An institution of the Melbourne comedy scene, Local Laughs has been running for six years. It has built up the reputation of being a quality night that attracts a quite comedy savvy audience and has many performers queuing to get a spot.
The room began at the St Kilda Local, a cosy bar on Carlise St, St Kilda East. When the bar underwent extensive renovations Local Laughs spent a couple of years at a couple of alternate venues. Early last year it returned to its spiritual home to find the building transformed into The Local Taphouse. An upstairs bar and kitchen has been added to the venue and the room downstairs (where entertainment is held) got a makeover. Wood paneling on the walls and lots of beer themed decorative items add a classy beer hall atmosphere while still retaining the cosy feel of the original. The eccentric collection of worn but comfortable couches have been replaced with equally comfy seating of higher quality. The actual amount of seating numbers about the same, so punters ensure they get there early to obtain a seat with clear sightlines, which can sometimes be a problem with a full house.
Being a Taphouse, The Local boasts an impressive range of beer from many smaller breweries. There are fifteen on tap (each with its own unique glass) and many more bottled varieties in the fridges. They also have plenty of other beverages available if beer is not your tipple of choice. The friendly bar staff are highly knowledgeable in the beers that they stock and this attention to detail enhances the drinking experience.
The format of Local Laughs is the standard two brackets containing three or four performers in each. The length of the spots seems to be quite flexible with strict timekeeping kept to a minimum and the comics never really outstay their welcome. Quite a few comics come down to watch when they’re not performing, so there’s always plenty of interesting conversations to be had during interval and after the show.
The acts are lovingly curated by Melbourne comedy queen Janet A McLeod and comprises an interesting mix of established acts, up and comers, and special guests from interstate and overseas. Local Laughs doesn’t feature open mic spots, instead giving stage time to new faces who have proven themselves elsewhere, such as finalists in Raw Comedy and other events where they may have caught Janet’s eye. Female performers are particularly well catered for.
There are often occasions where big names will drop in to try out some new material, especially in the lead up to festivals. The Local provides a comfortable and forgiving atmosphere in which to perform so comics are often happy to try out material and concepts they wouldn’t normally use in other rooms, which has led to some very special performances.
Local Laughs consistently provides strong line ups of very entertaining folk and makes for great Monday night of comedy.
Local Laughs happens every Monday at The Local Taphouse. The action kicks off at 8:30pm sharp and entry is $12 ($10 concession). See our Gig Guide for line ups.