Australia is home to some stellar dark comedians. Before we get into our top five however, let’s answer the question, “What is dark comedy?” As a somewhat controversial topic, it is often misunderstood. What is dark comedy? Mental health struggles, addiction, divorce, death, you name it. If’s clearly not reminding you of rainbows and unicorns, then it’s most likely ‘dark’. …
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 …
So you’re after a fun night out, and watching stand-up comedy in Melbourne is at the top of the list. Well, you’re in luck, because Melbourne, and its neighbouring inner suburbs, has some of the best comedy clubs, pubs and rooms in the world! Really! Lonely Planet writer, Tim Richards, ranks North Melbourne’s The Comic’s Lounge as the world’s number 7, …
Haitian-American comedian Ashley Fils-Aime had it all. International tours, sold out shows, and supporting a mega-comedian for 11 years. But he stepped away, for love. In this Hard Knock Knocks podcast episode you’ll learn how Ashley had to reinvent himself throughout life. First, growing up with grandparents in Haiti, schooling in Florida, being homeless, being the support act of Pablo …
Matt O’Neill just supported the legendary Steve Hughes. How’d it happen? Like all things great in comedy, luck, a friend of a friend, and humility. In this Hard Knock Knocks interview with our new host, Steve Davis, we learn how Matt O’Neill’s bad experience with a comedian delayed his comedy career, how he has a ‘nice’ persona, and the origin …
Sydney based Seizure Kaiser is not afraid to broach edgy topics in his comedy. And performing stand-up is only one of his talents, since he’s also a comedy producer and promoter. In this Hard Knock Knocks podcast episode Seizure Kaiser shares the difference between ‘racist jokes’ and ‘jokes about racism’, performing comedy well outside political correctness, and forgetting the haters. …
Comedian Gabe Hogan has been a Raw Comedy state finalists twice. She’s also built a solid comedy career that has extended into commercial radio. In this Hard Knock Knocks podcast interview, Gabe talks about that initial comedic journey, advice for Raw Comedy competitors, and the importance and dangers of comedy cliques. If you’re curious about how to start a stand-up …
Newcomers to comedy will enjoy this podcast, because we cover the early years of a comedian, which include those dreaded open mic nights, but also how to get onto a poster of a curated room. Paul also shares advice for how to move up the comedy ladder and perform at Melbourne’s top comedy club – the Comics’ Lounge. We also …
American born Mike Goldstein isn’t in Kansas anymore. Sydney first, then Perth, and now Melbourne, the part Christian, part Jewish, with a dash of Sri Lankan (Yep! You read right!), has been doing stand-up comedy for the past eight years – and Aussie audiences have been loving him. In this Hard Knock Knocks podcast episode, Mike Goldstein, aka Mike G, …
