As seen on stage with Dave O'Neil at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festivals' "RAW COMEDY 2005" "Raw Comedy" is Australia's national competition for undiscovered comics to compete for a gig at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, plus a plane ticket to the Edinburgh Fringe; the biggest comedy event in the world. On Friday 25th February 2005, TJ Smyth performed as the second contestant of twelve at the Geelong regional heat. Unfortunately the judges didn't place him second out of the group. In fact he didn't finish in the top three, which was a shame because the top three competitors from this heat were chosen to compete at the next level. Maybe next year...
Well it's next year already! Yep, 2006, and Raw Comedy has rolled around again as a lead in to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The 2006 Raw Comedy regional heat in Geelong was held at a new venue this year; namely the Soma Bar in the heart of Geelongs CBD, on 10th March 2006. Triple J radio personality and reknown comic, Dave Callan did an amazing job as the MC and host comic for the evening. A very funny, and very talented comic indeed.   Performing under the stage name TJ McGowan, T Smyth performed for his second appearance at'Raw Comedy', achieving two goals from last years' performance: Staying under the 5 minute time limit, and using only completely original material. Whilst he didn't win, he did learn much from the experience, and has already used this experience to set new goals for future performances. Next years'goals will be ; - to pause to give the audience time to laugh - and to be funny. (not necessarily in that order) Easier said than done. Watch out for next time! Bring on 2007!!