jks: a comedy(?)

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The sell-out Melbourne Fringe hit returns for SIX SHOWS ONLY!

A weekly stand-up gig. Backstage.

In between their sets, five comedians are laughing, bitching and talking shit.

It’s all fun and games…until they hear the news: a 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, the comics go to war on The Big Question: what is comedy even for?

A new (funny) play about what it means to be funny.

Starring Bev Killick (Deadloch), Kevin Hofbauer (Dear Life), Tom Ballard (Tonightly), Tiana Hogben (Thank God You’re Here) and Lauren Bonner (Going Under).

Written by Tom Ballard.

Directed by Ben Russell (Thank God You’re Here).

Longlisted for the 2025 Griffin Award.

“Clever, illuminating.” ★★★★ The Age

“Acerbic and flat-out hilarious.” ★★★★★ Tinsel & Tap Shoes

“A wonderfully, tightly written commentary on comedy today.” ★★★★ Theatre Matters

Content warning: this play includes very strong coarse language, adult themes, black humour, and the use of certain slurs relating to disability, race and gender.