Deadly Funny 2025: Bridging Communities Through Comedy in Record-Breaking Season

As Australia celebrates National Reconciliation Week 2025 with the theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’ there's no better time to reflect on programs that truly embody this spirit of connection and growth.

In its 19th year, Deadly Funny continues to unearth the freshest and funniest First Nations talent from across Australia, and this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. From remote communities to major cities, the program has created stages where deadly humour meets authentic storytelling, fostering connections that stretch far beyond the spotlight.

A Journey Across the Nation

This season, Deadly Funny embarked on its most ambitious tour yet, reaching 21 locations across every state and territory in Australia. From the tropical shores of Broome to the bustling streets of Melbourne, from the heart of Alice Springs to the coastal communities of Newcastle, the program brought professional comedy workshops and showcase performances directly to First Nations communities.

Each location hosted a comprehensive two-hour workshop followed by a 60 minute showcase performance, with two professional First Nations comedians as facilitators and showcase MCs. The program also expanded its reach to younger audiences, running dedicated kids workshops in Tennent Creek and Wagga Wagga.

The tour spanned the diverse landscape of Australia – highlight locations included:

• Northern Territory: Darwin, Tennent Creek (including kids workshop), and Alice Springs
• New South Wales: Newcastle and Wagga Wagga (including kids workshop)
• Queensland: Brisbane, Palm Island, and Townsville
• Western Australia: Broome and Fremantle
• South Australia: Murray Bridge/Raukkan, Point Pearce, South Augusta, and Port Adelaide
• Victoria: Geelong and Melbourne
• Australian Capital Territory: Canberra

Record-Breaking Impact

The numbers tell a remarkable story of growth and community engagement. This season witnessed 76 First Nations people step up to participate in the heats, each bringing their unique perspective and deadly humour to the stage. But perhaps even more impressive was the audience response with a record-breaking 1,595 people attended the showcases across the country, making this the most well-attended season in Deadly Funny's history.

17 out of the 21 showcases were offered free to the public. This commitment to removing barriers ensured that communities could come together to celebrate their local talent and share in the joy of live comedy, regardless of economic circumstances.

The enthusiasm and talent displayed across all locations made selecting finalists an incredibly challenging task, but eight exceptional performers earned their flights to Melbourne for the National Grand Final.

2025 Deadly Funny National Grand Final

The 2025 Deadly Funny National Grand Final transformed Arts Centre Melbourne's Fairfax Studio on Monday 14 April into a celebration of First Nations storytelling and deadly humour. The sold-out event brought together the best talent from across the nation, with finalists participating in an intensive three-hour workshop led by comedy favourites Andy Saunders and Kevin Kropinyeri.

The eight finalists represented the breadth and diversity of Australian First Nations communities:

• Daniel Newchurch from Guuranda (SA)
• Dhinawan from Meeanjin (QLD)
• Errolyn Strang from Woolyungah (NSW)
• Kimberley Benjamin from Rubibi (WA)
• Matthew Bonson from Garramilla (NT)
• Ngaire Pigram from Rubibi (WA)
• Teresa Moore from Naarm (VIC)
• Yindyamarra Johnson from Wagga Wagga (NSW)

After a night of outstanding performances, Dhinawan claimed the top prize, with Errolyn Strang and Yindyamarra Johnson earning recognition as runners-up. The evening was expertly hosted by Kevin Kropinyeri and featured performances from Janty Blair, international guest Chanel Ali (USA), and 2024 Deadly Funny winners Kalah Lovegrove and Tyson Walker.

Looking Forward

The success of this season has already sparked plans for an even bigger and brighter future. True to the Reconciliation Week theme of ‘Bridging Now to Next,’ Deadly Funny is using the momentum from this record-breaking year to expand its reach and deepen its community connections.

The program has already locked in its first 2025/2026 season event, with Gippsland set to host on Thursday 5 June. But the vision extends far beyond the traditional touring model. Plans are underway to establish a year-round presence in some communities, with exciting events and workshops still to be announced that will keep the comedy fire burning between major seasons.

Our goal is ambitious yet achievable. We plan to reach even more locations across Australia while building stronger, more sustained relationships with the communities that make Deadly Funny so special. This approach reflects the program's understanding that comedy isn't just about entertainment it's about connection, healing, and creating spaces where stories can be shared and celebrated.

Join the Journey

Those interested in following the program's journey can stay connected through Deadly Funny's Facebook and Instagram channels or sign up for the e-newsletter to receive all the latest news and announcements. Communities eager to host future events are encouraged to reach out to deadlyfunny@comedyfestival.com.au.

As we celebrate National Reconciliation Week and reflect on the theme of ‘Bridging Now to Next,’ Deadly Funny stands as a shining example of how programs can honour the past while building toward a more connected future.

The laughter echoing from 21 locations across Australia this season isn't just entertainment it's the sound of communities coming together, stories being shared, and bridges being built one joke at a time. With stars like Steph Tisdell, Kevin Kropinyeri, Andy Saunders, and Sean Choolburra having launched their careers through Deadly Funny, who knows which of this year's participants might be the next name added to that impressive alumni list.

Get involve this reconciliation week by checking out National Reconciliation week events happening in your area, learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history or catching up on some Deadly comedy over on our YouTube channel.

The Deadly Funny 2024/25 tour is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body. Deadly Funny is also supported through the Australian Government's Indigenous Languages and Arts program.