Episode 41 of This Week in Comedy welcomes acclaimed Australian actor, comedian, writer and educator Roz Hammond for a lively conversation spanning Mad As Hell, comic performance, anxiety, television, sport and the week’s strangest comedy news.
Roz reflects on her ten seasons working alongside Shaun Micallef on Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell, describing the joy, discipline and generosity behind one of Australia’s most respected comedy programs. She revisits the wonderfully eccentric characters, outrageous wigs and inspired names that defined the series, including her favourite creation, Dolly Norman. Originally introduced as Jacqui Lambie’s adviser and a former Burnie fish-and-chip-shop owner, Dolly became unforgettable for her innocence, warmth and ability to say almost anything. Roz even slips back into character to offer Dolly’s perspective on a Chinese comedian reportedly punished for altering a patriotic song.
With hosts Morry Morgan, Stig Wemyss and Anthony Littlechild, Roz also discusses the craft of comic acting. Whether performing comedy or drama, she says the key is playing the truth, embracing vulnerability and finding the humanity inside even the most exaggerated character. She shares her passion for teaching, her Anxiety Toolkit workshops, and how her own experience with stage anxiety led her to help other performers.
Elsewhere, the team considers John Mulaney’s possible Get Smart reimagining, a satirical Fremantle football video that fooled Sky News, international comedy tours, the Berlin improv scene and whether Morry’s “Funny in the Moment” segment deserves to survive. Beerfarm’s Hazy Pale gets the customary taste test, complete with another overenthusiastic opening from Stig.
Along the way, they celebrate Sam Campbell and debate German humour.
Anthony then reports from the NFL spectacular at the MCG, where the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams. The group examines the Rams’ whirlwind visit, the 49ers’ longer Melbourne preparation, Netflix’s distinctive coverage and the huge festival atmosphere surrounding the game. Could Australian sport learn something from the Americans about turning a match into a citywide event?
Stig also previews his new Channel 7 reality series Christmas House Wars, while Morry announces an upcoming Business of Comedy event for aspiring voice-over artists. Finally, Roz reveals the topic for next week’s joke-writing challenge: AI and the singularity.
It is a packed episode full of backstage stories, sharp observations, affectionate chaos and a welcome return from Dolly Norman.
Roz Hammond's official website: Click here
Business of Comedy voice-over presentation and networking event: Click here
Beerfarm Hazy Pale: Click here
Mezzanine Films: Click here
Creative Head Rentals: Click here
Anthony Littlechild Productions: Click here
Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School: Click here