Comedy @ The Red Violin was started last May by comedians Imaan Hadchiti and Tshaka Chondo. It’s mission statement was to provide a ‘room designed for the mid range comedian where comics are able to play and grow. Offering 20 minutes to all comedians, something that is lacking in the Melbourne comedy scene.’
The first thing you notice after you ascend the stairs to The Red Violin is that it is very much like the name, VERY red. All walls, the ceiling and even the tiles in the toilets are a rich burgundy colour. Tapestries and 19th century prints adorn the walls and with many decorative lamps dotted throughout the space which give the room a classy atmosphere. Contrasting the décor are large unfurnished modern windows along two walls which give you uninterrupted views of the neighbourhood. One unfortunately aspect is that there is a street lamp at eye level which casts a light throughout the room. This may be an annoyance in some punter’s periphery but the upside is that you can easy read a copy of Beat (available downstairs just inside the door) without straining.
Seating is lined up in front of the stage in rows of rather fancy chairs and couches, each with nice upholstery and carved wooden frames. They are possibly the most comfortable chairs I have seen in a comedy room!
A decent sized stage is set up at the front of the room which lacks a backdrop as there is only a window behind the performers. A single bare bulb lights the stage which creates a problem with shadows for the acts when not standing in a particular spot. This would be an issue for those performers who rely on visual humour but it actually helps with audience participation as the comic is not peering into a bright light to see the punters to whom they are talking.
The night’s entertainment consists of four acts spread over two brackets with an MC moving the show along. The extended stage time gives the performers the opportunity to tell involved stories in addition to their regular shorter routines. On the night I attended, all the comics had plenty of new material to try out and were quite keen to point it out. If the new stuff flopped they had plenty of time to regain the momentum with the tried and tested gear. The only downside to this is that, depending on how much faffing around the MC does, the night is unlikely to end before 11.
This is a great room that fulfills its purpose perfectly. It helps comedians by giving them a decent amount of stage time while punters are able to witness familiar and new faces in this nutritive environment.
Comedy @ The Red Violin runs fortnightly at the The Red Violin (1/231 Bourke Street, Melbourne). The show starts at 8:30pm and entry is free. Join their Facebook group to keep up to date with their line ups.