A great comedian can transform an event. Whether it’s a corporate gala, a fundraiser, an awards night, or a private function, live comedy creates the kind of memorable moments your guests will be talking about long after the last laugh fades. But if you’ve never booked a comedian before, the process can feel a little daunting.
At Australian Network Entertainment (ANE), we’ve been connecting clients with Australia’s best comedy talent for for more than 25 years. With a huge roster of comedians in every major city — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth — covering everything from household names to fresh emerging talent. This guide walks you through the entire process so you can book with confidence.
Step 1: Know Your Event
Before you start browsing comedians, get clear on a few key details about your event. These will shape every decision that follows:
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- Event type — corporate dinner, gala, awards night, product launch, private party, wedding?
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- Audience size — an intimate 50-person dinner or a ballroom of 500 guests?
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- Audience profile — age range, industry, cultural background, any sensitivities to keep in mind?
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- Date and location — which city, and how much lead time do you have?
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- Budget — even a rough range helps narrow things down quickly.
The more clearly you can answer these questions, the easier it is for our team to recommend the right comedian for your event.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Comedian
Not all comedians are the same, and that’s a good thing. ANE’s roster covers a wide range of styles, backgrounds, and experience levels.
High Profile Comedians
Household names like Dave Hughes, Tommy Little, Kitty Flanagan, Anh Do, Arj Barker, Jimeoin, Vince Sorrenti, and Shane Jacobson. If you want a wow factor and a name your guests will recognise on the invitation, this is the category to look at. Fees for high profile, celebrity comedians, generally start from around $5,000 + GST.
Comedians Australia Wide
ANE has comedians in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Booking a locally based comedian often reduces travel costs and can make the whole logistical process simpler. Browse by city to find the best fit for your location.
Female Comedians
ANE has a dedicated selection of Australia’s leading female comedians. For events where gender balance on stage matters — women’s leadership events, diversity-focused functions, or simply a fresh perspective — this is well worth exploring.
Comedian MCs
Many of ANE’s comedians can also be booked as a Master of Ceremonies, host, or event facilitator — combining laughs with professional event management. This is a popular choice for corporate dinners and gala events where you want a single talent to both anchor the night and entertain the room.
Step 3: Understand the Costs
Comedian fees in Australia typically range from around $1,500 to $15,000 + GST, depending on the comedian’s profile and experience. Here’s a rough guide:
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- Emerging/mid-tier comedians: from approximately $1,500 – $3,500 + GST
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- Established professional comedians: approximately $3,500 – $5,000 + GST
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- High profile/celebrity comedians: from $5,000 + GST and upwards
Keep in mind that travel, accommodation, and any technical production requirements may add to the total. ANE will outline all fees clearly when you make an enquiry, so there are no surprises.
Step 4: Sort the Logistics
Getting the technical and venue details right is just as important as choosing the right comedian. Here’s what you need to plan for:
Staging
All comedians require a raised stage so they can be seen and maintain the audience’s attention throughout their set. For smaller events, a minimum stage of 3m x 2m x 600mm high is recommended. For larger events of 300+ guests, aim for at least 5m x 4m. Importantly, there should be no more than a couple of metres between the stage and the first row of tables — that connection between performer and audience is critical to a great show.
Sound and Lighting
A professional PA system with a qualified operator is essential, along with a wireless microphone, a stand, and a backup microphone. Foldback wedge monitors for the performer are also required. On the lighting side, comedians need clear white stage wash or spotlights so they’re visible at all times. Most established venues will have this in place — but always confirm early.
Performance Duration
For event bookings, most comedians perform a 20 to 30 minute set. This is enough time to build rapport, deliver strong material, and leave the audience wanting more — without overstaying the welcome. If you need someone for longer, or want an MC role throughout the evening, discuss this with our team when you enquire.
A Note on Wedding Bookings
Many high-profile comedians don’t accept wedding bookings. However, ANE can assist you with booking the celebrity comedians that will accept wedding bookings and advise you on what specials requirements and conditions may apply to secure them for your big day. ANE has a great selection of professional comedians and comedy acts who are absolutely available for weddings and private celebrations. Our team can point you in the right direction.
Step 5: Confirm the Booking
Once you’ve settled on your comedian, the booking process is straightforward:
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- A 50% deposit secures the date and confirms the booking.
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- The balance is due 10 days prior to the event.
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- ANE handles all the contracting, rider requirements, and pre-event communication with the performer on your behalf.
We take the admin off your plate so you can focus on everything else that goes into running a great event.
Ready to Book? Here’s Where to Start
Browse the full ANE comedian roster here and filter by city, profile level, or style. If you’re not sure where to start, simply reach out to our team directly — we offer free, no-obligation advice and will match you with the best options for your event and budget.
Call us on (02) 9918 2022 or email us Our booking agents are always happy to help.
The right comedian is out there. Let’s find them for you.
