The Newcastle Comedy Club is preparing for a landmark new chapter, leaving behind its original home above a Darby Street kebab shop for a purpose-built space at the historic Islington Barracks Hotel. The move, set for Friday, January 16, 2026, marks four successful years of bringing laughter to Novocastrians.
Outgrowing the Original Venue
Founded in January 2022 by comedian trio James Connors, Allan Brady, and Elliott Stewart, the club quickly became a local sensation. What began as a part-time venture swiftly turned into a full-time operation due to overwhelming demand. However, the original venue presented significant challenges. Parking was a constant headache, with patrons often arriving late after circling for a spot. The premises also lacked wheelchair access and had no integrated dining options.
"It's gotten way bigger than we ever expected it to," Connors admits. The success created a pressing need for a more suitable and professional home to sustain the club's rapid growth.
A New Era at Islington Barracks
The solution was found at the recently renovated Islington Barracks Hotel on Maitland Road. The club will take over the former Small Ballroom live music room, transforming it into an exclusive comedy space. The new venue addresses all the previous shortcomings. Capacity will increase from 90 to 110 seats, and for the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds will be welcome with parental supervision.
The response from comedy fans has been immediate and enthusiastic. Six opening shows have already sold out, and new dinner-and-show ticket packages are proving highly popular. "We want this to be a one-stop shop," Connors says, highlighting the convenience of the new setup.
Ethos and Industry Impact
The club's success is built on a strong foundation of supporting comedians. As performers themselves, the owners insist on paying every act, a practice not always standard in the industry. "A lot of local comics, their first paid gig was with us," Connors notes.
Their keen eye for talent has also paid off. The club is one of only five dedicated comedy venues in Australia and has earned endorsements from stars like Wil Anderson and Tom Gleeson, who used the intimate space to workshop material. Rising talents such as Aaron Chen and Sam Campbell performed some of their earliest gigs on the Newcastle stage.
The new venue will host gigs from Friday to Sunday, maintain its popular Tuesday open mic nights, and continue offering improv classes. With the backing of Newcastle hospitality figure John Elsley and the welcoming vibe of the restored pub, the Newcastle Comedy Club is set to keep the laughs rolling for years to come.
