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Stand-up comic and promoter John Peacock founded the Comedy Commune in 2019.
It was initially established in response to a local community request to stage a stand-up comedy show. The ethos developed into an organisation run by comics for comics.
A vision of providing opportunities for up-and-coming comics to perform in curated shows on the same bill as professional stand-up comedians.
We held our first gig on 14 July 2019 at The Lennox Head Pub. We did our numbers on 30 paid tickets at the door.
We optimistically set the room for 80. But instead, we shut the doors to a standing-room-only crowd of 147, and we knew there was a demand for the product we provided. Performers and audiences alike still talk about that first gig as being something a little bit special.
Since then, we’ve branched into several venues around The Northern Rivers, The Gold Coast and Brisbane.
In addition, we have taken shows on the road to Newcastle and Dubbo. We’re always finding new rooms, planning unique tours and thinking of new possibilities.
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Traditionally we’ve done curated gigs for which we sell tickets. We always give our audience a professional headline act and, in most instances, a professional MC.
We supplement the lineup with hand-picked up-and-coming comedians from the Open Mic Circuit in Northern NSW and SE QLD.
Fundraising and Charity gigs
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In addition, we’ve raised a lot of money for worthy causes.
For example, we put together a benefit gig headlined by Akmal and Jimeoin for a comedy colleague with a serious health diagnosis.
When the floods hit The Northern Rivers, we donated funds towards the relief efforts. We’ve helped the Rural Fire Service and a host of other charitable causes and individuals in need.
Giving back is part of our plan and one of the reasons we do what we do.
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Open Mic
We have run several Open Mic rooms over the years, allowing local and visiting comedians to try new material and polish their acts.
We still always have a pro on the lineup to maintain a high level of quality.
It is not uncommon for local pro comics to join us to try new jokes on an audience.
In addition, we run an annual Open Mic Competition to encourage those beginning their journey to be their best. Cash and prizes, including paid spots and mentoring, are undoubtedly attractive to many comics.
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Comic Development
We are always fostering and hoping to identify new talent and see our Open Mic program as instrumental in this process.
Regarding development, we run a monthly “comics only” new material room.
We affectionately refer to this as Shed Comedy, which occurs in an industrial shed in Ballina.
Only new jokes make the stage, and because it’s just comics in the audience, it acts as a dynamic writing process of feedback and peer suggestions. It has proven very popular and in-demand from local and visiting comedians.
If this is something you’d be interested in being a part of, head over to the Contact Us page and reach out.
You can also find us on all of your favourite socials.