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 …
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 …
How do you perform at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) in 2026?
Photo: Eddie PerfectPhoto Credit: Melbourne International Comedy Festival / Jim Lee Photo So how do you get to perform at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) in 2026? Is it invite only? Do you need to know the mayor? Is a bribe required? The good news for Australians and New Zealanders is that anyone can perform – without a bribe. …
Creating an open mic comedy night (for beginners)
If you’re a fresh open mic comedian, perhaps one that’s just graduated from the Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School, then creating an open mic comedy night is one of the best ways to get guaranteed and intense stage time. You can also trade stage time with other comedy room runners. And if you’re a pub, looking to increase bar sales …
Amy Yang: Graduate Highlight
Originally from China, Amy Yang might be new to stand-up comedy—but she’s definitely not the shy type. Living in Melbourne with her girlfriend and partner, Amy brought boldness, honesty, and a cheeky charm to the Hard Knock Knocks stage. Despite never having done stand-up before, she tackled the mic with confidence and a fresh perspective. Safe to say, Amy’s no …
MICF Review 2025 – The Blak Holes
The Blak Holes duo Isaac Compton and Dane Simpson pull in rapid fire laughs at their hit Melbourne International Comedy Festival performance. Their super nova status as comedians confirmed with their look into dating, fame, family, life, love, money and the world of entertainment & social media for men in Australia, especially Indigenous men. Compton’s guitar-backed rendition of Jolene, about …
Punter’s Politics sells out Melbourne comedy festival shows
(Photo above: Morry Morgan, Bradford Oakes and Punter Konrad) What started as satirical video posts on social media has turned into packed shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF). And in the process, Punter’s Politics’ founder, Konrad, has done what few in MICF history have ever done – sold out their debut performance. The four shows, titled ‘Punter’s Politics’, …