Comedy Takes Centre Stage at Illawarra Master Builders

Following significant renovations in recent years, the Club’s downstairs basement venue has emerged as a purpose-built entertainment space, hosting regular comedy shows, dinner events and live performances.

It’s offering locals an affordable night out and bringing big-name acts to the region without the need for locals to travel to Sydney.

General Manager Graham Fulcher says the Club’s renovations during the COVID years were designed to offer something different from the traditional club experience.

“It was set up as an entertainment space for live music, dinner shows, comedy acts and events, and it’s down out of the way so people can enjoy a show and not even realise they’re in the Club,” he says.

While the space opened in late 2023, Graham says it has really started to build momentum over the past year.

“It’s probably been going for a while, but it’s sort of just hit the straps,” he says.

Comedy has proven to be the standout drawcard, with shows running almost monthly and attracting a wide mix of audiences.

“Comedy acts have been the main ones driving it,” says Graham.

The Club has already hosted well-known performers including Dave Hughes, Will Anderson and Heath Franklin (aka Chopper), with more major acts booked to return later this year.

“Dave Hughes was here last year and he’s coming again this year, and Will Anderson has been here as well,” says Graham.

The Club works closely with local operators behind Wollongong Comedy Club to source performers, a partnership that has been in place for more than a decade.

“We work with two local guys who run Wollongong Comedy Club and they call the acts for us,” says Graham.

Importantly, the comedy program is helping the Club attract new audiences and providing locals with an accessible alternative to city shows.

“Different acts bring different crowds, and some (comedians) are more Instagram-famous, so they bring in younger markets and young families looking for a date night,” says Graham.

With ticket prices typically ranging from $35 to $50, Graham says the shows are positioned as an affordable night out.

“If you go to Sydney, you’re booking a room and spending that bit extra, but here people can come out, have dinner, have a couple of drinks, see the show and make a night of it,” he says.

The entertainment offering has also delivered strong flow-on benefits across the Club, particularly for food and beverage.

“We’ve got a cocktail bar here as well, so it’s a full night out — dinner, drinks, the show and socialising before and after,” says Graham.

Beyond comedy, the Club also hosts dinner shows featuring tribute acts and cover bands, along with regular ticketed dance nights. Free live jazz is held every Sunday afternoon, further reinforcing the Club’s goal of offering entertainment every weekend.

“The concept is to try to have some form of entertainment here every weekend,” says Graham.

As the Illawarra Master Builders Club continues to refine its entertainment program, the focus remains on giving locals high-quality experiences close to home.

“People love the venue and the acts love coming here,” he says.