Laughter, as they say, is medicine for the soul, and North Melbourne’s Comic’s Lounge is a haven for relaxation and laughter. Presenting some of the brightest sparks of Melbournian, interstate and international comedians six nights a week, the atmosphere in the Lounge is kooky, upbeat and welcoming. Visitors are greeted at the door and directed to the upstairs lounge, where they are invited to recline on one of the zebra-striped lounge suites before the show begins in the main show room. Despite the apparent spontaneity with which the door and wait staff greet their guests and the lounge’s electric atmosphere, it is obvious that the Comic Lounge’s catering facilities run with an efficiency that can only be derived from experience and thoughtful planning: the service of drinks and meals is exceptional, with the wait staff delivering orders promptly and with a manner of enthusiasm that one soon learns is characteristic of the Comedy Lounge staff.
Upon the announcement that the show is about to commence, guests are invited into the main show room, which is the largest of its kind in Australia (the main show room seats 450 people, making it ideal for corporate nights out). Such is the versatility of the show room that The Comedy Lounge is proud to be able to cater for a wide range of events, and despite its size, it would be surprising to see many vacant tables amongst the audience. The lighting, sound and video production facilities provided each comedian with his own unique introduction to the stage – flashing lights, thumping music and of course, the cheers of recognition from the audience as well-known comedians danced, strode or skipped onto the stage to greet their fans. The Comic Lounge’s team of delightful staff remains on standby throughout the evening’s performances to assist guests, and acts are interspersed with breaks to allow the audience to obtain refreshments from one of the two bars available. During the breaks, many of the comedians themselves actually mingle with their audience, and can be found relaxing in the lounge themselves.
The aim of each performance, as the Comedy Lounge’s website professes, is to “make you laugh your ass off,” and this reviewer would consider it safe to say that this aim was thoroughly accomplished. Stand-up, improvisation, theatre and sketch are all on offer at the Comedy Lounge. The MC John Burgos repeatedly threw the crowd into hysterics with his lightening-quick satirical observations of life in Melbourne, while the evening’s headline act, Colin “Big Col” Cole mesmerized the audience by morphing from a playful giant to a riot-raising, boundary- shoving daredevil.
Nobody leaves the Comedy Lounge deprived of entertainment, but several members of the audience left complaining of the stomachaches they’d earned during the course of their laughter throughout the evening. Day-to-day stresses are quickly forgotten once one steps into the Comedy Lounge: perhaps the only difficult aspect of the entire experience is stifling one’s own laughter whilst trying to clamor down the stairs at the end of the evening. At least guests don’t have to walk far though – the Comedy Lounge is luckily situated near free parking and easy access to public transport. Whatever your tastes, comedians at the Comedy Lounge offers comedy stylings to suit even the sternest of critics.
by Karajane Chapman
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