I’m thrilled to learn that the RAW Comedy Festival, Australia’s new comedy competition, is going to be holding heats in North Queensland this year! Even better, there’s heats specifically in Townsville.

It’s a first. This is RAW’s 26th year and previously all Queensland heats were held in Brisbane. My excellent friend in comedy Indy C was a national finalist last year and this meant lots of expensive trips across the state to stay in the running.

It’s been a bone of contention here in Townsville, as we have some amazing talent here and we’ve always represented well at RAW, but the necessary commitment and investment for NQ comics has discouraged a lot of participation.

I’d planned to compete this year and I’m lucky to have a partner who’s supportive enough to help make it happen, but the actual costs and logistics are significant, so it was never going to be easy. You can imagine how thrilled I was to hear that I’ll be able to compete right here. Even better, the Townsville heats will be right here at one of my favourite venues – Molly Malone’s!

I registered to compete immediately. I’ve no illusions about my chances, but I love what I do and part of being a comedian in Australia means participating in our largest national competition. I’m excited.

If you’re not a comedy geek I probably need to emphasise how massive RAW is. Check the official blurb and note some of the names in Aussie Comedy royalty who kicked off at RAW:

RAW Comedy is Australia’s biggest and most prestigious open mic comedy competition. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been producing it since 1996, and past RAW Comedy winners and finalists include Chris Lilley, Josh Thomas, Hannah Gadsby, Peter Helliar, Claire Hooper, Michael Workman, Mike McLeish (Keating! The Musical) and Tim Minchin. RAW Comedy runs nationally every year between January and April. Proudly supported by Triple J.

Yep. Huge. It’s massive for North Queensland that we’re even able to be in the audiences for this epic event.

I’ve entered 2022 feeling it’s going to be a great year for my whole comedy thing, but this has exceeded my expectations. It starts in March so watch this space (or the RAW website).

As for me, I’ve got some preparations to do.