Perth comes alive during Fringe World month. But with more than 500 shows to choose from, including cabaret, magic, burlesque and theatre, the program can be overwhelming. Broadsheet has done the research to find the unmissable events – including a beer illusionist, a Grease-themed conspiracy-theory Powerpoint presentation, and a musical tribute to a sporting triumph.

These are our picks (in alphabetical order).

Amy Hetherington: Juggle
You’ve heard it said that motherhood is no joke. Darwin comedian Amy Hetherington is here to prove otherwise. Her brand new stand-up show deals with topics such as maintaining your identity post-baby, feeling sexy after childbirth (when nipple tassels won’t stick to deflated boobs), Facebook mums’ groups, and even the impossible act of making cricket sexy.
February 1–3 at The Laugh Resort, The Shoe Bar & Cafe, and February 4 at The Kalamunda Hotel.

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Bradbury the Musical
It’s been 21 years since Steven Bradbury skated into Australia’s hearts with his 2002 Winter Olympics gold medal win. In a world premiere, Adelaide “comedy funk” band and Fringe regulars George Glass are bringing their musical tribute to the man who delivered one of Australia’s most iconic sporting moments to Perth.
January 20–29 The Chalet, Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge.

Dane Simpson: Didgeridoozy
The didgeridoo is perhaps an unusual subject for an hour-long comedy set, but not for Dane Simpson. Settle in for a yarn that blends Simpson’s comedic stylings with Aboriginal storytelling, detailing not only the history of the world’s oldest wind instrument but how Simpson came to play it. It’s a hilarious tale of sibling rivalry – down to earth, cheeky, and somehow also educational? We’re here for it.
February 7–12 at The Pocket at The Pleasure Garden, Northbridge.

Gabbi Bolt – Odd Sock
The social media darling who catapulted into the cultural zeitgeist in 2020 with her riff on Tiktok phenomenon Ratatouille the Musical (aka Ratatousical) is bringing her new musical comedy show to Fringe World. Bolt – whose award-winning debut show, I Hope My Keyboard Doesn’t Break, sold out in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, and who won Best Newcomer at last year’s Sydney Comedy Festival – is often touted as the next big thing in the genre. Once you’ve heard her hot takes on feet pics, the Aussie housing market and reusable straws, you’ll understand why.
January 20–22 at the Goodwill Club, The Rechabite, Northbridge.

Grief Lightning: A Satire in 78 Slides
The chronically online among us might have heard the – perhaps moderately unhinged –theory that Sandy drowns at the start of the film Grease, and what follows is a coma fantasy. It is this exact theory that Mary Angley’s Fringe World show aims to convince you of. Taking to the stage as a lecturer, the South Australian performer slowly descends into conspiracy. You’ll marvel at Angley’s high-energy performance and custom Powerpoint animations. A Fringe World debut, Grief Lightning will also have an Auslan-interpreted show on closing night.
February 7–12 at The Little Palais, Perth Cultural Centre.

Me, My Cult and I
Returning to Fringe after a sell-out run in 2022, Me, My Cult and I is a masterclass of storytelling. Equally funny and heartbreaking, writer and comedian Colin Ebsworth’s award-winning tale of growing up in the Unification Church details everything from his parents’ arranged marriage at a mass wedding ceremony at Madison Square Garden, to how it all went wrong. This incredible story begs to be seen live.
January 25–February 5 at Goodwill Club, The Rechabite, Northbridge, and upstairs at The Kalamunda Hotel on February 12.

A Musical History Tour of Perth
It’s no secret that Perth turns out some of the greatest musical acts in the country, and there are plenty of details from its rich musical history to uncover around town. This 2.5 hour guided tour of the CBD and Northbridge will teach you about venues and artists of days gone by, uncovering scandals, stories and secrets. Whether you’re a history buff, a music nerd or just want to know a little more about your city, this tour will make you unstoppable at your next quiz night. Plus, the tour can take you on a trail of up to 5 kilometres, so you can get your steps in while enjoying a show.
Each weekend from January 20–February 18.

Oracle
Every Fringe there’s a circus act that becomes a word-of-mouth sensation. This year, Oracle is set to be that show. Described as “a mythical journey through the stars”, Oracle explores the 12 signs of the zodiac through song, circus, burlesque and dance. Expect a diverse cast in rich costumes, with spectacular physicality and aerial skills that will make you hold your breath.
February 16–March 6 at The Regal Theatre, Subiaco.

The Purple Rabbit
From the creator of Fringe favourite Blanc de Blanc comes a hilarious new show packed with sleight of hand and acrobatic tricks. Five artists, including internationally awarded “beer illusionist” – yes, his real job title – Dom Chambers, take the stage in a mind-melting performance that’ll have you asking, “What did I just see?” The Purple Rabbit is chaotic, funny and a little bit sexy – basically everything you want from a Fringe show.
January 25–February 5 at The Rechabite, Northbridge.

Sophie’s Slumber Party
You’re invited to Sophie’s Slumber Party. Victorian performer Sophie Joske is bringing big butterfly-clip energy with her variety show featuring burlesque, comedy and drag performances, and “chaotic millennial nostalgia”. Get out the Dolly magazines and So Fresh CDs, and head back to 2005 for the sleepover of your dreams.
January 20, 21, 27 and 28 at The Parlour, Perth Cultural Centre.