Rod Quantock

Rod Quantock is one of the reasons that Melbourne is the live comedy capital of Australia. As a pioneer of stand-up comedy, Rod has more than fifty years’ experience working in cabaret, theatre, television and radio.

Rod is known first and foremost as a very funny man, but his reach extends beyond comedy into political and social activism. A passionate environmental activist and advocate for social justice, he lobs Molotov cocktails of mirth at the most serious of subjects. When you see Rod Quantock in action, you can be sure he’ll be talking about something of substance; he just may be holding a rubber chicken.

The truly remarkable thing about Rod is that for that time he has remained a contemporary stand-up comedian, evolving and staying at the forefront of the craft. His contribution was rewarded when he received the 2004 Sydney Myer Performing Arts Award, putting him in the company of such arts luminaries as Robyn Nevin, Nick Enright & Paul Grabowsky.

In 2015 Rod was recognized with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his service to the performing arts, and to conservation and sustainability. He has also received an Honorary Associate Fellowship at the Institute of Sustainability at Melbourne University for his contribution to the environmental debate in this country. His career and contribution are unparalleled.

To celebrate Rod’s 50th year of performing stand-up, he returned with a brand-new show Happy Birthday to Me at the Arts Centre as part of the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

“A living Melbourne treasure” – The Age, Melbourne

“Sophisticated satire, unpretentious, daffy. His easy rambling fills the stage. Clever, simple and acid… a comedian for thinkers.” – The Melbourne Times

“For sheer cheek and inventiveness, the amazing Rod Quantock must take the honours. Bizarre, fresh, theatrically dangerous, unpredictable” – The Guardian, London

“Quantock is hilarious, accessible & passionate.” – Herald Sun

“…always funny, intelligent and socially responsible” – Herald Sun, Melbourne

“Rod Quantock is still our best political comedian. He may simply be our best comedian.” – Herald Sun