Meet Damien Warren-Smith, the award-winning writer, producer and performer behind Garry Starr — the outrageous, wonderfully unpredictable character taking the comedy world by storm.

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Described by The Times as “uproariously ridiculous, often chaotic but beautifully constructed,” Garry's performances combine fearless physical comedy, theatrical absurdity and an extraordinary talent for making audiences laugh at the unexpected.

Damien regularly collaborates with some of the world's finest creatives to bring his unique brand of comedy to life, transforming wonderfully ridiculous ideas into unforgettable theatrical experiences.

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Damien studied pretending at Actors Centre Australia in Sydney, clowning at École Philippe Gaulier in Paris and corporeal mime at Atelier des Mimes in Berlin.

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His debut solo show, Garry Starr Performs Everything, was nominated for both Best Newcomer and the Golden Gibbo at the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, as well as receiving a string of UK awards.

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His follow-up show, Greece Lightning, picked up top awards in Adelaide, Sydney, Gothenburg and Manchester.

 

His third show, Classic Penguins, swept the Australian festival circuit, including the coveted Most Outstanding Show award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. It then went on to play at the 700-seat Garrick Theatre in London's West End.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

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• 2025 – Most Outstanding Show, Melbourne International Comedy Festival

• 2025 – Best Comedy, Adelaide Fringe

• 2025 – Best Comedy, Fringe World Perth

• 2024 – Malcolm Hardee Award, Edinburgh Fringe

• 2022 – Best Physical Theatre and Circus, Sydney Fringe

• 2022 – Best in Fest, Gothenburg Fringe

• 2022 – Best Comedy, Manchester Fringe

• 2022 – Pick of the Fringe, Adelaide Fringe

• 2018 – Best Comedy, Manchester Fringe

• 2018 – Otherplace Award, Brighton Fringe

• 2018 – Tour Ready Award, Adelaide Fringe