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 …
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 …
Are you thinking to enter Raw Comedy 2026? Registrations are now open, so click here. Got no idea what Raw Comedy is? Well, what you should know is that Raw Comedy is Australia’s largest amateur comedy competition for, well, raw comedians. And by ‘raw’ the competition’s organisers mean you’ve not earned more than $500 total from comedy – ever. In …
(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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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, …
