It has been a while since I have ventured to Comedy @ Spleen and in that time a number of promoters have tried their hand at running this Monday night of comedy in Melbourne’s CBD. Currently headed by a team that includes Steele Saunders (who has had a hand in other successful rooms in the past), this solid night of comedy has continued to thrive.
Spleen Central is a groovy little bar located at the top end of Bourke Street. The long room has the bar not too far from the front door and the stage at the far end of the room. The bar stocks a wide range of beer, wine and spirits and boasts an interesting menu of shots with colourful names.
Although the stage is a small platform, it suits the art of stand up perfectly by keeping the punters close to the action while giving everyone a clear view of the performers. The old arrangement of cabaret style seating has been replaced with rows of chairs before the stage, ensuring that as many patrons are comfortably seated as possible. The smart regulars have learnt to get there early to ensure a prime position in the event of a large crowd. The PA has been beefed up since my last review but chatter from the bar can get a little overpowering at times when you are near the back, especially during the quieter acts. If all the seats are taken and you don’t like the idea of standing up the back there are plenty of comfy couches upstairs and the stage PA is piped up there, so if the visual element of the show doesn’t matter to you this could be an option.
The promoters have wisely gone back to a standard format to the evening, ditching the five minute sets featuring a cast of thousands in favour of the standard two brackets of four or five acts. On the night I attended one performer mentioned a Wind Up Light so I take it the comics are kept on a tight rein to ensure the night runs to schedule. Recent line ups have featured some high profile comics in either the MC role or as a headliner while the rest of the line ups are a mix of some new faces and established names in the Melbourne scene. It has been working a treat with healthy turn outs in recent weeks.
Spleen remains a great Monday night out with entertaining line ups in a cosy atmosphere. Who could ask for more!
Comedy at Spleen runs every Monday night at Spleen Bar . The action kicks off at 8:30 and entry is free. Look at our gig guide for upcoming line ups.