What's on

Andrew Hamilton – Jokes about the time I went to Prison

Ballarat Mechanics Institute

117-119 Sturt Street,
Ballarat Central VIC 3350

Get directions

  • Fri 11 Jul

7:30pm–9pm

$35 - $50

Includes gst and booking fee

In 2021, Andrew Hamilton spent four months in two of Sydney's maximum-security prisons for the commercial supply of psychedelic drugs. While incarcerated, Andrew began noticing the transportive power of laughter. After all, if a joke can make you forget you are in prison, what else can it do?

Upon his release, Andrew took up stand-up comedy, initially under strict bail conditions where his parents had to come with him to shows, and he had to be home in time for curfew.

A year later, Andrew performed his debut solo show, 'Jokes About the Time I Went to Prison', at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Andrew's show garnered him critical acclaim, along with a nomination for Best Newcomer.

Following the success of 'Jokes About the Time I Went to Prison,' Andrew performed sold-out festival shows with his follow up hour, 'Shit Bloke' in 2024. He embarked on his first solo headline tour later that year, performing to packed rooms all throughout the country. The tour aligned with the release of Andrew's autobiography, 'The Profound Benefits of a Stint in Prison' (Affirm Press).

Andrew's viral online appearances have attracted over a billion views, and earned him an international following, initially as a member of the viral YouTube channel, YeahMadTV, and now with 'The OG Crew'.

Content: The Ballaarat Mechanics Institute

Accessibility Information

  • Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.

Please note: The accessibility information above is provided by the business operator. For more information, please contact the business directly.

Visitor Information Centres

Ballarat Town Hall
225 Sturt Street
Ballarat VIC 3350

Ballarat Botanical Gardens
401-405 Wendouree Parade
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350

Acknowledgement of Country

Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities. These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.

We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years. As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.


©️ 2025 Visit Ballarat. This initiative is funded by the City of Ballarat and Tourism Midwest Victoria.