Foul-mouthed comedy prophet Daniel Muggleton has just wrapped up his first international tour and is hitting Sydney to host the Wildcard Heat of RAW Comedy.
Daniel's got a special on Prime Video, two stand-up albums, and a bunch of acclaim to his name. He's been selected to perform at the Sydney Comedy Festival End Of Fest Gala, and his stand-up has been seen more than 20 million times across the internet.
His observations and contributions go beyond the stage – Daniel has also appeared on SBS's 'The Feed', ABC's 'The Checkout', and he's the co-host of podcast 'Ask Us Everything' with US comedian Steve Hofstetter.
RAW Comedy happens in every capital city in Australia, occurring in heats that lead to a National Grand Final at Melbourne Town Hall. . . Part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
But before the Grand Final can happen, a lucky selection of comedians must be chosen. That's where Daniel comes in this year. He'll be hosting RAW Comedy's Wildcard Heat, where some aspiring stand-ups will be given a second shot of glory.
Before he puts his hosting shoes on, we found a moment to chat to Daniel about his recent tour, his origins in stand-up, and how he's preparing for RAW Comedy.
You’re back after your first international tour in 2023. How did that go?
Good, but I learnt that finding free parking in a foreign country is a dark art. You just don’t know the intangibles to look for. . . It’s harder than trying to explain to an old person why one URL is real and the other is a scam. Speaking of, if anyone reading this is above the age of 70, then your Linkt account needs to be updated, please send your name, date of birth and credit card details to
What would you say was the highlight of your shows overseas?
I had multiple people fly to the UK from Europe to come see my show. As an Australian, the idea of someone subjecting themselves to international travel to listen to you talk is quite humbling. But then you remember flights are like 90 minutes and cost £20 so it’s less of a punish. Still feels good though!
You have also recently played a headline show at Sydney Opera House. How was it to headline such an iconic venue?
Pretty cool, but I’m from Sydney so like 50 per cent of people I know have played the Opera House at some point. But you know, as part of the school band, an adult dance recital or the QANTAS Youth Choir or whatever. I got paid, they didn’t, and that’s what’s important.
How are you preparing to host the RAW Comedy Wildcard Heat?
I’m not going lie to you, it’s an honour. I competed in RAW myself and lost immediately, didn’t even make it to the Wildcard Heat. So I’ll impress upon these new comedians the importance of winning, because if they don’t, it’ll take them 11 years to get back to this point.
How did you get into comedy?
I was forced at gunpoint. They kidnapped my father and said unless you start telling jokes for a living, we’re going to release him.
What’s your favourite thing about being part of this industry?
If you know enough comedians, and have toured internationally, there’ll always be someone you can call and complain to after a bad gig. The timezones will line up, they won’t be doing anything, and together you get to make fun of an audience who paid money to see you but didn’t react in the precise way you were expecting. It’s perfect.
If you could name one person, in this industry or not, who has inspired you in your field as a comedian most, who would it be and why?
Probably Shaquille O’Neal because he proved that being the most dominant player in NBA history doesn’t prevent you from also being funnier than any Australian TV personality.
Tickets for RAW Comedy are on sale now.
Daniel Muggleton hosts the RAW Comedy (Sydney) Wildcard Heat on 12 March at Comedy Store, Moore Park.
