Deadly Funny - Newcastle

Cheeky, loud, black and proud – Deadly Funny is back! Australia's premier First Nations comedy competition, presented by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, is back looking for the most hilarious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers from across the country.All you need is five minutes of funny material. Whether it's stand-up, musical, sketch, physical/dance, character-based, or simply sharing a funny yarn, the stage is yours! Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over the age of 18. You will be given an opportunity to sit with a seasoned professional comedian in a two-hour workshop to help refine your ideas before you unleash your talent onstage.Over the last 18 years, Deadly Funny and has seen the likes of Steph Tisdell, Kevin Kropinyeri, Andy Saunders, Shiralee Hood, Dane Simpson, Elaine Crombie and Sean Choolburra as both participants and mentors. Need another reason to get involved? The winner of the National Grand Final will receive a massive $3,000.Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity! Step up, grab the mic and show the world your Deadly Funny!To sign up and for more info, head to deadlyfunny.com.au.

Newcastle Racecourse

HEATS (The Espy)

For the past 28 years, emerging comedians have gathered for a showdown of wits in this nation’s most extensive and esteemed open-mic comedy competition. This year is no different! Get ready to witness the rise of the next wave of comedy legends as they take the stage in the quest to find the ultimate 'hidden gem' of the comedy world. Don’t miss out on experiencing our talented competitors in peak condition as they engage in hilarious battle at RAW Comedy 2025! RAW Comedy Alumni include: Anne Edmonds, Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Matt Okine, Becky Lucas, Aaron Chen, Sarah Kendall, Sam Simmons, Celia Pacquola, Luke McGregor, Rhys Nicholson, Tom Ballard, Sam Campbell, Georgie Carroll, David Woodhead, Cassie Workman and more.

The Espy (The Esplanade Hotel)

HEATS (The Evelyn)

For the past 28 years, emerging comedians have gathered for a showdown of wits in this nation’s most extensive and esteemed open-mic comedy competition. This year is no different! Get ready to witness the rise of the next wave of comedy legends as they take the stage in the quest to find the ultimate 'hidden gem' of the comedy world. Don’t miss out on experiencing our talented competitors in peak condition as they engage in hilarious battle at RAW Comedy 2025! RAW Comedy Alumni include: Anne Edmonds, Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Matt Okine, Becky Lucas, Aaron Chen, Sarah Kendall, Sam Simmons, Celia Pacquola, Luke McGregor, Rhys Nicholson, Tom Ballard, Sam Campbell, Georgie Carroll, David Woodhead, Cassie Workman and more.

The Evelyn Hotel

VIC SEMI FINAL (The Evelyn)

For the past 28 years, emerging comedians have gathered for a showdown of wits in this nation’s most extensive and esteemed open-mic comedy competition. This year is no different! Get ready to witness the rise of the next wave of comedy legends as they take the stage in the quest to find the ultimate 'hidden gem' of the comedy world.Don’t miss out on experiencing our talented competitors in peak condition as they engage in hilarious battle at RAW Comedy 2025!RAW Comedy Alumni include:Anne Edmonds, Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Matt Okine, Becky Lucas, Aaron Chen, Sarah Kendall, Sam Simmons, Celia Pacquola, Luke McGregor, Rhys Nicholson, Tom Ballard, Sam Campbell, Georgie Carroll, David Woodhead, Cassie Workman and more.

The Evelyn Hotel