I went to see the big challenge at the Comedy Lounge, Hyde Park Hotel last night. This is Perth's answer to and a cross between the Melbourne Raw Comedy heats and 'Red Faces' from 'Hey Hey' days.

12 comedians alas all male)took their turn at the mike before a tough but supportive capacity audience. They ranged in style and material from the latest biting satirist on todays news to the sentimental favourites with the tried and true routine, with just a touch of vaudeville thrown in.

It took me back to the heady days of the 1980s when 'new wave' standup was flavour of the month. When comedians had stage names that were almost as funny as (and sometimes funnier than) their material. I remembered a favourite comedian - Pat McGroin - who came to us fresh from the Comedy Store in Sydney and had to quit at the height of his popularity because he got into WAAPA and they forbade standup, along with such other worthless pursuits as 'Theatre Sports'.

I know there are lots of professional actors out there who owe their kickstart into their career to the attractions of both standup and TS. I thoroughly recommend both to all budding actors.

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