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Bill Bailey returns to Australia with dazzling new show Vaudevillean

Apr 09, 2026
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If you’ve ever laughed along to the wonderfully offbeat humour of Bill Bailey, there’s good news – he’s heading back to Australia with a brand-new show, and it promises to be something truly special.

Following his sold-out 2023 tour, the award-winning comedian, musician and actor will return this September and October with Vaudevillean, a joyful celebration of comedy, music and classic variety entertainment.

Inspired by the golden age of vaudeville – long before streaming, television or even radio – the show blends clever storytelling, musical brilliance and Bailey’s signature surreal humour. It’s a style that has made him a household name through appearances on shows like Never Mind the Buzzcocks, QI and Black Books, as well as his unforgettable win on Strictly Come Dancing.

For audiences, it’s more than just stand-up. Bailey is known for weaving music and comedy together in a way few performers can, creating a live experience that is equal parts concert, comedy show and theatrical performance.

And to celebrate his return, we’ve put together a collection of some of his best one-liners and moments – perfect for getting you in the mood before the curtain rises.

👉 Don’t miss our round-up: 8 of Bill Bailey’s funniest jokes to celebrate his Australian tour

“Toughest job I ever had: selling doors, door to door.”

“A lot of people say there’s a fine line between genius and insanity. I don’t think there’s a fine line, I think there’s a yawning gulf. You see some poor bugger scuffling up the road with balloons tied to his ears, he’s not going home to invent a rocket, is he?”

“Contentment is knowing you’re right. Happiness is knowing someone else is wrong.”

“It’s the joggers I don’t trust, ‘cos they’re always the ones that find the bodies, aren’t they?”

“Marijuana? It’s harmless really, unless you fashion it into a club and beat somebody over the head with it.”

“I was in the supermarket. I was at one of the new self-service tills. You know the ones – with the two extra members of staff hanging around.”

“Without the beat in the background, Jazz basically sounds like an armadillo was let loose on the keyboard.”

“I would never condone the burning of a Dan Brown novel, much though I loathe and detest his work. Well, I say ‘work’, you know, words, randomly arranged to form millions of dollars… I’m not bitter at all…”

Australian tour dates

Bailey’s Vaudevillean tour will travel right around the country:

  • Launceston — Albert Hall: Sunday 13 September
  • Hobart — Wrest Point Entertainment Centre: Monday 14 September
  • Brisbane — Convention Centre: Friday 18 September
  • Toowoomba — Empire Theatre: Monday 21 September
  • Gold Coast — The Star Theatre: Wednesday 23 September
  • Caloundra — Events Centre: Thursday 24 September
  • Newcastle — Entertainment Centre: Friday 25 September
  • Wollongong — WIN Entertainment Centre: Saturday 26 September
  • Sydney — State Theatre: Monday 28 September
  • Rooty Hill — Coliseum Theatre: Thursday 1 October
  • Canberra — Royal Theatre: Friday 2 October
  • Adelaide — Thebarton Theatre: Tuesday 6 October
  • Perth — Riverside Theatre: Saturday 10 October
  • Bunbury — Entertainment Centre: Tuesday 13 October
  • Bendigo — Ulumbarra Theatre: Friday 16 October
  • Geelong — Costa Hall: Saturday 17 October
  • Melbourne — Hamer Hall: Tuesday 20 October

How to book

Tickets go on sale Monday, April 13 at 12pm (local time).

You can secure your seats via:
bohmpresents.com

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