In August 2009, Spence Hodges and Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall started up a monthly comedy rom at Gertrudes Brown Couch. In the past year, many punters have enjoyed the comedy at this cosy Fitzroy watering hole. With the first anniversay looming, I caught up with the duo to ask them about the past year of Brew HaHa.
What motivated you guys to start a comedy room?
Spencer: I just wanted to be able to do more than 5 minutes in the early stages, time that understandably most nights don’t really wanna give newb comedians.
Alasdair: The possibility of self-appointed stage time was one aspect, learning some sweet MC skills another. Also an opportunity to meet the comics on the Melbourne scene, and if we could get a crowd, offer them a good place to perform.
Did you encounter any obstacles in getting it up and running?
Spencer: Not really, our venue have been fantastic, we had some lighting troubles one month, but most other things have been pretty smooth sailing.
How have the performers responded to the room?
Alasdair: I think Comics have enjoyed the experience. The biggest compliment always goes to the audience. We’ve been getting good numbers and that is mostly due to people we know attending, and Spencer knows a lot of people. Slowly, more and more strangers are attending.
Spencer: They seem to really enjoy it, it’s a fun room, we try to play games and keep it light hearted, and the audience are typically pretty savvy and ready to laugh!
What have been the advantages of being a monthly room? Any downsides?
Alasdair: I try to have some new material for each Brew Haha, so a month is a good time frame to try and work to. I tend to stress myself (just a touch) on the night of the show, so any more frequently than monthly might be detremental to my health.
Spencer: Less organising on our part, and less promoting! We can be a bit lazy, haha! But unfortunately with only 4 comics a night, there’s so many good comics in Melbourne that we haven’t have the pleasure of hosting yet.
Have there been any particularly memorable moments (both on and off stage) during the year?
Alasdair: Wilson Dixon and Charles Barrington were both insultingly good. People were wailing.
Spencer: Tom Gleeson ripping into a heckler was pretty entertaining. Learning the pitfalls of postering for an event. Showing a full on sex scene for our “what happens next” competition. I also watched back a video of one night, where I happened to be standing next to the camera, and found that my laughter had drowned out all other sounds, including some jokes!
Do you have anything special planned for the anniversary show that you can reveal?
Spencer: Hmmmmm. Prizes. And I can reveal that it’ll be amazing, and if you haven’t been to a Brew HaHa show yet, you won’t be disappointed!
Help Spencer and Alasdair celebrate at the Brew HaHa First Anniversary show on Thursday August 5th. Anyone For Tennis?, Damian Callinan, European Man and Steele Saunders will be performing, the action starts at 8pm and entry is $8. Join the Brew HaHa Facebook Group to stay up to date with all their happenings.
Many thanks to Spencer and Alasdair for their time.