Bruce began stand-up in July 1995 after over a decade of writing for some of Australia's biggest names in comedy. His output has been voraciously consumed by Andrew Denton, Paul McDermott, Doug Mulray, Amanda Keller, Adam Spencer, Elle McFeast and Artist Services' and the comedy channel's sketch comedy ensembles.He initially ventured onstage ''just to do something with the leftover material''. Six months later he won the NSW Final of the Funny Business/Triple J ''Make Me Laugh'' Award, and in a fortnight was performing at the 1996 Adelaide Fringe Festival on invitation. He was subsequently recorded for Channel 31's ''Comedy Unlimited'' program, and in December went on to win Comic Of The Year and appear on the ''McFeast New Year's Eve Special''.
