Comedians Wil Anderson and Dave Hughes are at important stages in their careers. At least that’s what they think. Others will tell you they are both past that moment when you move from being a pub standup to a brand name comic.

That’s why the two can mount their own stand up shows in Sydney now without the crunch of a support cast or boozed up audience.

"You’ve got to do a show up here to make it worthwhile" says Hughes of his career.

"You want a decent profile that comes from doing a show when people see you specifically rather than just see you in some dingy pub somewhere."

Anderson has taken the leap already in Sydney, doing a three-week season at the Globe in Newtown. He too wants to get to that "show" stage rather than having to do pub standup.

"To do it you’ve got to get up there and do seasons where no one sees your shows," he says

"We’re young and stupid enough not to have too much to lose out of it but at least enough profile so someone might come to them"

Their humility betrays their status.

Anderson is already well on his way to wherever he wants to go. He’s a regular television performer and has staged five different solo shows around the country, even taking Wilennium to the notoriously ruthless Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1999. And there’s his breakfast gig co-hosting on the national youth network, Triple J. Not that that is the promotional vehicle it could be, he smiles.

"Yeah the double barrel of the ABC where you can have a national radio show but you can’t mention the fact you’re doing any work outside. It’s like being in the world’s most high-profile witness-protection program."

Hughes also has the radio and TV gigs, including a co-hosting role with two former footballers on the comedychannel’s The Java Lounge that suits his laconic charm just fine.

Hughes also realises now is the time to take the next step. "If you’re pulling a crowd yourself, you don’t want some dodgy promoter to be making a lot of money and giving you nothing"

"Especially when you’re already paying your dodgy promoter to manage your career" Anderson ships in, across the table from that very same manager.

"That way you can walk into his office and see where your money’s going. Sometimes the strippers will be just leaving."

Anderson, a former journalist, has adopted Sydney and, as far as he’s concerned, that’s all Sydney audiences need to know about his comedy. As far as the laid back Hughsie, the often hyper Anderson can do the talking.

"Sydney needs to know its not often you can find comics in a room who all agree on somebody they enjoy watching and that’s almost unanimously Hughsie.

"And I live here now so I’m Sydney’s favourite new local comic" he adds. "It’s my hometown, Sydney. I love you guys. Support Sydney talent. As long as nobody reads this in Melbourne, I’m here for life!"

Sydney Life, Daily Telegraph, 10/11/00, Michael Bodley.

Age: 30

How did you get into comedy? I died in front of a small comedy club audience in Perth my first night. I thought i was funny, they didn't. How ashamed they must feel now.

Describe your sense of humour My sense of humour is simple but complex. It works on many levels which enables me to connect with all layers of society, from the lowest of scum to the people of quality.

What's your best/favourite joke? A father shouldn't play favourites. Every line i've ever devised contains nuggets of genius. Plus i don't tell jokes, I'm not a bonbon.

Worst moment on stage? I've played in front f many audiences that dind't deserve me. The pain i've felt has been more for them than me. If only they had an education.

Best moment on stage? I expect to kill, so when it happens there is no high.

-Vogue April 2001