Two of the 12 finalists of Australia’s Funniest Boomer were Hard Knock Knocks alumni. But this should come as no surprise. After all, the comedy school, which has over 700 graduates across the country, had three alumni reach the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Raw Comedy national final this year. That’s an impressive record, and one reason the Hard Knock Knocks comedy school is often branded as the ‘Institute of Sport’ of comedy.
The evening, arranged by Starts at 60 and performed at the Sit Down Comedy Club, kicked off with the crowd eagerly awaiting the comedic stylings of these two seasoned performers. Hosted by Brisbane breakfast radio legend Terry Hansen, who kept the audience warmed up with his signature humour, the night quickly became a showcase of the unique talent and experience that the Hard Knock Knocks’ graduates, Andy High and Andy Payne brought to the stage.
Andy Payne, a two-time graduate of the school, was the first to perform. Sporting a Hard Knock Knocks t-shirt and now signature pleather jacket, Andy won the crowd over with his dry, self-deprecating humour, especially with his opening line.
“My wife died recently. The thing about that is, I’m now living on my own. Well, I say ‘on my own,’ I think dust has moved in.”
Payne’s ability to turn personal experiences into punchlines, particularly about life after 60, resonated with the crowd. His jokes, such as, “The best part about living on your own is that you don’t need to put anything away, ever. I don’t think I’ve closed a drawer or cupboard door in months,” had the audience in stitches, reflecting his skill at making everyday observations both funny and relatable.
Following Payne, the stage was graced by Andy High, another Hard Knock Knocks alumnus who brought a different, but equally compelling flavour of comedy to the night. High’s performance was filled with clever observations and well-timed punchlines, demonstrating the versatility and depth of his comedic talent. His ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary had the audience laughing out loud, further proving the impact of his comedy training.
While the competition featured a variety of acts, including ventriloquists, musical numbers, and circus-themed routines, it was High and Payne who truly shone. Their performances were a testament to the power of experience and the importance of a solid foundation in comedy—something they both gained from their time at the Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School.
Ultimately, however, it was 77-year-old Raelyn Flatters who took home the title of Australia’s Funniest Boomer. The success of all those performing served as an inspiration to aspiring comedians everywhere, proving that with the right training and dedication, it’s never too late to make people laugh.