Launching a comedy venue during a global pandemic feels like a pretty risky venture – but Melbourne’s Comedy Republic has managed to survive and thrive in the most trying of times.
Comedy Republic, launched by comedians Rhys and Kyran Nicholson and Alex Dyson, has become a staple comedy venue in Melbourne. Opening in June, 2020 (yes. . . THAT time), attendance was capped at 25 guests, and it was closed after only one weekend of opening.
But sheer persistence, support, and a city desperate for a laugh kept the dream alive. The venue has grown exponentially. . . Just last year, more than 42,000 guests came through the doors.
“I know it’s tradition to say nice things when it’s someone’s birthday, but even if Comedy Republic wasn't turning 5, I would say that quite simply, it is the best,” comedian and ‘Thank God You’re Here’ host Celia Pacquola says. “It has the wonderful feel of a venue run by comedy kids for comedy kids but everyone is an adult because it’s also a licensed bar. Ideal. Happy Birthday, please never ever ever ever close.”
In the current landscape of arts and entertainment venues shutting up shop and losing funding, Comedy Republic is a rare success story, with passionate comedy-lovers at the helm, running the show. Integral to its story is Replay Festival, held each July, allowing audiences to experience top-rated festival performances again, or even dabble for the first time.
Last year’s Replay Festival generated more than $100,000 in revenue for the comedians and their teams.
To celebrate five years of laughs, Comedy Republic will present the Comedy Republic 5th Birthday All-Star Extravagala. The event, held at The Capitol Theatre, will feature high-profile Aussie comics like Wil Anderson, Celia Pacquola, Tom Ballard, Geraldine Hickey and more.
“I have done 29 years of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, but my favourite of them all was the most recent that I performed at Comedy Republic. The entire venue is purpose built to enhance people’s experience of the night,” comedian and ‘Gruen’ host Will Anderson says.
“It is a room purpose-built for comedy because it was purpose-built by people who love comedy and you can feel it in the walls. In some ways it surprises me we are only celebrating five years of Comedy Republic, as it feels an established and vital part of both the Melbourne comedy scene but the arts scene in general.”
“The most exciting thing of all is that I know we are only in the opening chapter of this story, the real success of Comedy Republic will be seen in the future in the work of all the artists they have given the space to be their authentic and wonderful comedy selves and take the risks that are necessary for artists to evolve. Bravo to five years, and I can’t wait to see what is next and hope to play whatever part that they need me for.”
Tickets for the Comedy Republic 5th Birthday All-Star Extravagala are on sale now.
The Comedy Republic 5th Birthday All-Star Extravagala takes place at Capitol Theatre (Melbourne) 3 July.
