Recognisable names from this year’s line-up include Fern Brady, Tom Ballard, Josh Thomas, Cameron James, Stephen K. Amos, Wil Anderson, Judith Lucy and Nina Oyama.

Asked for highlights of the 2024 festival, Meredith had these shows to recommend:

• Are You Pulling My Leg?, May 23, 24, 25 & 26
  “I’m really excited for this show. It showcases some of Australia’s funniest artists with a disability or chronic illness, led by Madeleine Stewart. It will be fantastic to open up the stage to their stories.”
• Queerstories, May 19
  “This is a storytelling show curated by Maeve Marsden. It features LGBTQI+ comedians and storytellers, just telling a funny story.”
• Frocking Hilarious, May 11
  “It’s an all-female line-up hosted by Claire Hooper. So that’s great in and of itself, but the show actually raises funds for ActionAid, an NGO focused on women’s equality and opportunities in developing countries. It’s a line-up show, so it changes every year.”
• The Debate, May 10
  “This is another community fundraising event, for the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre. It’s an old-fashioned debate with two opposing sides and a wonderful moderator in Natalie Bochenski. It’s always a riot. Last year the topic was about whether we should be a republic, and it was on the same day as the [King’s] coronation.”
• After Hours, May 4, 11, 18 & 25
  “This is a late-night, variety show. We don’t know who is going to be on the line-up until the week of. It’s late-night, loose, and you might find stuff that’s a bit more naughty.”

Meredith, a former independent producer, has headed Brisbane’s comedy festival for seven years.

While a big part of the job is bringing international stars, she says fans shouldn’t miss emerging acts from Brisbane’s vibrant comedy community.

“I think there’s something about Queensland and Brisbane’s relaxed nature that really translates wonderfully on stage in the way that people tell stories,” she said.

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“They’re very down to earth, and then there’s also a really strong improvisation and sketch comedy scene as well.”

But don’t let the buffet of comedians and shows to dine out on lull you into a false sense of security.

Spontaneity is both a blessing and a curse, and with shows starting to sell out, now’s a good time to take a closer look at the program.