How an historic Inner Sydney pub theatre made Mondays a stand-up night.
Mondays are traditionally the most challenging night for publicans. Many would-be patrons are atoning from indulgent weekends and, post-COVID, an increasing number of hospitality venues aren't staying open at all.
The Old Fitz is laughing, though. Literally. The iconic Woolloomooloo venue has transformed Monday nights at their venue by introducing a running comedy night, Fitz of Laughter, with support from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Live Performance Venue Grant Program.
We sat down with the venue manager Artie Gallagher to learn more about comedy at The Fitz.
Inside The Fitz
Standing for over 150 years, The Fitz contains a pub, a bistro and a 55-seat theatre within its walls, making it the last remaining pub theatre in Australia.
“The pub itself is rich with character – it’s hilariously charming in its own right, and the stories held in its walls are endless. It’s already such a strong hub for creative expression thanks to the theatre upstairs, but stand-up was the one piece that felt like it was missing. So, when the Live Performance Venue grant became a reality, it felt like serendipity,” Gallagher said.
Manager of the Old Fitz, Artie Gallagher. Image: The Old Fitzroy hotel / Odd Culture Group
How The Fitz invested in comedy
The grant provides support to existing hospitality venues who wish to start staging live performance or significantly increase their offering by providing grants of between $20,000 and $80,000. This money can go towards the purchase and installation of essential equipment, paying performers, start-up costs and marketing costs.
The Fitz was awarded a $52,000 grant to turn their dreams of an ongoing comedy night into a reality. This budget went towards a completely new set-up, including new staging and equipment, a full marketing campaign, and an ambitious line-up of talent every Monday.
“We now have all the pieces of the puzzle to not only host great live comedy, but performances from across the arts,” said Gallagher.
The results
So far, Fitz of Laughter has hosted some iconic guests and performances, including the second-ever performance of Breaking the Musical (formerly Raygun the Musical).
“We [also] had the pleasure of having the incredible Reuben Kaye come headline for us between their run in Jesus Christ Superstar. The fanbase went crazy and we had 120 people crammed in standing room only, the place was electric and beautiful to see!” said Gallagher.
With 4-5 comics on the lineup each Monday night, over 120 comedians have rattled through their best material at the Fitz since Fitz of Laughter began in July 2024. Feedback from patrons has been overwhelmingly positive and the pub saw an influx of new faces across all age groups, some of whom had travelled across Sydney to get their comedy fix.
“We’ve been consistently provided great feedback, with new faces becoming regulars on Monday nights. Comedy-goers will often grab a drink and some food for their table while they watch, and [appreciate] the welcomed convenience of a comedy club in a pub with great food and drink,” said Gallagher.
As for advice for other venues looking to add comedy to their line-up, Gallagher says flexibility and being nimble is a must.
“A major lesson when hosting comedy is to always have a backup plan if scheduling issues arise. 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.”
Learn more
Fitz of Laughter will be returning on a monthly basis. Check out the venue's website for dates.
Learn more about the Office’s Live Performance Venue Program.