Hamish Sheperd

An Australian comedian who came to London for a climate more suited to dark, sarcastic comedy. His ancestors, he notes, were sent to Australia as part of a penal colony for being too funny, among other crimes, which means the comedy was probably always going to happen eventually. Before making the move to London he built a solid reputation in Sydney, performing at clubs all over the city including the Sydney Comedy Store, the most prestigious comedy club in Australia. He was also a two-time state finalist in the National Raw comedy competition, the most competitive new act showcase on the Australian circuit.

London took notice quickly. He was shortlisted for the 2024 BBC New Comedy Awards, one of the UK's most prestigious new comedian competitions whose past finalists include Alan Carr, Tom Allen, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, and Sarah Millican. He was also a finalist in the Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year, another highly competitive national competition that consistently attracts hundreds of entries from across the country.

His gong show record on the London circuit is exceptional. He has won King Gong at The Comedy Store,widely regarded as London's most brutal open mic format, in which 30 acts battle a live audience vote to survive five minutes on stage, as well as The Blackout at Up The Creek in Greenwich and The Ding Dong Gong Show at Big Belly Comedy Club, one of London's largest purpose-built comedy venues. Winning all three is one of the strongest gong show CVs currently operating on the London circuit.

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