Runner-up title for Gavin
The future is promising for Drouin’s Gavin Sempel after the stand-up comedian placed runner-up in the “Raw Comedy” open mic competition.
Gavin outclassed more than 1000 competitors to make the national final of the competition. It was held during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Joining 10 others in the national final, 20-year-old Gavin held his nerve in front of a huge crowd.
“(I learnt) how much I love an audience of 1200 people.”
“The set went really, really well,” he said. “It was just such a good show, everyone brought their A game.”
New South Wales finalist Bec Melrose took out the major prize - jetting off to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
However, as runner-up, Gavin won more than just a $300 prize. Utilising his success in the prestigious competition will give his career a huge boost.
Gavin also had great success with solo show, “Plain and Sempel”, at the Basement Café in Melbourne during the comedy festival. He sold-out two nights and was close to capacity at a third.
Gavin, who dropped out of law studies to pursue stand-up comedy, will now use his new national runner-up title to attract more gigs. The “Raw Comedy” national final will appear on TV in late September to early October, a huge thrill for Gavin.
His next goal is to perform at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s “Oxfam Gala”.
“It’s the big time. That’s my goal.”