After listening to fellow comics complaining that there weren’t enough comedy rooms in Melbourne, Ben Hodson took the plunge and began one himself. After approaching ‘Plan B’ in Brunswick, he eventually found a home at Cue. As Ben explained “[Plan B] didn’t think that they were set up for it. Adam from Plan B, said that he used to work at the Cue… So I made my way down there, introduced myself to the wonderful Dougie and asked if he’d be interested. He was and the rest, as they say is history.”
A unique feature of the room is the random draw of the acts performing in the first bracket. With the excitement of a game show host, the MC draws the names from a hat and announces ‘Comic X, C’Mon Down!’ It’s a format that the comedians seem to like. “Its something quite different, and I’ve only had 2 mishaps. One where someone that was supposed to have been in the headline bracket had their name pulled out and had to jump up early (sorry again for that Simone). And once a new comic, who was there for his first spot just up and left before he’s name was pulled… There are at least 2 comics that almost every time they perform have had their names drawn first… I think I should book them on the same night one week to see what happens.”
When it comes to booking acts, Ben doesn’t have a particular philosophy. “If it’s someone new that I haven’t seen before I’d like them to at least pop in and see the vibe of the room to make sure its a place where they’d feel comfortable. My thinking is that I got a lot of chances when I was starting out and finding my comedic feet, so I’m trying to give something back.” Even when asked about his dream line up, Ben showed his support for the local acts. His list included George Carlin headlining, Daniel Kitson supporting, Evan Jones, Fox K, Scott Steensma and Alison Bice.”
Over the course of the room’s first year of existence, Ben has experienced highs, lows and many memorable moments such as “watching Evan Jones do a Dyslexic stage dive for the first time, having the PA system go out on us one night and having to run the night au naturel. [There was] also my one and only attempt at character comedy (a huge thanks to Ian Messig for helping cover my short comings with that one). [Running during the Comedy Festival] wasn’t as successful as I’d hoped. We had smaller crowds than usual and didn’t have that many people with festival shows come and flyer with us. But it’s a learning experience and I’ll know what to expect next year.” Ben acknowledged the support he received from a large section of the Melbourne Comedy community by “thanking each and every act that has made the last 12 months great and here’s hoping for at least another 12.”
After running a room, what advice does Ben have for anyone thinking of starting their own? “Do it, it is a bit of work, but I have found it totally worth it. Make sure, though, you have a supportive bar/venue, I have really lucked out there as I couldn’t imagine a more supporting place then the Cue. Also be persistent, if you have one or two bad weeks with low attendance don’t see it as a failure. Try and learn what isn’t working and try something different…Just don’t open on a Wednesday night, I’m like Telstra in that I’m not a fan of competition.”
Comedy Cmon Down celebrates it’s 1st birthday with a huge show on Wednesday the 18th of October with a special line up. “I’m getting all the original acts from the first night to perform again, with the exception of Pete Morley, who rudely went to Canada, so I have Evan Jones as the “Stand in Pete” for the night. For those of you that don’t remember the line up was Scott Steensma MCing, Col Cameron, Fox K and ‘Peter’ head lining. With Lou Pardi, Alison Bice, Peter Sharkey, Matty K, Ian Messig and myself doing 5’s… Also what 1st birthday would be complete without a cake and some party hats??
Comedy C’Mon Down runs every Wednesday at Cue ( 277 Brunswick St, Fitzroy). The show starts at 8:30. Many thanks to Ben for his time and thoughts.