Australia’s newest citizen returns to the stage for his 11th national tour in 2027
After more than 25 years of touring Australian shores, Arj Barker can finally call himself one of us. The much-loved comedian recently became an Australian citizen, and he’s got the paperwork to prove it. Naturally, he’s celebrating the occasion the only way he knows how – by hitting the road in 2027 with The Eleventh Hour, officially his 11th national tour.
Kicking off on 5 February 2027, The Eleventh Hour will tour Australia through May, travelling everywhere from major city theatres to regional centres, alongside seasons at Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival and Brisbane Comedy Festival.
Expect a brand-new hour of meticulously crafted material tackling some of life’s most pressing questions, including why nobody tells the truth on dating apps, whether there is, in fact a cure for FOMO (there is, and you do NOT want to miss it), and the questionable necessity for fire blankets. Because really, aren’t the fires probably warm enough already?
After decades of touring the country and building a devoted following, Arj has clearly decided that becoming a citizen also comes with certain responsibilities, with a percentage from every ticket sold on the tour going to Beyond Blue and Wildlife Recovery Australia.
Arj Barker is one of Australia’s best-known comedians, having spent more than 25 years performing across the country. He has a worldwide following and has built an international career in stand-up, alongside television and acting roles including Dave in HBO’s Flight of the Conchords. Earlier this year, he was flown to the US by Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords to be the opening act for their new Netflix special.
He has also appeared on Just for Laughs and a host of Australian television programs, including Thank God You’re Here, Spicks and Specks and Have You Been Paying Attention.
He won the Perrier Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has performed sold-out seasons at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He has also taken his stand-up to audiences across the USA, UK, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, Singapore and Malaysia.
