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About John Knowles

John Knowles is professional storyteller, writer, comedian and corporate trainer. He can be heard regularly on ABC702 Afternoons with James Valentine performing his storytelling show I Can Top That!. John hosts “BESPOKEN WORD”, a monthly storytelling night at Petersham Bowling Club and performs at professional storytelling events around Australia. He has taught storytelling for performance for four years and recently featured on a special double episode (2 hours) of ABC 702 Conversations with Richard Fidler where John told stories and was interviewed about his uncanny ability to turn family recollections into festival stage shows.

Originally from Dartmouth Canada, John worked his way around the globe on a german container ship before stepping ashore in 1984 and making Sydney his home. He trained at Ryerson Acting School, toured with a cabaret trio called “GODS COWBOYS” and represented Australia at the World Theatresports Championships. His own shows include “Storytiller”, “FourFathers”, “IMPROZAC” and “Cops On Heat”.

John has written and performed his shows at most of the major Comedy and Fringe festivals, collecting the Moosehead Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for his one-man show John Knowles Is Saddle Sore, a bittersweet memoir about his life growing up the wimpy son of a tough rodeo cowboy.

"John puts the simplicity back into storytelling and the heart back into humour"

Weekend Notes Review

"John Knowless I Can Top That! was a night of laughter and joy, unfiltered, uncensored, and highly personable storytelling. I’d highly recommend attending this event. "

• Whats On Sydney

"I enjoyed your course very much. You made it a safe space for us all and your insights into storytelling were invaluable. Most of all, I liked listening to everyone’s stories – especially yours! Second most off all, I enjoyed the opportunity to be silly "

• Penny Robertshawe, Sydney Community College student of John’s course