Steve Hoskins went from being the class clown at AMEX to a professional comedian
Steve Hoskins’ origins in comedy first began in his early childhood, growing up with a father who was a ‘joke man from the 1970s.’ A lifelong resident of the Northern Beaches, who currently lives in Forestville, Steve has always been involved in performance. From writing and performing his Davidson High School’s Leaving Concert, to acting in Forest Youth Theatre Company’s Oliver, he has always loved the stage.
Following his first job in sales, and after spending 15 years working at American Express, Steve decided to give comedy a go. “I followed a few comedians around at open mics, but I never took the leap. But it crept in again whilst I was in corporate; I became the class clown of work.”
After winning the Laugh Garage competition, Steve decided to take a leap of faith and open the Comedy Corner in Glebe in 2011, at the old University Hall Building.
Stints followed at the old Brewhouse at Kings Street Wharf, and Rooty Hill RSL. Then Steve brought the Australian Comedy Festival alive in 2013, alongside his brother Michael, and producer Bob Stevenson (a Freshwater local). Now 13 years later it’s still going strong, touring clubs and RSLs around NSW, including stints in regional areas.
“The festival is a celebration of Australian comedians. Audiences can go to their local club and get a quality, professional show.”
Australian Comedy Festival is being brought to Pittwater RSL on 4 July. The set will consist of two hours of laughter, brought together by fellow Beaches comedians Julia Wilson and Brett Nichols, as well as Justin Hamilton and Fady Kassab. Steve will host the festival, keeping the audience in ‘safe hands.’
Beaches comedian Julia Wilson
Audiences will be spoiled with variety, with each act curated to its specific venues and watchers. “There will be five different professional comedians’ sets, with a big variation of life experience.”
After spending some time doing acting and comedy on the screen for shows such as Home and Away and Come Dine With Me Australia, Steve says that, “There’s nothing like a live performance and the live moment. You have to use the energy of the room as a vibrational force to deliver your humour.”
It’s safe to say that the era of COVID-19 heavily impacted the ways in which live performance operated, the effects of which can still be felt today. “The world changed in so many ways. I don’t think people go to watch comedy as much as they used to because there’s so much content that they have access to.” Despite this, the Australian Comedy Festival has reached a wide range of venues around Sydney, including Manly Leagues Club.
The festival will bring ‘light humour’ to the Pittwater RSL stage, leaving audiences feeling uplifted, Steve enthuses. “Bring a friend, and come and join a table at the Australian Comedy Festival in the Northern Beaches’ best comedy room, Pittwater RSL!”
Buy tickets to the Australian Comedy Festival on July 4 on Pittwater RSL’s website, or scan the QR code above
