Seeking stand-up’s next superstar

THE George Hotel will host one of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s RAW Comedy winter heats later this month.

Stand-up performers will take to the open mic stage for a short set on Friday, 23 July at 8pm as part of the annual nationwide competition, which is the largest of its kind.

Ballarat stand-up and heat organiser Tim Young encourages residents to get up and deliver their best jokes.

“We are looking for locals from a diverse range of backgrounds,” he said.

“Absolutely no experience is required. For a lot of competitors, RAW Comedy is their first ever stand-up gig. All they need is five minutes of original material and a willingness to have a go.”

Many beloved and internationally-known comedians and broadcasters got their start on the RAW Comedy stage, including Hannah Gadsby, Rhys Nicholson, Becky Lucas, Celia Pacquola, Ronny Chieng, Karl Chandler, Tommy Dassalo and Anne Edmonds.

Now, the MICF team is seeking hundreds of fresh, funny, unique perspectives from across the nation as part of the mid-2021 heats.

“We’re covering all corners of the country, to lure the next generation of comedy superstars out of hibernation,” a MICF spokesperson said.

“RAW fans will have noticed that the COVID-19 pandemic created a bit of havoc with our usual schedule. RAW 2020 was delayed and the National Grand Final finally took place in April this year.

“RAW Comedy 2021 will take place over winter with heats running from June to August. The winner will make a special guest appearance during the RAW 2022 National Grand Final at the Comedy Festival in April.”

2021 RAW Comedy heats are also running in Canberra, Sydney, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, Wollongong, Newcastle, Darwin, Brisbane, Surfers Paradise, Adelaide, Hobart, Launceston, Perth, Geelong, and of course, the competition’s home city, Melbourne.