Last night on April 12, 2026, the Hard Knock Knocks alumni returned to the Raw Comedy spotlight. At the grand stage of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, three graduates of Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School have once again proven the training ground’s growing influence on Australia’s stand-up scene. Performing at the Melbourne Town Hall on April 12 as part of …
Episode 31, hosted by Lily Geddes and Morry Morgan, welcomes veteran comedian Jack Levi, better known as the deadpan character Elliot Goblet. The conversation mixes career history, comedy news, personal anecdotes and spontaneous observational humour. From the opening exchange, the episode feels strongly influenced by Curb Your Enthusiasm: ordinary social encounters are examined for their awkwardness, petty logic and unexpected …
This Week in Comedy is the official podcast of Hard Knock Knocks, and features a combination of news, gossip, history and interviews – all washed down with a new weekly beer. Hosted by Hard Knock Knocks founder, Morry Morgan, and ‘Comedy@‘ producer, Lily Geddes, the podcast puts to bed that myth that you ‘can’t say anything anymore’. Nothing is off …
Anoushka performed her debut stand-up comedy set after joining Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School’s May comedy course, and as you can see, she absolutely owned the moment. Sharp, warm and confidently herself, Anoushka quickly connected with the audience. She spent five nights learning the fundamentals of stand-up, from writing jokes and shaping stories to stagecraft, timing and delivery. A particularly …
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has a very large hole to fill, and it needs filling by the end of August 2026. Susan Provan AO, who has led the Festival since 1995, has stepped down after more than three decades at the top. Under Provan’s leadership, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival became one of the biggest comedy events in the …
Australia’s comedy related podcast scene is full of sharp satire, backstage stories, chaotic banter and comedians making each other laugh. Here are ten local shows worth checking out, in alphabetical order. 1. Aunty Donna Podcast Hosts: Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary RuaneIf you like comedy that feels like it has escaped from a very silly theatre rehearsal, this …
(Updated June 16, 2026) Not all rooms are ‘open mic’. Many are curated, meaning you need to have your name ‘on the bill’ days or even weeks before getting up. So reach out (probably via Facebook) before popping down to the following comedy rooms and expecting to perform your ‘tight five‘. Or better still, create your own open mic comedy …
Always cracking jokes at work? The one who makes the group chat worth opening? Perhaps it’s time to see whether your knack for getting a laugh could become something more than annoying your mates at the pub. The good news is that stand-up comedy can be learnt. Yep. You do not need to be born funny, or raised by clowns. …
After 10 years, and well over 800 graduates, we are confident that there are three types of people who do the Hard Knock Knocks Comedy Course: keynote speakers, bucket list tickers, and comedians of the future. So which one are you? Keynote speakers Fear drives one of the most common types of stand-up comedy student. Whether it’s an upcoming ‘best …
So you’re secured a gig. Great! Problem is, it’s at a venue that doesn’t own its own equipment. No stage, lighting or sound, which means you’ll need to bring it all. What are the five essentials to rent for your comedy show? 1. Wired Microphone (Reliable and Practical) A wired microphone is always better than a wireless mic, especially if …
