Just for Laughs

18 Jan

Whether it’s music, dance, art or theatre, Toowoomba has a repertoire of talent. But let’s not forget about stand-up comedy, hosted by the region’s very own comedians with a passion and a punchline. Nicole Yap speaks to two local comics who put a spotlight on Toowoomba’s emerging comedy scene, and looks at all the gig’s coming up this year (so far).

Published 18 January 2023
Written by: Nicole Yap

. . .I Started A JOKE

The first laugh he got at a show was what made Nick Carr fall in love with comedy. While his journey towards making it a career had a rocky start – with original plans to open a comedy and music venue in Toowoomba to become better acquainted with the industry – Nick soon found himself on stage at the Sit Down Comedy Club in Brisbane, and as they say, the rest is history.

“I genuinely felt like I had found what I was supposed to do with my life,” Nick said.

Through his comedy club Down to Clown, Nick ran a number of shows in Toowoomba in the last few years, from a monthly open-mic show at The Spotted Cow to a Gala Christmas Show at the Irish Club Hotel. During their run, some years and a great many more laughs later, the gigs became semi-regular headline shows featuring big names in Australian comedy – Mel Buttle, Damien Power, Nick Capper (who was recently inducted into the Australian Comedy Hall of Fame), Dan Rath, Brett Blake and more.

“What’s helped these shows be such a success are the Toowoomba punters,” Nick said. “All the comedians love coming to Toowoomba as the crowds are always hot and ready for an awesome night.”

In addition to audiences showing up every night, the growth of the region’s comedy culture is dependent upon the emergence of local acts. With opportunities such as those at Down to Clown Comedy, aspiring comedians can have a go.

“There are so many incredible creatives and artists of all types in Toowoomba,” Nick said. “There is something wonderful about this city that produces passionate, intelligent and funny people. How can (its comedy scene) not succeed?”

Among these emerging comics is Sammy Al-Badri who, at only 20 years old, has performed at some of the most prestigious comedy clubs across Australia. His career, however, began and continues to flourish right here in Toowoomba.

“I started when I was 15, so I wasn’t allowed in pubs and clubs without my mum there with me,” Sammy said. “So, I always really appreciated the monthly gig that used to be hosted by The Spotted Cow.”

Sammy’s ‘hall of fame’ of gigs includes performing at Nick Carr’s annual Christmas Comedy Extravaganza, opening for Luke Kidgell and featuring on shows headlined by Randy Felt Face, Luke Heggie and Damien Power. But while local venues see engaged audiences and big names, what Toowoomba needs – according to Sammy – is a permanent home for comedy.

Starting in January, Nick will be hosting a Monthly comedy night at Mouse Proof Brewery and reserve spacers for new acts – or even those who would just like to give stand-up a try.

Ultimately, to comics like Nick and Sammy, there is passion behind the punchline and a hunger for humour in the good and bad times.

“I’ve always been very creative – I can’t sing and I can’t draw, but ask anyone, I love to talk. Comedy has been a great outlet to express myself,” Sammy said. “I’ve currently been going through a lot of personal issues and getting up on stage every night, making people laugh about it has been a great way to keep my mind clear.”

“It is such an incredible privilege to have a room full of people give you their time, and such a gift to get the chance to make them laugh,” Nick said. “In a world where the news and events (especially over the last few years) can be quite grim, it is so important to our culture to be able to bring joy and laughter to people.”

Toowoomba’s current comedy scene may be small, but opportunities and laughs still abound for both punters and emerging comics. Simply drive to the pub after a long day at work, grab a pint, and laugh the night away.

To learn more about comedy shows and opportunities in Toowoomba, contact Down to Clown Comedy on Facebook or Instagram.