Raw Comedy Competition 2012

What do Chris Lilley, Josh Thomas, Hannah Gadsby, Peter Helliar, Claire Hooper, Mike McLeish and Tim Minchin all have in common?

Before becoming some of Australia’s most recognisable names in comedy, they all finessed their funny and took on RAW Comedy, Australia’s biggest and most prestigious annual open mic comedy competition.

RAW Comedy, a Melbourne International Comedy Festival initiative has been launching the careers of countless comedians since 1996. Once again they are set to scour the country in a bid to lure out humourists hiding in the offices, workplaces, classrooms, pubs and homes throughout our neighbourhoods.

A group of valiant comedy experts will embark this dangerously funny mission for 2012, with competition heats held across the nation from January‐March. Expect a RAWcous battle of wit and skilful tussle of tongue as courageous comics brave the stage in hope of being crowned the 2012 RAW Comedy winner at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in April, with the opportunity to compete in ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Anyone who has earned less than $500 from performing comedy is eligible to show off their comic prowess on the RAW stage. Five minutes of new, original comedy material is all it takes – stand‐up, sketch, double and triple acts, musical comedy are all welcome.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to battle it out for the biggest laughs and become the next Chris Lilley, Josh Thomas or Peter Helliar then register at: www.rawcomedy.com.au

Or if you’d like to be part of history, witnessing Australia’s Next Top Comedian’s launch in to stardom, heats will be held across the country and everyone is encouraged to head along to support their local entrants.

QUEENSLAND 2012 DATES
Brisbane:
Heats: 8,15,21,22,28,29 February, 6 & 7 March 8pm (doors 7pm)
Sit Down Comedy Club at The Paddo Tavern, 186 Given Terrace, Paddington
Book tickets: (07)3369 4466

Cairns:
Heat: 17 February 9.30pm (doors 9pm)
The Reef Hotel Casino, 35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns, QLD, Australia 4870

QLD Semi Finals:
13, 14 March 8pm (doors 7pm)
Sit Down Comedy Club at The Paddo Tavern, 186 Given Terrace, Paddington
Book tickets: (07)3369 4466

QLD State Final:
21 March 8pm (doors 7pm)
Sit Down Comedy Club at The Paddo Tavern, 186 Given Terrace, Paddington

NATIONAL GRAND FINAL (MELBOURNE)
Sunday 15 April 5pm
Melbourne Town Hall

www.comedyfestival.com.au/raw