Stand-up comedy is an art form requiring tremendous courage, quick wit and unique charm. Speaking directly to a live audience, the performance can deliver the comic terrific euphoria, or bewildering frustration, as the humour lands perfectly or somehow misses the mark. It is acknowledged as the freest form of comedy writing and regarded as an extension of the person performing, who often draws upon their own lived experience.

Doug Chappel is a Melbourne based comedian who draws on such experience, citing that he performs 'routines' rather than 'jokes'. His is a career that has provided many triumphs, much travel and a very occasional silence. He takes this all in his stride and as potential fodder for future material.

Chappel has been a professional comedian for over 10 years and delivers his work with engaging energy, a flexible face, amusing observation and buckets of charm. He has toured internationally, been the headline act in every major comedy club in Australia, while also headlining Comedy Clubs all over the UK, Ireland and Scotland. He has performed in the exclusive Jongleurs Comedy Club London and The World Famous London Comedy Store.

Doug has also performed in over 15 Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows, alongside some of the country's biggest names & he is a popular choice amongst some of Australia's biggest Football Clubs, Sportsmen Nights, Charity Events and Corporate Functions.

He has performed for our troops in Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands, played cruise ships, worked with indigenous communities and schools and toured with some big personalities. All contributing to a rich palette of experiences and shaping his comic sensibilities.

Chappel is currently in training for a Boxing bout on August 2nd when he takes a different sort of centre-stage. Pretender to Contender gives every-day people the opportunity to take centre stage and test themselves under the bright lights of Victoria's premiere boxing venue, the Melbourne Pavilion.

Doug joined Stages to to discuss the joys and bruises of the comedy stage and in the ring.

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