Melbourne’s comedy calendar is about to add a new kind of headline. Not a gala. Not a late night showcase. But a serious industry gathering for the people who make comedy happen. The Business of Comedy Conference will run from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 April 2026 at Crowne Plaza Melbourne, timed to coincide with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. …
This Week in Comedy podcast launched
If you’re a lover of all things comedy, then you’re very likely to enjoy ‘This Week in Comedy‘. Or not. You do you. This brand new podcast, hosted by comedy tragics Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan, looks at the then, now, and future of all things comedy. Think films, TV and theatre to stand-up, improv and animation. The podcast also …
Graduate Highlight: Alf
Alf is a television reporter, so she’s not afraid of being the focus of attention. The next step for her was to try stand up comedy, and as you can see from the video below, she absolutely nailed it on stage! Performed alongside international comedy legend Arj Barker, bringing her charisma, storytelling skills, and sharp wit to the mic, earning …
Lexy: Graduate Highlight
Lexy is a dynamic public speaker and natural on stage, known for blending humour, warmth, and insight to captivate audiences. Having completed the Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School course in September with guidance from celebrity comedian and fellow Brit Jeff Green, she brings both professional polish and comedic timing to every performance. As you can see from this graduation performance …
Grab Hard Knock Knocks Merch!
You’ve completed the five night stand-up comedy course, now grab the t-shirt.
Kosta: Graduate Highlight
Adelaide-born Kosta came to Melbourne to fill a gay quota. Don’t believe us? Watch his set below. This was Kosta’s very first stand-up comedy set, and as you will see, both the audience AND he are having a great time. Kosta is now past of the Hard Knock Knocks alumni, and so his stand-up set will continue to evolve and …
Open Mic Comedy Rooms in Melbourne Rated
(Updated 6 August, 2025) If you’re looking for a room in which to perform as an open mic comedian, be warned. Not all rooms offer the same environment. Some are merely the corner of a pub. Others have no lighting, literally forcing you perform in the dark. So to help here’s a breakdown of Melbourne open mic (and curated) rooms …
Jimmy Carr says stand-up comedy should be taught in schools
British comedian Jimmy Carr hasn’t minced his words when he told interviewer Chris Williamson that stand-up comedy should be taught in schools AND that it’s more relevant than music! Carr emphasised that stand-up comedy isn’t just about making people laugh, but rather it is a powerful tool for developing important life skills. “Think about what it’s about. It’s about verbal …
Big Michael: Graduate Highlight
British-born graduate ‘Big Michael’ smashed his debut stand-up comedy set in front of a packed room of friends and family at the September Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School in Melbourne. His big smile and charm also won over the rest of the audience, proving that he has what it takes to make it big in comedy – Goodwill. Watch for …







