Sam Taunton – Straight From The Shoulder

Sam Taunton is a bit of an all-rounder.

Firstly, he's very funny and one of the most exciting comedians in Australia right now.

Secondly, he was a junior golf champion who had a scratch (zero) golf handicap at just 16 AND holds a degree in political science (which he obviously put to good use when interviewing the cast of Geordie Shore). Luckily for us though, Sam found comedy and comedy won.

Well, sort of. After yet again being nominated for various comedy awards and failing to claim the top prize, Sam has decided to align himself with the only thing he knows about critically acclaimed art: his father's 1988 country music album Straight From The Shoulder. (Tony Taunton was crooning country tunes way before Bradley Cooper came along.)

While sell-out shows feel good, Sam can't help but feel in order to go to the next level, he needs to step up his comedic game up and win a serious comedy award. He thinks putting all his hopes, dreams and career happiness into an award out of his control is a brilliant idea.

Sure, there will be the usual stories about love, travelling and why Who Dares Wins was the greatest ever program to grace Australian television screens, but this year's show will have a certain artistic edge!

He may look all fresh-faced and twinkly-eyed, but don't be fooled 'cause Taunts has got that certain comedy pizazz that can't be taught.

Hailing from NSW's South Coast, Sam's captive storytelling and quickfire punchlines means he is in hot demand. He has performed comedy all over the world, filmed his own special for ABC's Next Gen and was recently cherry-picked to perform at the Sydney Opera House as part of Just For Laughs. He has been a VJ for MTV interviewing world's biggest stars, including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard and Chris Hemsworth. He also made Zac Efron apologise for his shit attempt at an Aussie accent. Someone had to.

Don't miss this rising star in what Sam himself is already describing as his maiden award-winning show.

Dates: Thu 28 March – Sun 21 April (No Mondays)
Time: 8.15pm Tue – Sat, 7:15pm Sun
Venue: Melbourne Town Hall – Regent Room
Address: Cnr Swanston & Collins St
Ticket prices: From $24
Bookings: comedy.com.au