What is so funny about Adelaide? Is it that we keep changing our marijuana laws every year or so? Each time making them increasingly complicated forgetting that they are meant for a group of people whose minds have an ever decreasing capacity. Is it that we keep insisting we are a city?
The city of churches. To be honest many of them are now bridal shops and nightclubs inside former church buildings that boast imaginative names like “Church” and “The Chapel” and “The Cathedral”. A city with world class former tourist attractions like The Adelaide Grand Prix (now in its 11th year of being hosted by Melbourne), Magic Mountain (a fibreglass poo which the Council has finally poo-a-scooped and thrown away) and Dazzleland (a theme park which had no land and definitely did not dazzle). Now we have… well we have the locals, 4 brass pigs and two massive testicles in Rundle Mall.
Adelaide may seem to lack heart, but we definitely have balls!
That said Adelaide does have a proud tradition of producing great comedians including Mickey D, Dave Williams and Adam Hills. Sure, technically Adam is from Sydney, but he did spend a number of years in Adelaide working on a little breakfast radio show. He is Adelaide’s own in the same way Russell Crowe and Mel Gibson are Australia’s own.
Other comedy greats to call Adelaide home are; Hannah Gadsby (Raw Comedy National Winner 2006) Steve Sheehan (2004), Emily O’Loghlin (2001), Lleyton Hewitt, Amanda Vanstone, Jason Gillespe’s mullet, Alexander Downer and Bruce McAvaney – now that’s special.
Let’s face it if you live in Adelaide you have got two choices, laugh or cry. Thank goodness many people choose laughter. This small town is big on comedy and comedy venues.
| Venue | Rhino Room |
| Address | 13 Frome Street, Adelaide |
| Times | Wednesday and Friday 8.30pm |
| Cost | $8 / $6 concession |
| Website | http://www.adelaidecomedy.com/rhino.html |
Atmosphere
A small room means it is intimate and personal and it works if there is a crowd of 8 or 80. Don’t heckle in this room because the comedian can see who you are and to be honest can probably reach you from the stage. Chances are they will also be sitting next to you at the end of their set. A bar is available, smoking is allowed in the bar but not in the performance space
Who you will see there
Everyone loves Rhino Room so anything is possible. On a Wednesday night you will see the best of Adelaide’s regulars trying out new material and the next generation of Australia’s best getting up on stage for possibly their first time. And like all virgins it can be awkward, messy and possibly end in tears. At the same time the first time is always memorable and could be the beginning of something wonderful. Local regulars include Rohan Harry, Jarrod Fitch, Big Al – kilo for kilo arguably Adelaide’s funniest man, Ben Darsow, Jenny Birch, and Average who are anything but. Friday nights there are fewer comedians doing longer sets giving them a chance to really work their craft. Friday night can also end with a band or two to start the weekend with a party mood.
Surprises
The on stage sculpture… yes, it is actually finished. What is it? Why is it? These and other life changing questions can only be answered by having a look for yourself.