Neptune Henriksen

Theatre Maker, Performer, Director, Writer

Starting out as an alternative comedian in 2011 at age 19, and eventually branching out into workshops, prose writing, and directing, Neptune Henriksen now lends their 15 years of comedy experience to many endeavours.

Having toured multiple self-produced solo shows to Adelaide Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe, and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, from 2012 to 2018, Neptune began making the change to workshops and directing after leading workshops at the University of Washington, Seattle, USA in 2018.

From 2018 to 2023, Neptune honed these directing and workshop skills, working with semi-professional and emerging comedians in Naarm (Melbourne), focusing on everything from script writing, to stage blocking, to vocal and breath control.

Neptune now focuses on their community-centred Goodwill Comedy Club (Ballarat), and running workshops inspiring newcomers, and guiding experienced performers alike - with an emphasis on working with fellow queer community, neurodivergent folks, and POC.

In late 2023, Neptune returned to solo comedy with Being A Woman For Money. A high-energy and absurd work, reflecting on benefiting monetarily from "feminine" desirability in their 20's, despite not being attached to the gender performance which created said profit.

Critical Acclaim

★★★★★ Hamilton Reviews Theatre [UK], A Robot In Human Skin, 2018

★★★★★ TheatreReviews.co.uk [UK], A Robot In Human Skin, 2018

“I recommend [the show] to those who want a good laugh and those who wish to know that they’re not alone.”
★★★★★ Voice Magazine [UK], A Robot In Human Skin, 2017

“A perfectly pitched hour”
★★★★★ The Scotsman [UK], Makin’ It Rain, 2016

“A thoughtfully created piece which is truly relevant, as well as funny, Makin’ It Rain is one of the most important hours of this Festival.” 
★★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine [UK], Makin’ It Rain, 2016

“Beyond superb”
★★★★★ TheatreReviews.co.uk [UK], Makin’ It Rain, 2016

Accolades

Best Comedy - Weekly Award, Adelaide Fringe [Aus] (Winner, As Director), 2023

Critics Choice - Weekly Award, Fringe World [Aus] (Winner, As Director), 2023

Best Comedy - Weekly Award, Fringe World [Aus] (Winner, As Director), 2023

Best Emerging Writer, Melbourne Fringe [Aus] (Winner, As Director), 2022

QLD Touring Award, Melbourne Fringe [Aus] (Winner, As Director), 2022

Best Comedy, Melbourne Fringe [Aus] (Nominee, As Director), 2022

Best Comedy, Sydney Fringe [Aus] (Nominee, As Director), 2022

Performer of The Year, Sexual Freedom Awards [UK] (Nominee), 2017

Dayton Arms Eddies, Edinburgh Fringe [UK] (Nominee), 2017 (A Robot In Human Skin)

Stripper of The Year, Sexual Freedom Awards [UK] (Nominee), 2016 (Makin' It Rain)

Best Theatre, Fringe World [Aus] (Nominee), 2016 (Makin' It Rain)

Best Comedy, Fringe World [Aus] (Nominee), 2015 (Honeycomb Badgers On Acid)

Solo Live Shows

Being A Woman For Money*, Comedy (2023 - present) [Aus]

Card On My Sleeve*, Theatre (2018) [Seattle, US only]

A Robot In Human Skin*, Theatre (2017 - 2018) [UK, US]

Makin' It Rain*, Theatre (2016 - 2018) [Aus, UK, US]

Techno Glitter Penguins*, Comedy (2016 - 2017) [Aus, UK]

Honeycomb Badgers on Acid*, Comedy (2015) [Aus, UK]

Rainbow Rabbits with Rabies*, Comedy (2014) [Aus, UK]

Naked Unicorn Vomit*, Comedy (2013) [Aus]

Technicolour Sarcasm*, Comedy (2012) [Aus]

* = Neptune Henriksen was/is this show’s Performer, Writer, Director, Producer, Press Contact

Original Plays

Long Drive Together (2022 - present)
[writer, director, choreographer, performer; Aus]

Live Shows As Director

Michele da Costa: Life Alone (2024 - present) [Aus]

Anna Piper Scott: Such An Inspiration (2022 – 2023) [Aus]

Siân Docksey: Interdependent Woman (2018) [UK]

Festival Participation

Midsumma Festival [Melbourne] (2024)

Melbourne Fringe Festival (2022)

Melbourne International Comedy Festival (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2022^, 2023^, 2024)

Cambridge Fusion Theatre Festival (2018)

VAULT Festival [London] (2018)

Brighton Fringe Festival (2017, 2018)

Glasgow Comedy Festival (2017)

Leicester Comedy Festival (2017)

Sydney Comedy Festival (2016)

Perth Comedy Festival (2016, 2024)

Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018^)

Fringe World Festival [Perth] (2014, 2015, 2016, 2023^)

Adelaide Fringe Festival (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2023^, 2024)

Sydney Fringe Festival (2012, 2013)

Newcastle CRACK Theatre Festival (2012, 2013)

^ = as Director only