BOOST: Why ‘The Paperboy’s Paradox’ Is the Strangest Thing at Adelaide Fringe 2026 (Promoted)

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A deported timeline refugee rides a folding bike into a bar. He’s carrying newspapers from 2027. This is not the setup to a joke. Well, it is — but also, it actually happens. 

The Paperboy’s Paradox: Jokes Across Time is a comedy-drama performed by a man who claims we’re living in a Plan B timeline, the one between A and C, caused by a catastrophe in the past. He has the documents to prove it. You’re holding them. 

Every audience member receives full satirical newspapers (real, printed tabloid) free with their ticket. Among 100s of other things, one covers J.K. Rowling’s TRAINSphobia, and the other reports from March 2027, when Australia’s Parliament passed a euthanasia bill redeemable at Bunnings, mandated fortnightly elections, and banned Tim Minchin. 

The show is 15 minutes. The reading is two hours. Five if you’re a slow reader. 

This isn’t stand-up with a prop. The newspapers are the universe: fake ads, crypto listings, a serialised novel, Jim Jefferies locked in a panic room, and a cat enrolled at Adelaide Uni. The live performance stitches it all together through dark comedy, storytelling, and the creeping suspicion that satire is just early reporting. 

If you’ve ever read a headline and thought this can’t be real, this show is for you. If you’ve ever shared an article without reading it, you’re already a character in it. 

Runs until 22 March at Little Darling, 226 Grenfell St. At least two free newspapers with every ticket. Tickets are available through the Adelaide Fringe Online Box Office.