Beginning in 2005, Bad Ass Comedy has quickly become an established weekly fixture in Melbourne’s stand up circuit. It showcases many of Melbourne’s established and emerging stand up talent. Seasoned veterans such as Brad Oakes, Chris Bennett, Hung Le and Michael Chamberlin have graced the Bad Ass stage along side many newer names.
The venue itself is pretty interesting, consisting of three rooms of varying exotic themes that is described as “An eclectic spin around the southern hemisphere”. The main room has an orange colour scheme and an African wall mural. This is where the comedy takes place with comfy couches along the walls and table seating in the central space before the stage. There is also what appears to be a Disco Room at the rear of the pub with a set of DJ Decks and some large Bongo Drums ready for some dance action. Off to the side of the main room is a quite cosy room with an fireplace and large leather couch that looks like the lounge room of a English Estate. This mixture of décor fits the nomadic name, “Drifter’s Alibi”, very well. The pub also has a kitchen where a mouth watering array of dishes are available for a pre show meal.
The price of admission includes your first drink and the friendly bar staff will happily serve you additional refreshments during the evening.
A word of warning to the sensitive non smokers amongst you, the room gets quite smoky as the night progresses with very few spaces of clear air. Even on one of their rare quiet nights, I managed to come home smelling like an ashtray.
The structure of the evening is of the three sets of entertainment variety. With only one or two acts per bracket, each performer is allowed to shine in the spotlight without the kind of “Conveyor Belt” feel that may come from a bracket that tries to pack in too many acts. I did find it strange that the first break seemed to come around rather quickly, after only the MC’s introductory banter and a short spot by the opening Comedian. Maybe I’m too used to the bladder bursting marathons that occur at some other rooms.
The room attracts a predominantly young crowd that are definitely there to enjoy themselves. Although copious amounts of alcohol can cause some audience members to get rather vocal, it is never malicious and I’ve seen the performers handle it with charm and good humour. Even on the odd slow night, the show will go on and the lucky few will be treated to a great night’s entertainment.
If you are looking to break up your working week with an fun evening of Stand Up, Bad Ass Comedy is the perfect place to be.
Bad Ass Comedy is on every Wednesday at Drifter’s Alibi (1 Crockford St, Port Melbourne) with the action kicking off at 8:30 pm. For more information check out Bad Ass Comedy