Ivan Aristeguieta

In 2012 Ivan migrated from Venezuela to Adelaide after he was carjacked at gunpoint (true story!) and took up the challenge of performing comedy in a second language.

After only six months he’d collected his first Australian comedy award and was chosen to perform in Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Comedy Zone and Roadshow.

When he sold out his first Melbourne season in 2014, the UK’s pre-eminent comedy guide Chortle enthused “Give this man citizenship… he’s sure to have more to contribute to the Australian comedy scene.” And contribute to Australia’s comedy scene he has. He grabbed major league attention at the 2015 Just for Laughs Gala at the Sydney Opera House and then took the country by storm with his performance at the MICF 2016 OXFAM Gala. This performance made him the hottest ticket at the Melbourne Comedy Festival where he completely sold out his season. He went straight on to sell out his shows at Sydney Comedy Festival and topped it all off by winning Sydney’s Best Newcomer Award (joint winner with Demi Lardner). In 2021, his show Pinata was nominated for Most Outstanding Show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. In 2022 he toured his new show Happy Papi around the country before releasing it on Paramount+.

Ivan now happily calls Australia home and has firmly established himself as our favourite Venezuelan comedian. He has gathered a mass of fans for his trademark cheerful and naïve rejoicing in the troubles and joys of a land that is girt by tomato sauce…and the unmissable Saturday Bunnings sausage sizzle.

“Brilliant show.” ★★★★ The Herald Sun

“His storylines are funny, his observations are astute and his call-backs are brilliant and well-timed.” ★★★★ Beat

“Aristeguieta’s performance is outstanding and he leaves the audience with warm smiles on their faces. My advice: run to buy a ticket, on the off chance that there are still any available.” ★★★★ Arts Hub

“Captivating… A playful celebration of cultural differences.” ★★★★ West Australian

“Like the obsessed cook he is, Aristeguieta throws together the ingredients of sharp humour, personal anecdotes, Australian impersonations and clever observations to produce a perfect comedic dish.” ★★★★ Adelaide Advertiser