Comedians perform in RAW

Erin Pearson
GEELONG’S comedic talent will have the opportunity to spread laughter next month when Melbourne International Comedy Festival rolls into town.
RAW Comedy, Australia’s biggest open-mic competition for comedians, challenges amateur comics for the chance to win a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe festival
The best go on to duel it out in state finals throughout March before chosen finalists from each state meet face-to-face at Melbourne International Comedy Festival in April.
This year’s host, Geelong-born comedian and Good News Week regular Dave Thornton, said would-be comedians should come “prepared” and “ready for anything”.
“Public speaking really frays your nerves,” Thornton said.
“I remember when I first started I’d be nervous for a week leading up to a gig.
“It’s very much an Australian culture, the tall poppy syndrome, but it’s a challenge that’s worth taking on.”
Thornton’s career started from humble beginnings hosting Channel 31’s live chat show, Studio A Dave.
His solo performance at the 2007 Melbourne International Comedy Festival garnered a best-newcomer nomination for his show Euro-mission.
Thornton has since gone on to appear as a panelist on Talkin’ ‘bout Your Generation and The 7pm Project.
“My first involvement was many, many moons ago when I was young at GPAC in the foyer,” he laughed.
“I was working as a graphic designer but I’m an attention seeker and it’s hard to get attention when all you do is send a PDF off to the printer – no one gives you a round of applause.”
Thornton urged aspiring comedians to shrug off the usual feelings of rejection while striving for their dream.
“The first thing people ask is ‘What happens if people heckle and yell out, what do you do?” he laughed.
“At RAW people aren’t going to heckle the newbie. That would be like yelling at a three-year-old for not being able to tie their shoes.”
Thornton said the competition judges would be on the hunt “for the best on offer”.
Past RAW winners and finalists include Chris Lilley, Josh Thomas, Hannah Gadsby, Peter Helliar, Claire Hooper and Tim Minchin.
RAW Comedy will be at Geelong Performing Arts Centre on February 12.