OBSERVER: Comedy Republic
Comedy Republic, the independent comedy venue at 231 Bourke St, Melbourne, that launched during the 2020 lockdowns, celebrates its fifth birthday this July.
To mark the milestone, a one-night-only birthday gala will be presented at The Capitol Theatre on July 3, featuring Wil Anderson, Celia Pacquola, Rhys Nicholson, Tom Ballard, Geraldine Hickey and more.
After opening in 2020 with just 25 guests allowed through the doors, the Comedy Republic has grown into one of Australia’s leading comedy stages, hosting more than 42,000 audience members annually, building a loyal fanbase and championing local talent year-round.
Co-founded by comedians Kyran Nicholson, Rhys Nicholson and Alex Dyson, the Comedy Republic is a genuine survival story from the heart of Melbourne’s arts scene.
“I know it’s tradition to say nice things when it’s someone’s birthday, but even if Comedy Republic wasn’t turning five, I would say that quite simply, it is the best,” says Celia Pacquola. Comedian, Host of Thank God You’re Here.
“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,”
Opening during one of Victoria’s lockdown periods, the whole dream could have been dead before it began.
But after much persistence, a supportive Melbourne City Council and a city desperate for some laughs, five years on, Comedy Republic has grown exponentially.
The venue’s YouTube channel accumulated over 600,000 views and achieved subscriber growth exceeding 3000 per cent within the past six months alone, reflecting the global appetite for Melbourne-based comedy content.
Australian comedy legend and Gruen host Wil Anderson said of the venue: “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. 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“.
Integral to Comedy Republic’s success story is Replay Festival, held each July, which allows audiences to experience top-rated festival performances again or even dabble for the first time.
The festival plays an ever increasing role in supporting the local arts community, creating opportunities for local comedy talent in an otherwise quiet season.
Last year, the festival generated over $100,000 in revenue for the comedians and their teams, and this year aims to make an even greater impact with its expansion into a second venue, with more shows.
Birthday Gala Performance: July 3 at The Capitol Theatre, 113 Swanston St, Melbourne.
Tickets on sale now at: comedyrepublic.com.au
Pictured: Co-founders of the Comedy Republic: Rhys Nicholson, Alex Dyson and Kyran Nicholson.