As a kid, Wagga’s prodigal comic son Dane Simpson sat wide-eyed in front of the television, watching the galas.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He said exposure to the masters helped shape the style and direction of his material.
“I was sitting there, this 12-year-old rewriting professional comedians’ jokes,” he said.
Known for his stand-up, Mr Simpson is veering in a new direction for this year’s Wagga Comedy Festival.
He takes to the stage on Thursday night to host a “theatrical” debate, which taps into an age-old rivalry (or is it?) about Wagga versus Canberra.
“It’s a real silly show where we’re playing up a rivalry which doesn’t exist,” he said.
Three budding Wagga comedians will build the (clearly obvious) case for the gem of the Riverina.
The festival, now in its third year, presents a major opportunity for local talent to develop.
“Often things are funny in your head but when you say them out loud, not so much,” he laughed.
His picks for the event are Rhys Nicholson and Double Denim, a duo nominated for the ‘Golden Gibbo’ award at this year’s Melbourne Comedy Festival.
“It’s very inspiring to see these big names in your hometown,” he said.
“The only problem is I just want to go to everything.”
The festival runs from June 15 to 17 at the the Wagga Civic Theatre.
