Happy Hour with Luke Kidgell
Viral comic Luke Kidgell hits stages around the NT IRL this month!
By Betty Sweetlove
The internet comedy sensation is back in the Territory with his new show, Happy Hour. With over 3 million followers, he is best known for side-splitting TikTok content and viral stand-up videos.
“Most people know me from the internet. I try to make people laugh, that’s always the goal.” he says.
Since bursting onto the comedy circuit in 2015, Kidgell’s recent international tour, Cheers to that! was a sell-out success. Now on another epic tour across Australia, his non-stop schedule thankfully provides plenty of hilarious new anecdotes.
“It’s about the last year of my life, travelling around the world. A lot of it is about going to the UK and travelling around Australia, all the stuff I’ve got up to. There’s a bit of crowd interaction,” he says.
His witty observations about life on the road are infused with a wildly-talented ability to interact with his audience. Kidgell has become known for his unbelievably quick-witted crowd work that leaves the whole room in stitches.
“So many random things happen at shows all the time. I think I’ve done 80-100 shows already this year. Last year I did 228 shows. It’s wild,” Kidgell says.
Audiences at Happy Hour can expect some seriously funny material, awkward encounters, embarrassing moments, and of course, a certain amount of chaos. But it isn’t all laughs and jokes being on the road for most of the year.
“Everyone thinks you’re going on holiday because they see the cool parts on Instagram but a lot of the time it’s like going on a really bad holiday. The show is the most fun part, every night.”
Kidgell’s effortless delivery is part of his on-stage charm, having honed his craft through years of live performances. When asked what people can expect from his Alice Springs and Darwin shows, he promises to live up to his online reputation.
“Just really good. The best you’ve ever seen,” Kidgell says.
With a potential break from touring planned for 2024, this might be the last opportunity for Territory fans to catch this breakthrough talent for a while. The jokes are on Kidgell, so all you need to do is grab your tickets and settle in for Happy Hour.
Alice Springs
WHEN THU 5 OCT | 7PM
AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE
COST $55 | $50 CONC | $80 VIP
INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au
Darwin
WHEN SUN 8 OCT | 6PM
AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
COST $55 | $80 VIP
INFO yourcentre.com.au
Photos: Rhys Hawker
