- After its launch during a brutal pandemic, Comedy Republic is hosting a 5th Birthday All-Star Extravagala at The Capitol Theatre on July 3, featuring Wil Anderson, Celia Pacquola, Tom Ballard, Geraldine Hickey and more.
- The Independent Theatre, founded by 3 comedian friends, marks its fifth anniversary, celebrating significant growth from challenging pandemic beginnings, becoming a leading Australian comedy venue.
- Opening during June of 2020, attendance was capped at 25 guests. The venue now regularly sells out 130 seat shows with over 42,000 guests coming through the doors in 2024.
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA – Comedy Republic, now recognised as one of Melbourne’s leading comedy venues, celebrates its fifth anniversary this June, marking a remarkable recovery and growth after officially opening amidst stringent Covid-19 lockdowns in June 2020. Founded by comedians Kyran Nicholson, Rhys Nicholson, and Alex Dyson, the club quickly became a testament to resilience and adaptability in Melbourne’s severely impacted arts scene, and proving that when it comes to a pandemic, laughter truly is the best medicine.
“I know it’s tradition to say nice things when it’s someone’s birthday, but even if Comedy Republic wasn’t turning 5, I would say that quite simply, it is the best. It has the wonderful feel of a venue run by comedy kids for comedy kids but everyone is an adult because it’s also a licensed bar. Ideal. Happy Birthday, please never ever ever ever close.” said Celia Pacquola. Comedian, Host of Thank God You’re Here.
Opening during one of the harshest periods of Victoria’s pandemic lockdowns, Initial attendance was capped at under 30% before lockdown 2 shuttered the venue after only 1 weekend of opening. The whole dream could have been dead before it began. But after much persistence, a supportive Melbourne City Council and a city desperate for some laughs, 5 years on, Comedy Republic has grown exponentially, bringing in more than 42,000 audience members through its doors annually. The venue’s YouTube channel accumulated over 600,000 views and achieved subscriber growth exceeding 3,000% within the past six months alone, reflecting the global appetite for Melbourne-based comedy content.
Australian comedy legend and Gruen host Wil Anderson said of the venue-
“I have done 29 years of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, but my favourite of them all was the most recent that I performed at Comedy Republic. The entire venue is purpose built to enhance people’s experience of the night. It is a room purpose built for comedy because it was purpose built by people who love comedy and you can feel it in the walls. In some ways it surprises me we are only celebrating five years of Comedy Republic, as it feels an established and vital part of both the Melbourne comedy scene but the arts scene in general. The most exciting thing of all is that I know we are only in the opening chapter of this story, the real success of Comedy Republic will be seen in the future in the work of all the artists they have given the space to be their authentic and wonderful comedy selves and take the risks that are necessary for artists to evolve. Bravo to five years, and I can’t wait to see what is next and hope to play whatever part that they need me for“.
Integral to Comedy Republic’s success story is Replay Festival, held each July, which allows audiences to experience top-rated festival performances again or even dabble for the first time.. The festival plays an ever increasing role in supporting the local arts community, creating opportunities for local comedy talent in an otherwise quiet season. Last year, the festival generated over $100k in revenue for the comedians and their teams, and this year aims to make an even greater impact with its expansion into a second venue, with more shows.
To celebrate the venue’s fifth-anniversary, they are hosting the ‘Comedy Republic 5th Birthday All-Star Extravagala’ at The Capitol Theatre on 3 July, featuring high-profile Australian acts including Wil Anderson, Celia Pacquola, Tom Ballard, Geraldine Hickey and many more.
Tickets on sale now at: https://www.comedyrepublic.com.au/
About Comedy Republic
Established in 2020 by comedians Kyran Wheatley, Rhys Nicholson, and Alex Dyson, Comedy Republic is a vibrant theater and bar in the heart of Melbourne. The venue hosts stand-up, improv, sketch, live podcasts, and more throughout the year. With a stage that has welcomed both emerging talents and international heavyweights, Comedy Republic offers a welcoming space for comedy fans to discover innovative performances and enjoy a friendly bar stocked with local brews.