The best comedians in Perth
Perth's comedy scene is small enough that the working comics all know each other and big enough that you have a genuine choice. The practical effect is that a local act has almost certainly played your venue and probably knows your industry, which matters more for a corporate night than a longer list of credits does.
The other Perth factor is the flight. Bringing an east coast name over means airfares, a night's accommodation and a performer who lands tired, and it can double what you spend before anyone tells a joke. Worth being honest with yourself about whether the room will know the difference.
Top picks in Perth
Top picks are the acts in this category in Perth, with premium listings first (no visible client reviews or ratings in this list).
Questions people ask about comedians in Perth
How much does a comedian cost per hour in Perth?
Comics do not really sell by the hour, they sell by the spot: a set of a certain length on a certain night. What moves the price is how well known they are, the length of the set, whether they are also hosting and whether they are flying in from interstate. Use the from-prices here as the opening figure, then give the comic your date and the shape of the night to get a real one back.
Should I hire a local comedian or fly one in?
Flying someone over adds airfares and a hotel night and often a longer booking to make the trip worth it. Unless the name itself is the drawcard for your guests, a Perth comic who knows the local industries usually gets more laughs for less money. Ask both and compare the total, not the fee.
Is a comedian a good idea for a work Christmas party?
It works well if the set happens early enough in the night. By the time a December function has been drinking for four hours, a room is loud and distracted and even a very good comic is fighting it. Book them in for straight after dinner and let the DJ have the rest.
Can I tell a comedian what not to joke about?
Yes, and you should. A short list of genuine no-go topics is normal and any professional will work within it. What does not work is scripting them or trying to make the act about your company, since the moment it turns into a corporate video the room stops laughing.
Booking tips
Ask who they have played to in this town
Mining and resources, construction, health and government make up a lot of Perth's function calendar, and those rooms are not the same as each other. A comic who has worked yours will know where the laughs are and what to leave alone.
Put the comedy before the awards
Once the trophies and the speeches start, a room settles into listening mode and getting it back is hard work. Give the comic the slot straight after the main course while people are still loose.
Check the microphone situation
A comedian needs a handheld or a headset and a room where they can be heard clearly from the back. A lectern microphone pinned to the front of a wide function room will flatten a good set, so ask the venue what they actually have.