Rowan Thambar is a nationally touring comedian, television writer and host whose work spans live comedy, broadcast television, radio and branded content. Known for his warm, story-driven style, Rowan has spent the past decade building a reputation as one of Australia's most thoughtful and distinctive comedic voices — turning the everyday moments of modern life into comedy that leaves audiences laughing long after the event ends.
Rowan spent three years at Channel 10's The Project as a comedy writer and producer, contributing jokes, sketches and segments to hundreds of episodes of one of Australia's most-watched nightly programs. He has also worked on acclaimed ABC shows including Question Everything and Claire Hooper's House of Games, and written for national advertising campaigns for brands including XXXX, Jetstar and Bega.
On stage, Rowan has sold out shows across the country. In 2026 he embarked on his first national tour with Sorry for the Late Reply, headlined the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow and made his MICF Gala debut at the Asian All Star Gala, filmed for SBS. His 2025 stand-up special Small Talk is available on YouTube. He is a regular on ABC Radio National and has been featured by The Guardian, The Today Show and triple J.
As a corporate MC, speaker and host, Rowan has worked with organisations including OzHarvest, the University of Melbourne, Camp Quality, Eating Disorders Victoria and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas. With a background in advertising and corporate communications before comedy, he understands how to engage a room without losing sight of the message - creating events that feel relaxed, polished and fun.
Whether hosting an awards night, delivering stand-up or facilitating a panel, Rowan's goal is the same: make people laugh, think and feel more connected.
Talking Points
Race & Culture
Rowan talks about culture through story rather than lecture — the gap between how people are perceived and how they actually live. Selected for the MICF Asian All Star Gala (filmed for SBS) and the Comedy Zone showcase, he's spent a decade writing culturally-attuned comedy for national audiences, including three years at Channel 10's The Project.
Race & Culture
TV & Media
Rowan offers a rare view from both sides of the camera. Three years as comedy writer and producer on The Project, plus ABC's Question Everything and Claire Hooper's House of Games, means he can speak on how comedy gets made under deadline, how the media decides what's newsworthy, and how short-form video has changed who gets to be funny in public. He's a regular on ABC Radio National and has appeared on The Today Show, triple J and in The Guardian.
TV & Media
Marketing & Advertising
A decade in advertising and corporate communications — writing national campaigns for XXXX, Jetstar and Bega, and working with Telstra, Commonwealth Bank and Cashrewards — makes Rowan genuinely useful to marketing audiences. He talks about why most brand humour fails, how to make a message land without sanding the personality off it, and how to brief and buy comedy without killing it.
Marketing & Advertising
People & Community
Rowan is drawn to what actually holds people together. His 2026 national tour Sorry for the Late Reply began with a neighbour dispute and became a nationwide project asking Australians to anonymously rate the people next door — covered by The Guardian, Nine and Domain, and discussed on ABC Radio National's Life Matters. He's hosted and performed for OzHarvest, Camp Quality, Eating Disorders Victoria, the University of Melbourne and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas.
People & Community
Video
Rowan Thambar - Small Talk (Full Comedy Special)
Rowan is very talented, he has become an important member of our business! ... keep reading Telstra
Thambar doesn't miss! He's someone you definitely want on your team.
