Wagga's own comedian Dane Simpson is taking charge as creative director for the 2020 Wagga Comedy Festival.
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After touring with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney and around the region, Dane is ready to put his networking to the test and bring top names in comedy to Wagga.
"Working with the Riverina Comedy Club gives me a bit of an idea of what people here like, and also from coming to the Wagga Comedy Fest the last couple of years too, so I reckon we can get some really cool acts with a really cool festival vibe," he said.
"But names wise, there's no one in particular, I just have a really good idea of the style of comedy we should have."
Dane joked about a number of tactics he had up his sleeve to get the top comedians to attend.
"Bribery, guilt, I'm already that guy trying anything to get them here," he said.
"When I'm touring around I'm sure other comedians are going 'Avoid Dane, he'll get you to go to Wagga and make you feel bad', but if it works I'll give it a shot."
The funny man said it was a big task to take on, but before considering if he'll book himself a slot at next year's festival he had to get through his upcoming performance first.
"This show, 'Origins', is about where comedy comes from for me, where people find comedy and where it fits in their lives, but also about me being a comedian, coming from Wagga and working in government as a social worker to now touring the country as a comedian - it's crazy," he said.
"The story is really strange, it has a lot of love in there about people who have helped me and the community of Wagga really getting behind people."
In other news:
Origins is what Dane describes as 'the best of' his content so far, and will showcase in September at Wagga Civic Theatre.
Civic Theatre manager Carissa Campbell said it was great to see local talent grow.
"Dane did his first gig at our first ever Comedy Fest here before anyone knew who he was, and now five years later he's leading the show, he's taken over and it's fantastic," she said.
Bringing big names to Wagga was a two-way street, according to Dane.
"Comedians get extra fans from the region, they always tell me they go up by at least 100 likes on social media after performing here, plus it works the other way where Wagga gets these awesome comedians who might not necessarily have a big name yet but are super funny and get to expose themselves and get their names out there," he said.
"I still fan boy over the whole thing, I think I'm the only one walking around backstage at these events trying to get photos with Dave Hughes or Tom Gleeson, it's crazy."