Comedy Game, The

1 9 7 1 (Australia)
7 x 30 minute episodes
1 9 7 3 (Australia)
7 x 30 minute episodes

This anthology series of one-off comedy plays by Australian writers was produced by the Australian Broadcasting Commission and was based on the UK’s Comedy Playhouse series.

Intended as a showcase, each 30-minute comedy was regarded as a possible pilot for a new series.

The cast included Max Cullen, Gordon Piper, Judy Morris, Grahame Bond, John Meillon, Wendy Blacklock, Sheila Kennelly, John Hamblin, Mike Dorsey, Bill Peach, Cul Cullen, Benita Collings, Rory O’Donoghue, Kate Fitzpatrick, John Derum, Robyn Nevin and Jacki Weaver.

The network commissioned several comedy series as a result, including A Nice Day at the Office (with Rod McLennan and Neil Fitzpatrick), Scattergood (starring Max Cullen), Our Man in Canberra (reimagined as Our Man in the Company) and The Aunty Jack Show.

A second series of seven new comedies returned in February 1973. Cast members in these episodes included Garry McDonald, Peter Sumner, and Ron Frazer. This series spawned another Grahame Bond success, Flash Nick from Jindavick.

Episodes

Nice Day at the Office | Use No Hooks | Our Man in Canberra | Gaudeamus Igitur | Scattergood | Aunty Jack’s Travelling Show | Arthur || Fat Max | Catch What I Mean? | Birth, Death and Marriage | The Engagement Party | Flash Nick from Jindavick: Part 1 | Flash Nick from Jindavick: Part 2 | The Only One Left