Some might say stand-up comedy is a forgotten art, but not us here at the BRAG. All across Sydney, comics are treading the boards, baring their souls and making us laugh. We asked some of Sydney’s best comedy venues to tell us what funnies they’ve got in store.
Where: Harold Park Hotel, 70A Ross Street, Glebe
The talent: We have a good mix of new, rising and big-name comedy talent, every Tuesday at the original home of Sydney comedy, Harold Park Hotel, Glebe. The room is not open mic and all acts are hand-selected to ensure the best quality and diversity of style and experience.
The first three Tuesdays of the month are Up and Comer Showcases with new and emerging talent and a pro emcee, and as a special treat for February, a world-class headliner each week. Then the last Tuesday of the month is a Comedy Gala where we showcase the best of all levels of comedy.
Stellar pros we have on through February include Joel Ozborn, Andrew Barnett, Dan Rath, Michele Betts, Ray Badran and The Stevenson Experience, plus loads more!
Bevvy of choice: We are very lucky to have Coopers Brewery as a supporter, so there will be delicious $5 Coopers schooners all night at the bar in the comedy room.
Tell us a joke:
Q: What is it called when fans of a pop music star try to rig the triple j Hottest 100?
A: Pulling a Swifty.
Cost: The Up and Comer Showcase on Tuesday February 17 is just $10 on the door, and the Comedy Gala on Tuesday February 24 is just $15 online (plus bf) through Eventfinda or $20 at the door. Plus there are super tasty two-for-one meals all night, and don’t forget those $5 schooners of Coopers!
When: Every Tuesday at 8pm
More: thelaughstand.tumblr.com
Where: Rock Lily, The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont
The talent: Headline act Rhys Nicholson. Support acts Andrew Barnett and Corey White. Host Tommy Dean.
Bevvy of choice: Anything tequila! We’ve got one of the largest tequila selections in Sydney.
Tell us a joke: A screwdriver walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Hey, we have a drink named after you!”
The screwdriver responds, “You have a drink named Murray?”
Cost: Free entry! $5 local beers, house spirits and house wines from 5pm-midnight every Thursday.
When: 7:30pm Thursday February 26 and the last Thursday of every month.
More: star.com.au
Where: The Workers Bar & Kitchen, L1/292 Darling Street, Balmain
The talent: Matt Okine (with support from Gen Fricker)
Bevvy of choice: $5 beers, mate. Failing that, we have a cracker of a new cocktail menu that you’ll be dying to get into.
Tell us a joke: Two nuns are driving through Transylvania when Dracula jumps out onto the bonnet. “Quickly!” says the first, “Show him your cross!”
The other winds down the window, leans out and yells, “Get off our fecking car, you bloody bastard!”
We’ll assume that Matt Okine will be funnier than we are…
Cost: Tickets $20+bf from Eventbrite – book now as this event will sell out!
When: Wednesday February 18. Doors from 5pm, show starts at 8pm.
More: theworkersbalmain.com.au
HAPPY ENDINGS COMEDY CLUB
Where: The Unicorn, 106 Oxford Street, Paddington
The talent: Next Wednesday February 18, it’s Cam Knight – one of the most on fire comics in the country. Plus Peter Meisel– if you haven’t heard Pete yet, give it time. He is from New York. You will hear him! And Nikki Britton – a regular at Sydney’s Comedy Store who has recently toured with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow and the Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase across Australia.
Bevvy of choice: Comedy is for the working class, and there’s nothing more working class than a Boiler Maker – Brooklyn Lager and a shot of Bulleit bourbon.
Tell us a joke: A man walks into a bar with a giraffe and sits at the bar. The giraffe has too many drinks and falls off his stool. The man gets up to walk out and the bartender says, “You can’t leave that lyin’ there!”
The man replies, “It’s not a lion, it’s a giraffe.”
Cost: $15 entry. Our beliefs rest upon serving quality food at a fair price. 300g rump steaks with your choice of two sides for $10 is the comedy night special. A Boiler Maker is $10, house wine $6.50. Lots of people drop in early for happy hour from 5-7pm to take advantage of our $4 house draft beer and wine.
When: 8pm every Wednesday
More: theunicornhotel.com. Book a table at 02 9360 7994
Where: Hive Bar, 93 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville
The talent: Hosted by local heroes Sam Kissajukian and Sean Michaels. The show has a professional headline comic with a variety of talented comedians from around Sydney. The night is loose, casual and relaxed. It’s less like a show and more like hanging out with hilarious friends.
Bevvy of choice: Craft beers on tap.
Tell us a joke: You can freak out librarians by borrowing weird combinations of books. Like, every book on cooking and one book on cannibalism.
Cost: $10 at the door. Drinks and dinner can be ordered at the bar.
When: Every Thursday. Doors open at 7.30pm. Show starts at 8pm.
More: www.facebook.com/hivebaha
