TONY Martin was never into football.
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It was for this reason that the New Zealand-born comedian decided to turn to an alternate career path.
“I wasn’t into football like everyone else in New Zealand so I gravitated towards comedy in radio and television,” he said.
“I had no real talent but I could do silly voices so that decided what my career would be.”
Of course, choosing comedy as a career wasn’t the thing to do in the 70s. According to Martin, the comedy scene was non-existent 30 years ago.
“Going back to the 1970s in New Zealand, there was very little to laugh about (and) there was no such thing as a live comedy scene,” he said.
“I had to move to Melbourne because that’s where the comedy is.”
In the mid 1980s, Martin started working professionally as a comedian and has continued to do so for the last three decades.
His credits have included The D-Generation, The Late Show, Martin/Molloy, and Get This.
Martin has also authored three books and is an ARIA award-winner, Barry nominee and has appeared on Kath & Kim and Thank God You're Here.
This month, he will take to the stage at the Comedy 4 Karma event in Daylesford which will raise funds for the township’s Dharma School.
Following on from last year’s successful event, the evening will feature some of Australia’s most popular comics, all donating their time for a good cause.
Headlining the evening will be Celia Pacquola., Randy, Tina Del Twist, and chanteuse Melody Moon.
“It will be a fun night of comedy and if it does good for someone then that’s a bonus,” Martin said.
Established in 2009 the Daylesford Dharma School started with 15 students and now teaches close to 60. The school continues to grow in size and reputation and is set to relocate to a larger property next year.
Founded on the philosophical principles of Buddhism it is currently the only Australian Buddhist primary school, teaching children compassion, wisdom principles, interdependence and respect.
Comedy 4 Karma will be held on October 16 at Daylesford Town Hall. For more information, visit www.dharmaschool.com.au
