Let Me Entertain You
Just as we thought we might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel so that entertainers of all kinds could get back to work, we realised it was actually an oncoming train. Back to the daily press conferences, rising case numbers, dark and silent venues.
An industry that was hit first and hardest by the restrictions has always found a way to rise to the occasion, and this time is no exception. I know by this stage, you all have zoom downloaded on at least one device in the house and your perfect zoom attire. Something dressy on the top and pyjama pants and ugg boots on the bottom. A look that will forever be known as mullet eveningwear! So here is a list of things that will help you pass the time until we can get back to the venues that we know and love.
NEED A LAUGH?
In August 2020, comedian Daniel Muggleton and TV producer Yasmin Kara were led to believe the pandemic was over, so they started a weekly comedy club out of an underground bar in Darlinghurst, figuring that people needed a laugh. And they were spot on. For a year, crowds have packed into The Running Joke to watch a line-up of Australia’s funniest and most limber comedians every Thursday and Friday night, with Daniel Muggleton as the resident host. Huge names have passed through the doors during the last year, including Dave Hughes, Becky Lucas and Aaron Chen. And they had the rare honour of being the only place Jim Jefferies performed in Australia in 2021.
As Covid has returned for an encore, so The Running Joke has gone digital, playing crowds bigger than their analogue venue allowed. With line-ups from around the world to keep Sydney laughing every Friday night, this is high-quality stand-up professionally produced and streamed via Zoom into living rooms around the world.
In an effort to make it accessible to all in this difficult time, tickets start at $10 for people who are doing it tough - no questions asked. They also give free entry to any healthcare workers with proof of ID and pay performers industry standard rates.
The Running Joke Digital Comedy Club is located online; Friday nights 8pm AEST Tickets can be purchased at
NEED MUSIC TO SOOTHE YOUR SOUL?
Lizotte’s is working on a way to bring you footage of some of the amazing artists that have graced their stage over the last 12 years. Keep an eye on Lizotte’s Facebook page for details.
SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT STYLISH
If you need something to put the glamour back into your life, why not try Drag Bingo? Bejazzle your heels for a night of fun, laughs and everything in between with the stunning Timberlina. This ferocious queen’s eccentric style, naughty quick wit and dazzling Diamond repertoire will have you in stitches on the floor screaming for more.
Tickets for Timberlina’s Drag Bingo are just $10pp, which includes three virtual games and performances, so be sure to lock your children in another room. Tickets from www.timberproductions.com.au
If you need to keep up with what's happening in the world but can’t stand to watch the nightly news, there are a couple of podcasts that have been a blessing in our household. Several of these are peppered with a fairly liberal amount of bad language, but enough laughs included that you just don’t care. It’s a lot with Abbie Chatfield– It's a Lot, I Don’t Know About That with Jim Jefferies, PEP with Chas and Dr Dave (From Planet America on the ABC) are all well worth a listen. And for a bit of light relief and the pleasure it brings you just to hear the man speak, there is Literally with the gorgeous Rob Lowe.
