How I Learned to Hug is yet another masterfully crafted show by Jon Bennett, where he delves into the complex realms of love, loss, sex, and human connection. Set against the surreal backdrop of being detained as a suspected terrorist in the Montreal Airport by a security guard named "Karen".
Bennett weaves his story with his signature mix of humour, absurdity, and raw emotion. As the story unfolds, it becomes less of a love story and more of a reflection on how relationships and experiences shape our ability to connect with others on an emotional level—even something as seemingly simple as learning to hug.
The show has earned widespread acclaim and multiple awards, including Best Comedy at the San Diego Fringe (2018) and nominations for the Just for Laughs Award for Best Comedy (Montreal, 2014) and the Best Comedy Award at Perth Fringe World (2015). Bennett’s ability to combine hilarious observations with poignant personal revelations has made How I Learned to Hug a standout in his collection of storytelling shows.
Audiences and critics alike have praised Bennett's unique storytelling style, highlighting his capacity to blend humor with emotional depth. The show’s glowing reviews emphasize its ability to provoke both laughter and tears, with reviewers consistently acknowledging Bennett’s “masterful narrative skill” and “heart-warmingly honest” storytelling. With a mix of gut-busting humor and vulnerable sincerity, How I Learned to Hug showcases Bennett’s unparalleled ability to make the personal universal, leaving audiences moved, entertained, and contemplating their own journeys through love and human connection.
Fire in the Meth Lab is another compelling and personal show by Jon Bennett, where he dives into the chaotic and darkly humorous story of his brother's life. Through letters and candid reflections, Bennett unravels the ups and downs of his brother’s troubled existence, including encounters with crime, addiction, and prison. The show skillfully balances shocking revelations with Bennett’s characteristic comedic touch, making it both wildly entertaining and deeply moving.
This show explores heavier themes—such as family bonds, diverging life choices, and the consequences of addiction—but Bennett’s storytelling softens the intensity with moments of humor and tenderness. With stories of drug dealers, car chases, fights, and even cancer, Fire in the Meth Lab presents a gripping and heartfelt narrative about the complexities of sibling relationships and the unpredictable paths that life can take.
The unique mixture of outrageous anecdotes and sincere emotion allows audiences to connect with Bennett's personal story while also providing plenty of laughs along the way. It’s a reflection on how two brothers, raised in the same environment, can end up on very different life trajectories, yet still maintain a bond filled with love and humor.
"A hilarious and moving show by world-renowned Aussie comedian Jon Bennett (Fire in the Meth Lab, Pretending Things are a C*ck, AMERICAN'T) about life's unrepeatable moments.
A therapist once told me that my relentless drive to perform comes from the same place as my obsession with wildlife: “Because both are rare, unpredictable, and fleeting.” That insight inspired this show.
THIS is a live storytelling experience that explores the powerful connection between the magic of live performance and the thrill of encountering wild animals. It’s about presence, risk, and wonder, and the feeling that what you’re witnessing will never happen quite the same way again.
Using multimedia, comedy, and true stories from 17 years of touring through 58 countries, I share unforgettable moments from the weirdest gigs to the most surprising animal encounters. The show draws compelling parallels between nature and theatre, two things that ask us to pay attention, be present, and embrace the unpredictable.
Audiences can expect a funny, heartfelt, visually rich show that leaves them with a renewed love of live performance, a deeper respect for wildlife, and a better understanding of why we must protect what cannot be repeated, on stage or in the wild.
American't is Jon Bennett's latest comedic storytelling show, where he recounts the absurd and chaotic journey of trying to make the U.S. his home. After spending over a decade traveling the world with his shows, Bennett was forced back to his roots in rural Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Living once again with his conservative, religious family for over a year and a half, he faced a dramatic shift from his nomadic lifestyle.
Once pandemic restrictions eased, Bennett finally secured a way to leave Australia and move to the U.S., only to be arrested upon his arrival at the airport. In classic Bennett style, this show transforms his personal misadventures into a hilarious yet reflective narrative about resilience, identity, and the strange experiences that come with navigating life as an international performer.
As always, Bennett blends humor, personal anecdotes, and poignant observations, taking audiences through his rollercoaster of a journey—from his time back home to the chaos of moving across the world. It promises to be another of his raw, relatable, and side-splitting performances.
The show has garnered high praise and multiple awards, including the Patron’s Pick Award at Orlando Fringe (2024) and Best of Fringe at both Tampa Fringe (2023) and Kansas City Fringe (2023). Critics describe it as “a non-stop ride” and “Bennett’s best work,” with his signature blend of humour and emotion resonating deeply with audiences.
"A hilarious and moving show by world-renowned Aussie comedian Jon Bennett (Fire in the Meth Lab, Pretending Things are a C*ck, AMERICAN'T) about life's unrepeatable moments.
A therapist once told me that my relentless drive to perform comes from the same place as my obsession with wildlife: “Because both are rare, unpredictable, and fleeting.” That insight inspired this show.
THIS is a live storytelling experience that explores the powerful connection between the magic of live performance and the thrill of encountering wild animals. It’s about presence, risk, and wonder, and the feeling that what you’re witnessing will never happen quite the same way again.
Using multimedia, comedy, and true stories from 17 years of touring through 58 countries, I share unforgettable moments from the weirdest gigs to the most surprising animal encounters. The show draws compelling parallels between nature and theatre, two things that ask us to pay attention, be present, and embrace the unpredictable.
Audiences can expect a funny, heartfelt, visually rich show that leaves them with a renewed love of live performance, a deeper respect for wildlife, and a better understanding of why we must protect what cannot be repeated, on stage or in the wild.
American't is Jon Bennett's latest comedic storytelling show, where he recounts the absurd and chaotic journey of trying to make the U.S. his home. After spending over a decade traveling the world with his shows, Bennett was forced back to his roots in rural Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Living once again with his conservative, religious family for over a year and a half, he faced a dramatic shift from his nomadic lifestyle.
Once pandemic restrictions eased, Bennett finally secured a way to leave Australia and move to the U.S., only to be arrested upon his arrival at the airport. In classic Bennett style, this show transforms his personal misadventures into a hilarious yet reflective narrative about resilience, identity, and the strange experiences that come with navigating life as an international performer.
As always, Bennett blends humor, personal anecdotes, and poignant observations, taking audiences through his rollercoaster of a journey—from his time back home to the chaos of moving across the world. It promises to be another of his raw, relatable, and side-splitting performances.
The show has garnered high praise and multiple awards, including the Patron’s Pick Award at Orlando Fringe (2024) and Best of Fringe at both Tampa Fringe (2023) and Kansas City Fringe (2023). Critics describe it as “a non-stop ride” and “Bennett’s best work,” with his signature blend of humour and emotion resonating deeply with audiences.
Playing With Men is another deeply personal and thought-provoking show from Jon Bennett, reflecting on his early years as a talented junior footballer in Southern Australia. His football career, once filled with promise, faced an abrupt halt when real-life challenges and a community tragedy forced him to reconsider his path. Now, as a celebrated comedic storyteller, Bennett uses this show to explore themes of masculinity, community, friendships, life, and death, all through the lens of football.
Despite Bennett’s shift from the football field to the world stage as a multi-award-winning performer, Playing With Men touches on how certain experiences, especially those shaped by traditional masculinity, remain ever-present. It’s a mix of humor and heartbreak, with Bennett tackling heavy themes while never straying too far from his comedic roots.
The show has received critical acclaim, including a Just for Laughs Best Comedy Award nomination (Montreal Fringe, 2016), a Best Storytelling Award (Sydney Fringe, 2023), and an Outstanding Storytelling Award (Victoria Fringe, 2019). It has been described as both "side-splittingly funny" and "crushingly tragic," with Bennett's honesty, wit, and self-reflective charm captivating audiences.
Fire in the Meth Lab is another compelling and personal show by Jon Bennett, where he dives into the chaotic and darkly humorous story of his brother's life. Through letters and candid reflections, Bennett unravels the ups and downs of his brother’s troubled existence, including encounters with crime, addiction, and prison. The show skillfully balances shocking revelations with Bennett’s characteristic comedic touch, making it both wildly entertaining and deeply moving.
This show explores heavier themes—such as family bonds, diverging life choices, and the consequences of addiction—but Bennett’s storytelling softens the intensity with moments of humor and tenderness. With stories of drug dealers, car chases, fights, and even cancer, Fire in the Meth Lab presents a gripping and heartfelt narrative about the complexities of sibling relationships and the unpredictable paths that life can take.
The unique mixture of outrageous anecdotes and sincere emotion allows audiences to connect with Bennett's personal story while also providing plenty of laughs along the way. It’s a reflection on how two brothers, raised in the same environment, can end up on very different life trajectories, yet still maintain a bond filled with love and humor.
Fire in the Meth Lab is another compelling and personal show by Jon Bennett, where he dives into the chaotic and darkly humorous story of his brother's life. Through letters and candid reflections, Bennett unravels the ups and downs of his brother’s troubled existence, including encounters with crime, addiction, and prison. The show skillfully balances shocking revelations with Bennett’s characteristic comedic touch, making it both wildly entertaining and deeply moving.
This show explores heavier themes—such as family bonds, diverging life choices, and the consequences of addiction—but Bennett’s storytelling softens the intensity with moments of humor and tenderness. With stories of drug dealers, car chases, fights, and even cancer, Fire in the Meth Lab presents a gripping and heartfelt narrative about the complexities of sibling relationships and the unpredictable paths that life can take.
The unique mixture of outrageous anecdotes and sincere emotion allows audiences to connect with Bennett's personal story while also providing plenty of laughs along the way. It’s a reflection on how two brothers, raised in the same environment, can end up on very different life trajectories, yet still maintain a bond filled with love and humor.
"A hilarious and moving show by world-renowned Aussie comedian Jon Bennett (Fire in the Meth Lab, Pretending Things are a C*ck, AMERICAN'T) about life's unrepeatable moments.
A therapist once told me that my relentless drive to perform comes from the same place as my obsession with wildlife: “Because both are rare, unpredictable, and fleeting.” That insight inspired this show.
THIS is a live storytelling experience that explores the powerful connection between the magic of live performance and the thrill of encountering wild animals. It’s about presence, risk, and wonder, and the feeling that what you’re witnessing will never happen quite the same way again.
Using multimedia, comedy, and true stories from 17 years of touring through 58 countries, I share unforgettable moments from the weirdest gigs to the most surprising animal encounters. The show draws compelling parallels between nature and theatre, two things that ask us to pay attention, be present, and embrace the unpredictable.
Audiences can expect a funny, heartfelt, visually rich show that leaves them with a renewed love of live performance, a deeper respect for wildlife, and a better understanding of why we must protect what cannot be repeated, on stage or in the wild.
Tickets: https://virtuallyfringe.com/orlandofringe/show/210580/Jon-Bennett--My-Dads-Deaths
Jon Bennett (Pretending Things are a Cock) and Rhian Wood-Hill are on tour in NZ and it is going to be WILD. Gambling, drugs, arson, and the funniest use of PowerPoint you've ever seen are coming to a town near you. Don't miss this one!
🔥 NELSON 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/891388334351917
🔥 CHRISTCHURCH 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/133362034083059
🔥 CHCH DOUBLE DAD SPECIAL 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/159702934629151
🔥 TIMARU 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/370016963418878
🔥 DUNEDIN 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/518653841822078
🔥 PICTON 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/127345224690559
🔥 HASTINGS 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/624238527966342
🔥 NAPIER 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/932800420204961
🔥 ROTORUA 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/396877347382016
🔥 RAGLAN 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/380658582386038
🔥 WHANGAREI 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/695794087284644
🔥 AUCKLAND 🔥
www.basementtheatre.co.nz
🔥 WHANGANUI 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/307819836361158
🔥 WELLINGTON 🔥
www.facebook.com/events/1803199249970031
Paramount Theatre 713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Tickets: https://themoth.org/events/results?eventLocations=11238&typesOfEvents=&eventDate=
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/530310060508885/?notif_t=plan_user_joined¬if_id=1480628432982483
Jon Bennett’s dad always wanted his son to be an author… like Banjo Patterson. From the creator of the internationally acclaimed Pretending Things Are a Cock comes the story of the strange relationship between a comedian and his extremely conservative father; a man who has died… more than once.
Dear Brother,
How’s jail? I’ve written a show about you, is that ok? You’re in jail so you can’t really say no.
Love from your little brother, Jon
Jon Bennett’s dad always wanted his son to be an author… like Banjo Patterson. From the creator of the internationally acclaimed Pretending Things Are a Cock comes the story of the strange relationship between a comedian and his extremely conservative father; a man who has died… more than once.
Pretending Things are a Cock is the product of Bennett’s three years of global wandering, and combines the artistic, phallic-filled photographic display with hilarious and surprisingly heart-wrenching tales from Bennett’s life.
This Just for Laughs award-nominated show for Best Comedy has now been performed to sell-out audiences and critical acclaim world wide. The show has toured to some of the biggest festivals in the world including the renowned Edinburgh Fringe (2012) and Just for Laughs Zoofest in Montreal (2013).
A unique stand-up experience, PTAAC is a hilarious, but also strangely affecting pot-holed journey into the idiosyncratic world of Jon Bennett.
Jon Bennett’s dad always wanted his son to be an author… like Banjo Patterson. From the creator of the internationally acclaimed Pretending Things Are a Cock comes the story of the strange relationship between a comedian and his extremely conservative father; a man who has died… more than once.
Dear Brother,
How’s jail? I’ve written a show about you, is that ok? You’re in jail so you can’t really say no.
Love from your little brother, Jon
Jon Bennett (5 x Just For Laughs Award nominee and Moth Story Slam Winner) was a great junior footballer in South Australia. He was set to ‘MAKE IT’ until he started playing with men… real men. His football career came crashing down when a community tragedy made him re-evaluate his life. It’s about community, friendships, life and death and football.
Dear Brother,
How’s jail? I’ve written a show about you, is that ok? You’re in jail so you can’t really say no.
Love from your little brother, Jon
A story of love, loss, sex and hugging told to a female version of the rapper Jay Z while detained as a suspected terrorist in Montreal Airport. A true story.
Best Solo Show Winner, Audience Best in Venue Fringe Award, Sell Out Show Award (Orlando Fringe)
5x Just For Laughs Best Comedy Show nominee (Montreal Fringe 2010/12/13/14/15)
★★★★★ The Sunday Mail (UK)
Jon Bennett (5 x Just For Laughs Award nominee and Moth Story Slam Winner) was a great junior footballer in South Australia. He was set to ‘MAKE IT’ until he started playing with men… real men. His football career came crashing down when a community tragedy made him re-evaluate his life. It’s about community, friendships, life and death and football.