Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase to visit Bathurst this Friday

The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase will feature six of the standout acts from this year's event in what is set to be an evening of side-splitting entertainment.

One of the featured comedians heading to Bathurst this weekend is Jacques Barrett, who has built up a substantial profile worldwide for his sharp wit and provocative humour.

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"I feel the need to combat the negative aspects of society by bringing out the humour in intimidating subject matter," Barrett said.

"Regional towns generally produce fantastic audiences because they tend to have a less restrictive sense of humour."

Barrett has been on the world comedy circuit for more than a decade, and this Friday will mark his seventh performance in Bathurst.

"Apart from the audiences, perhaps my fondest memory in Bathurst is doing a hot lap around Mount Panorama in an eight-seater van while ridiculously hungover," he said.

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Barrett considers his comedic style a mix of social commentary, impersonations and phallic humour, and cites American comedians such as Bill Burr and Patton Oswalt among his key influences.

"I've got this firm belief that the 'comedy gods' gift you with an idea that eventually forms the basis for your routine," he said.

"Even when you're doing nothing important, an idea can pop up out of nowhere and transform into a relatable comedic piece that audiences would gladly pay to see."

Barrett said the key to making it as a comedian is to have a firm understanding of how to get a reaction from the audience.

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"I feel it takes around 10 gigs before you should make a decision whether a career in comedy is right for you," he said.

Barrett will be joined on the bill by fellow comedians Alfie Brown, Rebecca De Unamuno, Tom Cashman, Oliver Twist and Cait Johnson.

The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase will get underway on Friday, June 7 at 8pm. Tickets are available from www.bmec.com.au.