When an Irish comedian arrived in Wollongong 15 years ago, he would have to take the train to Sydney to see live stand-up.
Now, there are regular local gigs in at least five spots, including a weekly open-mic night that almost never made it off the ground.
Martin Henchion spent a week pitching to club managers who couldn’t understand his accent, but eventually one said yes, and The Builders Club in Wollongong has been hosting comedy ever since.
Mr Henchion speaks to UOWTVMultimedia about the first show he put on in Wollongong.