A new play from Tom Ballard that asks The Big Question: what is comedy even for?
Longlisted for the 2025 Griffin Award.
A weekly stand-up gig. Backstage.
In between their sets, a group of comedians are laughing, bitching and talking shit.
It’s all fun and games – until they hear the news. A comedy legend has died. Depending on who you ask, he either leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, or a legacy of bigotry and pain. Or maybe both. Or neither.
The comics get stuck in: was this guy actually funny, or just embarrassing? Is being “funny” all that matters, anyway? What’s even the point of telling jokes? How much harm (or good) can they ever do? How dark and fucked up can you go? Who can say what – and who decides?
As the gig carries on in the background, these idiots go to war on The Big Question: what is comedy even for?
A new (funny) play about what it means to be funny.
Written by Tom Ballard (Deadloch, Tonightly).
Directed by Ben Russell (Thank God You’re Here, The Grub).
Praise for Tom Ballard:
“Will have you laughing till it hurts.” ****½ – The Age
“A raucous performance that is political as it is personal.” ***** – Time Out
“Absolutely packed with elite gags.” **** – The Scotsman (UK)
“Tom Ballard runs on anger.” – The Australian
