The live performance industry is getting disrupted by a technology. And this tech is called Gigme! Mobile first, and available on Apple ioS and Android, Gigme helps live performers get paid. It removes the hassle of chasing invoices, negotiating contracts, and managing payments. With an automated escrow system, performers can lock in gigs with confidence and get paid on time—every …
Back in 2022 we reported that seven graduates of the Hard Knock Knocks were performing their own comedy shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. This year, in 2025, that number has BOOMED to an astonishing 30! Here’s who to look out for this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025, and remember if you liked what you saw, you can …
Konrad from ‘Punter’s Politics’ brings his sharp political insights and irreverent humour to Melbourne International Comedy Festival in a show that promises to dissect the absurdity of Australian politics like never before. Known for his no-nonsense takes and relatable style, Konrad combines wit, satire and laugh-out-loud moments as he tackles the big issues – from Canberra chaos to the quirks of Aussie life. Whether …
Ricky Gervais didn’t try stand-up comedy until he was 37. Rodger Dangerfield was 42. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I too old to become a stand-up comedian?” the answer is simply “absolutely not”. Comedy isn’t only a young person’s game. Life experience often makes for richer material and a deeper connection with audiences. Two shining examples of this are …
Since 2016 the Hard Knock Knocks have been reviewing stand-up comedy shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. To date, we’ve reviewed the likes of Rich Hall, Phil Wang and many more. So if you work in PR, publicity or marketing for a stand-up comedian performing at the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival reach out here and we’ll send our …
It’s almost that time of year when Melbourne gets funnier. And to that end, this year the Hard Knock Knocks comedy school is producing 14 shows: The Best of Hard Knock Knocks, Dark Comedy Special, and Punter’s Politics with Punter Konrad. The Best of: A celebration of the comedy community Since 2018, the Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School has been …
The biggest names of comedy often work with comedy management agencies that manage their calendar. Here’s an updated list of agencies from where you can cast your next ABC comedy, short film or festival gala. Or perhaps approach to seek representation: 1. A-List Entertainment (www.alist.com.au) Based in Sydney, A-List Entertainment includes big names like Anh Do, Bev Killick, Carl Barron …
The comedy industry was shaken in December 2024 when The Junkyard, a well-known comedy management agency, suddenly closed its doors. Rising stars Aaron Chen and Sam Campbell were among the many comedians left out of pocket, highlighting the financial and professional risks performers face when managing their careers. This event raises an important question for comedians, “should you seek representation, …
This week we highlight graduate Mary Gillen Blythe. Don’t be fooled by her name. Mary is not a 1800s Gothic fiction writer, although she does have a background in Hollywood. Rather, Mary is a bucket list ticker who decided she’d tick off ‘perform stand-up comedy’ and do so in front of over 50 people at the November Hard Knock Knocks …
