Before they started digging the Metro Tunnel, there was a statue of Burke and Wills at the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets. It was right next to the Melbourne Town Hall, the centre of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and arguably the stand-up comedy centre of Australia. Aussie Schadenfreude Burke and Wills are famous for not only going where no …
Some of the Australia’s funniest stand-up comedians coach the Hard Knock Knocks comedy courses around Australia. Actually, that’s not entirely true. We also have funny Brits (Jeff Green and Glynn Nicholas), Japanese (Mayumi Nobetsu) and did you know that Greg Fleet is actually an American?! These hilarious comics provide advice, give feedback, and share their comedic journeys. They also perform …
Australia is home to some stellar dark comedians. In fact, one of the most popular shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is the Dark Comedy Special. But before we get into our top five dark comedians, however, let’s answer the question, “What is dark comedy?” As a somewhat controversial topic, it is often misunderstood. What is dark comedy? Mental …
Google the term ‘stand-up comedy clubs’ and you’ll be presented with images of comedians in front of red curtains and brick walls. But why? Why are these backdrops so ubiquitous with the comedy industry? Quite simply, it’s the combination of utility and humble beginnings. Red Curtains Stand-up comedy originates from the stages of Vaudeville. Borrowed from the French and modified …
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival dates for 2024 have been announced. They are Wednesday March 27 until Sunday April 21. Established in 1987, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival ranks among the world’s top three comedy festivals, alongside the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival. Each autumn, this annual event takes over Melbourne, Australia’s comedy capital, with an …
“Why should you take an extra pair of socks when you go golfing?” “In case they get a hole in one!” A pun can lighten the moment. But used too often, you can become annoying. Mind you, that hasn’t stopped an endless supply of books being written on the subject. Often referred to as ‘dad jokes’, puns are so engrained …
Each of the guides on Channel 9’s TV show Travel Guides got coached by the Hard Knock Knocks comedy school with each of the travel guides not only learning the basics of stand-up comedy, but also performing a final presentation to a live audience! Watch the show: There’s many reasons why you should learn stand-up comedy with the Hard Knock …
Is improv the same as stand-up? Nope! Improv comedy and stand-up comedy are two popular forms of comedic performance, but each have their own distinct style and approach. While both aim to make audiences laugh, they differ significantly in their execution, preparation, and interaction with the audience. Improv Comedy ‘Improv’ is short for improvisational comedy and is a form of …
NEWS FLASH: Five of the 11 graduates have made it through to the state finals of the raw comedy; three from Victoria, and two from NSW and Ginny Hollands from Victoria has made it into the National Grand Final of Raw Comedy! The Hard Knock Knocks comedy school, founded by Melburnian Morry Morgan, has announced it has 11 graduates through …
