Tom Walker
A frantic clown who refuses to stop talking during his mime.
3 specials · 2017–2020
Start with Very Very, the most honored (2020 · 51 min · Prime Video)
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He approaches the mic with the intensity of a desperate clown. He operates as a mime who refuses to shut up. He will build an elaborate invisible scene, like a high-speed Western shootout or a romantic entanglement with a coat, while maintaining a running, panicked commentary. He controls his own sound effects live using a handheld clicker, locking his physical pivots to perfectly timed audio cues. He operates at a sprint, usually sweating through his shirt within the first fifteen minutes.
Specials
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An angry fake news reporter rants during off-air charity broadcast lulls.
JonathanPie.com · 65 min
On stage
Operating at the intersection of festival clowning, Twitch streaming, and alternative standup, he occupies a strange lane in the Australian comedy scene. He pulls physical performance art into conventional clubs, bridging the gap between strict theater training and frantic absurdity.
His physical mechanics are entirely clear. You always know exactly what invisible object he is holding, even when the premise devolves into something bizarre. He uses crowd work differently than a traditional comic, occasionally tossing an imaginary item into the dark and waiting for a stranger to throw it back. The velocity of his act can leave a casual crowd behind, but his willingness to look foolish usually gets them on board.
He trained in Paris under clown instructor Philippe Gaulier, an experience that explains his rigid commitment to a bit and his comfort with a quiet room. He frequently collaborates on audio projects with his wife, comedian Demi Lardner.
Turning points
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2015–2016
Viral Breakthrough of Jonathan Pie
The irate spoof reporter Jonathan Pie went viral internationally following the 2016 US presidential election, spawning widespread live tours and BBC broadcast specials.
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Premature Barry Award Tattoo Incident
Walker tattooed 'Barry Award Winner 2017' on his arm in anticipation of winning the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award, later crossing it out after Hannah Gadsby won.
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Amazon Prime Release of Very Very
His mime-centric stage show Very Very, directed by Zoë Coombs Marr, was picked up and released globally as an Amazon Prime Video special.
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Warp Speed Grand Theft Auto Twitch Run
Walker embarked on a months-long Twitch streaming run of Grand Theft Auto IV with a high-speed mod, gaining viral acclaim as an unhinged slapstick spectacle.
At a glance
Fans also like
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Aaron Chen
Chen performed with Walker in the troupe Feeble Minds and invited him onto Aaron Chen Tonight, sharing a distinct brand of deadpan Australian alternative comedy.
Podcasts
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bigsofttitty.png · co-host
An offbeat comedy podcast co-hosted by Tom Walker and Demi Lardner featuring surreal banter and comedic discussions.
Also on screen
- Whose Line Is It Anyway? Australia
- Growing Up Gracefully
- Drunk History: Australia
- The Hamlet Factory
- 2023–2025
- Call Jonathan Pie
A clip to start with
Tom Walker - Comedy Up Late 2017 (S5, E9)