Comedy Republic

Perched above the hustle of Bourke and Swanston streets sits Comedy Republic, a theatre and bar showcasing the best Australian comedy.

Owned and run by comics, for comics, Comedy Republic presents Australia's biggest names alongside the brightest breaking talent. Past guests have included Denise Scott, Dave Hughes, Claire Hooper, Dilruk Jayasinha, Cal Wilson, Nick Cody, Celia Pacquola, Arj Barker, Rhys Nicholson and Geraldine Hickey.

Drop in on Thursdays at 7pm for Comedy Connection, a rapid-fire hour of four comics. On Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30pm, Comedy Republic's Main Stage features festival favourites, gala gods and local gems. It's a smorgasbord of comedy.

Comedy Republic's bar is the perfect spot to have a drink. Whether it's before seeing a show with friends, after work, or you simply need respite from the noisy city below. The bar heroes local brewers and distilleries, with a bespoke range of beer, wine and spirits; plus, a dedicated non-alcoholic menu.