual and a lot of fun. Oh, and they’re also free. Tim Axton hosts the sessions in their function room on the last Sunday of each month, with a prize for best newcomer. No stage or fancy light shows, just people making each other laugh over beers.

Cocktail Comedy at Osk Bar
Address: 1/46 Gregory St, North Ward QLD 4810
Phone: 0431 981 499

Cocktail Comedy at the Osk Bar is a curated show run and MC’d by Henry Bretz. Hand-picked comic performances with some of the best cocktails in this city, in a lovely intimate venue down near The Strand. Cocktail Comedy happens on the first Tuesday of every month,

These nights are fantastic to perform at, and a lot of fun to attend. The venue is small and the tickets are cheap ($17), so it sells out fast. These are ordered online, so you need to check NQ Comedy on Facebook to find the link and be part of these events.

And these are currently the regular comedy events in Townsville. There are also other events in different locations – The North Australian Festival of the Arts happens here annually, the Heritage Exchange hosts the annual Roast Battle and there have been pro shows at the Herbert Hotel and The Brewery. There’s always exciting stuff going on around here.

But these aere currently the regular events. If you’re a comedian looking for gigs, or a punter looking for where the laughs are here, these are our headquarters. Obviously, also check NQ Comedy for updates too.