Cairns comedy: Jimmy Carr, Mel Buttle, Peter James to perform in Far North

The Far North has been put on the map as a comedy destination with international stars, Aussie favourites and local stand-ups hitting the stage. FIND OUT WHO

Andreas Nicola

@AndreasNicola97

3 min read

July 2, 2022 - 5:00AM

The Cairns Post

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THE Far North has been put on the map as a comedy destination with international stars, Aussie favourites and homegrown stand-ups hitting the stage.

Laughing Heart Comedy puts on a weekly showcase at Cairns venue Three Wolves which brings together a mix of local talent and visiting professionals.

“It’s gone gangbusters. In the last year, especially since Covid every single show for the most part sells out,” Laughing Heart co-owner Peter James said.

Comedians Jay Wymarra, Marc Cornaz and Peter James.

Mr James said the thriving comedy scene had put Cairns on the map.

“I think it has a lot to say that we are doing things right up here. You look at people’s national schedules and we are often the only regional town on it,” he said.

“The people that manage these big comedians. They can see there’s this local scene and it sells out every single week ahead of time.

“It’s not like the typical regional town where they aren’t exposed to comedy. All the comedians that come here are all shocked and amazed.”

Comedian Mel Buttle from Brisbane is set to rock the Cairns stage on Sunday July 10 at Three Wolves.

Ms Buttle said the comedy scene was great in Cairns especially churning out great stand-ups like Peter James and Shad Wicka.

“I’ve had great gigs in Cairns, the audiences come to see comedy, which isn’t always the case in other cities, some people come to watch the greyhounds,” she said.

The atmosphere in Cairns is also enticing to performers outside of the region.

“I love Cairns! Always nice and hot, and a great place to wear thongs and have no one bat an eyelid,” she said.

“Cairns people have formal thongs and casual thongs.”

Which sometimes creates a talking point.

British comedian Jimmy Carr will perform in Cairns.

“I won’t pick on you in the crowd, well unless you’re in your casual thongs, then I may ask why you didn’t dress up for me,” she said.

Among the big names coming to the Far North is British comedian Jimmy Carr who will perform at Cairns Performing Arts Centre on April 30 next year.

Local comedian and Laughing Heart Comedy co-owner Joe Waddington said international acts were great for Cairns.

“It does introduce a lot of people to the comedy scene. A lot of people don’t go to the small show like ours they go to the big shows and that introduces them to comedy,” he said.