Australia’s last remaining pub theatre, the Old Fitzroy Hotel in Sydney’s Wooloomooloo, now has another string to its bow thanks to support from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Live Performance Venue Grant Program.
Due to this program, Monday nights became a lively affair rather than the near-empty challenge that many publicans face.
The character-filled 150-year-old pub, which is home to a 55-seat theatre, is a “strong hub for creative expression”, according to venue manager Artie Gallagher.
The only missing piece, Gallagher felt, was hosting a stand-up night.
The grant program, which offers between $20K and $80K to boost live performance at an existing hospitality venue, was the kick start the pub needed to get its comedy nights going, and ‘Fitz of Laughter’ was created.
The Fitz’ grant of $52K allowed the pub to put together an all-new setup, including a full marketing campaign to promote its all-star lineup, along with new equipment and staging.
Reuben Kaye was an early headliner, drawing in 120 people into a standing-room-only electrifying performance.
“We now have all the pieces of the puzzle to not only host great live comedy, but performances from across the arts,” said Gallagher, who has also been a comedian and creative since 2018.
The night was also host to the second live performance of ‘Breaking the Musical’, formerly ‘Raygun the Musical’.
Gallagher’s advice to other venues considering adding comedy nights was simple: be flexible and nimble.
“A major lesson when hosting comedy is to always have a backup plan if scheduling issues arise,” they warned.
“We were able to create a space where comedy could thrive, but flexibility meant we could try new things, which worked wonders in promoting a non-traditional comedy venue.
“Our pub became a place where people could see some of Australia’s best comedy acts on a Monday night,” Gallagher said.
The historic inner-city pub plans to continue Fitz of Laughter on a monthly basis.
