Vale Joseph McGrail-Bateup, born Goulburn, NSW, August 27, 1967; died Canberra, July 31, 2026.

Canberra’s theatre community is mourning the sudden death of actor, town crier and Guinness World Record holder Joseph “Joe” McGrail-Bateup, who died at his Gordon home on July 31. He was 58.

A familiar and much-loved figure on Canberra stages, McGrail-Bateup began performing with Goulburn’s Lieder Theatre before moving to Canberra, where he appeared in numerous musicals, short films and commercials.

He was a regular performer in Canberra Rep’s Old Time Music Hall productions for many years and was the long-time voice announcing the annual CAT Awards.

He also spent many years performing with the Dirty Dick’s theatre restaurant company, also serving as its producer.

Away from the stage, he was well known as the creator and host of The No-Name Trivia Show, attracting celebrity guests from Australia and overseas, and as a regular participant in the UK’s International Quiz of the Week.

In 2017 he was appointed Canberra’s honorary town crier, adopting the title “Lord Joseph”, and quickly became a colourful fixture at community events, fetes and car shows.

His booming voice brought him international attention in June, only weeks before his death, when Guinness World Records recognised him for the loudest shout ever recorded by an individual, 122.4 decibels, eclipsing the previous record set in 1994. He had earlier entered the record books in 2019 for the fastest time to shoot 10 arrows into a target.

Joe McGrail-Bateup is survived by his daughter, Audrey.  Funeral will be held at Craig’s Hill Chapel in Goulburn on Friday, August 14 at 11am.

                                                –HELEN MUSA

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