All invited to bring the laughs

A LOCAL comedic creative is looking to establish a safe space for budding comics to test out their material.

Neptune Henriksen is launching the Goodwill Comedy Club at Ellington’s Wine Bar on Thursday 10 October, with local talent invited to share their best jokes with the audience.

Having lived in Ballarat since June after six years in Melbourne, Henriksen said they’re keen to bring a dedicated comedy space to the region.

“It was surprising for me to see there’s no dedicated comedy night here in terms of a line-up show,” they said.

“The emphasis here is to have this be a localised community event.

“The biggest gap that needs filling in comedy is something that’s good-natured where everyone feels welcoming, and there’s a real sense of elevating marginalised voices.

“For me, I’m a queer person, a person of colour, and disabled. There’s a sense there’s other people with marginalisations going on that feel comedy isn’t for them.

“They think either the comedy’s going to be either mean-spirited and they’ll be picked on, or that performing isn’t for them.

“My first allegiance is to the audience so it’s important everyone feels welcomed and has a good time.”

Each participant will have 10 minutes to perform their routine. Experienced comedians will be paid for their involvement while those undertaking their first performance will be able to prepare with two free coaching sessions from Henriksen through their comedy school.

Short of an alternative burlesque show in Melbourne, the upcoming event will mark Henriksen’s first time hosting a dedicated comedy night.

“The only rule is there’s no mean-spirited crowd work going on,” they said. “I want everyone to know they can come up and sit at the front and they won’t get singled out.

“It makes sense as a comedy shortcut to single someone out and make fun of them, but the audience can feel betrayed by that.”

With Henriksen serving as MC, the lineup will include local performer Lurline O’Brien as well as Melbourne’s REDACTED.

A prize for best dressed will be up for grabs to the theme of monochromatic which will include two free tickets to the next show on 24 October.

The comedy night is expected to be held every fortnight on Thursdays.

To express interest in taking part, contact Henriksen via [email protected]. The opening night will be held from 7pm. Tickets can be booked at bit.ly/3N4Npts.