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RAW Comedy

Sun 15 Apr ,

Comedy

The nation’s freshest, uncooked comedy talent battle it out to be named 2012’s funniest

First published on 2 Feb 2012. Updated on 16 Apr 2012.

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Designed to draw out budding comedians from the dark corners of pubs and bars… or that bloke at the bus stop in the mornings with his rib-cracking one-liners, Australia’s annual open mic comedy competition is heating up in Melbourne. RAW Comedy has opened its arms to emerging stand-ups every year since 1996 and has provided a veritable launch pad for big names in the industry (like Angry Boys creator and star Chris Lilley; Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation panellist Josh Thomas; Tasmania’s Hannah Gadsby and internationally lauded comedy music man Tim Minchin).

The competition, presented by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and supported by Triple j, runs between January and March at various venues across the country and in Melbourne they’re midway through the heats. If you’re in St Kilda on Saturday, the fourth heat kicks off at The Espy (doors open at 12.30pm). Contestants get five minutes to tickle our funny bones with their original comedy material hosted by well-known funny men/women, such as Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann and Melbourne’s own Dave O’Neil – who’ll both be there on Saturday – and Kate McLennan and Greg Fleet (at the East Bruswick Club on Sat 11 Feb). Tickets can be bought on the door for around $10-$20 for each event. Simply rock up and clear your throat ready to heckle or guffaw.

If you think you’ve got the gift of the gag, there’s still time to enter. Anyone who’s earned less than $500 from performing comedy is eligible – register online. The best acts go on to the National Final, broadcast on ABC1 from the Town Hall in Melbourne, and the winner is sent to compete in the renowned ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’ competition at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Check their website for details on each heat.

RAW Comedy National Grand Final, Melbourne Town Hall, Sun 15 Apr, 5pm. $33.50.

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Words by Emma Joyce