The RAW Comedy heats are on this weekend at Howler on Saturday and The Evelyn on Sunday.
Australia’s biggest open mic comedy competition RAW Comedy returns for another attempt at finding the nation’s next belly-busting performer. It’s set to be a gut-busting weekend, with Kirsty Webeck hosting the first heat on Saturday 19 February at Howler, and then Prue Blake and Sami Shah hosting proceedings this Sunday February 20 at The Evelyn.
Every year hundreds of funny folk from across Australia sign up for their time in the spotlight as part of RAW Comedy, and this year it’s back and covering all corners of the country to lure out of hibernation the next generation of comedy superstars.
Check out Melbourne’s latest stage shows, stand-up comedy and theatrical events here.
This annual hunt for Australia’s undiscovered wit holds heats throughout the state (with Geelong and Ballarat on the list of Victorian destinations), inviting the nation’s best and boldest comedy athletes to jump head first and compete for a prized podium position.
Geelong’s funniest people will be mounting the stage and taking the plunge in the qualifying heat of the Melbourne International Comedy Festivals competition on Friday 11 February 2022 at 6.30pm at Geelong West Town Hall. Ballarat’s heat, which was originally scheduled for last year, will go ahead on Friday 4 March 2022 at 8pm at The George Hotel.
Each contestant will present five minutes of new, original comedy material including stand-up, sketch, double and triple acts, as well as musical comedy. All heats are open to the public so if you prefer to witness the spectacle, you’re welcome to be a part of the hunt for the next big homegrown comedic superstar – and spend your evening in fits of laughter.
The best acts from the heats progress to appropriate finals, and the best acts from the State Finals generally go onto the National Final which is held in the Melbourne Town Hall as a feature event of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Some of the nation’s finest funny-makers have cannonballed into comedy acclaim through RAW Comedy – Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Celia Pacquola, Matt Okine, Anne Edmonds, Becky Lucas and Aaron Chen, just to name a few. All you need is five minutes of original material and your eyes on the prize… get through the heats and finals and you could be the last one standing!
Go on, take the plunge!
Find out more here.
