1. Circular Quay Buskers

On any given day, at least half-a-dozen buskers will be performing around what is probably Sydney’s biggest tourist hub. There are talented artists, impressive indigenous performers, and perplexing human statues. And then, there’s the occasional untalented try-hard. Common signs include juggling batons (usually only two), cheesy square-dancing music, and a head mic. You can laugh at their disappointing performance, or at the enraptured tourist audience who encourages their behaviour, enthusiastically handing over gold coins at the end of each performance.

2. Train Station Runners

This one is funny, but certainly cruel. It involves boarding any inner-city train (preferably on a carriage near the platform entrance), and waiting for departure time. As the automatic doors being to slide shut, you’ll see tired, embattled city workers sprinting to board the train. Some will be wearing trainers; others sandals; and an unfortunate few in high heels. Within a few seconds, you will see their faces emblazoned with sheer desperation, then realisation, anger, and finally resignation. It never gets old.

3. Surfing Shame

Find a mate. Preferably a tourist, unskilled in the arts of surfing and body boarding. Suggest a day of surfing at Manly, and reassure them that no prior training or skills are required. Organise a date. Give them the impression that they’re in charge, by asking whether they’d prefer to go surfing or softboarding. If they opt for the former, buy some online Elnino surfboards in Australia. If they prefer the comfort implied by softboarding, buy some online Elnino softboards in Australia.

When the big day arrives, drive your friend down to the beach. Feign light-headedness at the last minute and plant yourself firmly on the sand, but encourage them to take to the water anyway. Say “it’ll be easy!”. Watch, laugh, and take photos as your friend is dumped by the waves again, and again, and again. Thank www.thegrom.com.au for bringing laughs to you, and embarrassment to your friend.

4. Boxing Day Sales

This one’s quite similar to Number 2. All you have to do is watch – no direct participation is required. Boxing Day Sales usually involve overnight camping, an unnecessary, tolling bell, ferocious consumer screaming, overenthusiastic sprinting (“Aisle Seven! Aisle Seven!! RUN!!!!”), and capitalist greed. Good times.

5. Early Sunday Mornings

Another rather mean-spirited entry, it must be said; but suitable for certain tastes in humour all the same. Each and every Sunday, scores of hard-partying Sydneysiders wind up waiting for the trains to re-commence after a big night. Smudged mascara, unsightly bodily fluids, and the occasional lost shoe make for an amusing sight – even if it’s tinged with sadness.

Discover Sydney in More Ways

Whether you’re funny or not, everybody loves stand-up. The laughs that keep rolling when someone hilarious steps on stage. The anxiety you get when they first step up to the mic. It’s all part of live, no holds barred,  stand-up comedy, and that’s why we love it. Finding a good comedian is easy these days. Just show up to your local pub, uni bar, or community theatre, and you’re bound to find one. Comedy is a rare thing to be talented at – even rarer to have the courage to do. So when you find your niche, your taste in comedians, stick with them for the long run. Stand-up comedy is a fantastic way to distract yourself from whatever is going on, kick back, and have a few laughs. And if you’re interested in trying your hand (or funny bone) at some stand-up, then we’ve got the events for you to hit up too. Check out our top picks for stand-up comedy, and be inspired by the funniest people in Sydney.

Enmore Comedy Club, Enmore

This gem offers cheap as chips stand-up comedy in a laidback venue every Tuesday. Here, you’ll see the best local and international comedians for just $10, or $15 on the door. What better way to experience quality, confident comedy in your own neighbourhood? You’ll even have enough cash leftover for beer!

Bedlam Comedy, Glebe

Bedlam Comedy sees the old University hall at Sydney University turn into a funky, uproarious night full of fun and entertainment. Rounding out Happy Hour (5-7pm), Bedlam Comedy kicks off at 7.30pm every Tuesday in October. Pay $5 for a marvellously cheap comedy night, or shout out $22 and get your ticket, a meal and a beer. Done!

Mug and Kettle Comedy, Glebe

Taking stand-up comedy to new and terrifying heights, this event brings a twist to the usual, locked in comedians. Instead, on every Wednesday across October, comedians volunteer their souls to the stage in the heat of the moment, embracing the open-mic night cross comedy event. All levels of comic, first-timers included, are welcome, and audiences never quite know what they’re going to get. It’s comedy in its rawest form. Shows start at 7, but performers are encouraged to rock up around 6. Oh, and it’s free. Does it get any better?

Get Up! Stand Up! Comedy, Sydney Uni

The hilarious, entertaining and often offensive James Colley hosts this raging event that promotes free, weekly comedy shows, with a mix of student, local and international comedians. Every Wednesday at 1pm, Manning Bar provides the drinks, Sydney Uni provides the stage, and comedians provide the laughs. Another great free stand-up comedy gig in Sydney.

Launch Your Career?

Are you looking to one day be one of these creative comedians, full of quick wit? Do you practice at home in front of the mirror, or to your friends and family? Well, there’s no better time than the present. And if you’ve been hanging around for a while, having a crack at some clever jokes, maybe it’s time to up the antics a little. Scope Productions are a video recording and events company, that offer services like video production and editing. In order to get on the radar of event management services in Sydney, why not think about getting your stand-up skits filmed and pieced together for showcasing? Pin it on your blog, share it on Youtube, and get your name out there so that your career can grow. As a company offering corporate video production in Sydney, Scope can help create an amazing video that people will be passing around for years!

Stand-up comedy is a thrilling game, if you dare. The nerves and the jitters are fears only few can overcome, and when you’ve got the ability to make people laugh, it’s well worth all the effort. Stand-up comedy is something that brings joy to many. It makes people laugh, feel lighter and walk away happier then when they came in. If you’re interested in stand-up comedy, or just love love love to watch it, check out these regular events, and find something that makes you laugh.