Last night was a joyous one for the arts scene in Melbourne, with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival celebrating a massive 40 years. At the same time, the exciting entertainment space Spiegel Haus marked a 40-week season for its dazzling show, Blanc de Blanc Encore. Spiegel Haus, which opened on Lonsdale Street just six months ago, has become a thriving destination for live music and performance.
Celebrating Spiegel Haus and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
In the past few months, Spiegel Haus has hosted an assortment of cabaret, circus, comedy, magic shows and more. It has also been a festival hub for Midsumma and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and hosted an assortment of free events. In its inaugural season, the venue is projected to have sold a whopping 100,000 tickets.
To celebrate 40 years of the comedy festival, and 40 weeks of Blanc de Blanc Encore, Spiegel Haus put on a celebration, with aerial performances, jugglers and more.
According to Lord Mayor Nick Reece, places like Spiegel Haus are a quintessential part of Melbourne. “Spiegel Haus is a part of the independent theatre system that we have here in Melbourne, which of course is the birth place of so much great art,” said the Lord Mayor. “And so many shows go on to bigger audiences but they all get their start here in that incredibly vibrant independent theatre scene we have.”
Moments away from Chinatown, Melbourne’s Greek Precinct, Melbourne Central and QV, this venue is right in the buzzing heart of the CBD. And yet, perched on the rooftop of Golden Square Car Park, it’s also quite an eccentric space.
“It’s got that lovely off-Broadway feel about it,” Reece added. “You gotta know where to go, it’s on top of a car park, and it’s got a lovely, edgy feel about it.”
In his last night as Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks agreed on the importance for both venues like Spiegel Haus, and events like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. “One thing I’ve learnt is that as much as arts and culture and performances that take place in places like this are fun, they enliven us, they connect us with who we are, they tell our stories, all those wonderful things. They’re also great for our city,” said Brooks. “They’re so great for Melbourne as a vibrant, cultural, global city.”
What to see
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival ends this week on Sunday, April 19, so this is your last chance to see a show! At Spiegel Haus, you can catch wild acts like Briefs: The Works and Elixir Revived. For something more family-friendly, there’s also fun performances like Circus The Show! and The Greatest Magic Show!
Beyond the comedy festival, you can see what the fuss is all about, and watch Blanc de Blanc Encore, an intoxicating blend of burlesque, circus and comedy. The show has been extended until May 24.
For something a little more wicked, Late Night Vice will return to Spiegel Haus from April 23. In this after-hours spectacle, you can expect acrobatics, nudity, pyrotechnics, confetti explosions and cheeky surprises.
When you’re not watching a show, grab a drink from the bar, and satisfy your cravings with a taco or two.