The sudden closure of Local Laughs at Laundry was a shock to many in the Melbourne comedy scene. Many punters and comedians thought they’d be left without until The Local in St. Kilda re-opened its doors in 2008. However, after only a one week break, host Janet McLeod has already found a new home for her room.
Starting this Monday, November 12th, Local Laughs will be moving to the upstairs space at Presse Cafe Wine Bar, located a short walk down Chapel Street from The Local at 97 Brighton Rd, Elwood. Opening night will feature Michael Chamberlin, Tom Gleeson, Matt Elsbury, Luke Ryan, Adam McKenzie, Mr Nick and Brisbane’s own David Eastgate.
After being moved out it’s original home at The Local in St. Kilda while renovations took place, Local Laughs at Laundry rarely managed to pull the same crowd volumes. Despite a large swell in numbers over the last few weeks that managed to recapture the original atmosphere of The Local, Laundry could no longer justify hosting the night in the face of more lucrative offers.
Local Laughs will be running at Presse for at least the next six weeks, at which point the renovations at The Local should hopefully be complete, allowing Local Laughs to return to its original home.