An Adelaide Fringe comedy show for dogs has become a huge hit with audiences and performers.
Club Doggo, held in an open-sided tent at the Gluttony venue, allows 90 punters and their dogs to enjoy a mixed bill with three top comics and a compere.
The idea was a response to strict Australian laws which ban dogs from enclosed spaces such as cafes and bars.
Producer Alex Petty said: “It’s the first time we have done it. It came about because my friend Ryan Tantschev, who I have stayed with for a few years, started telling me about the problems dog owners have.
“Ryan and his friends would come into Adelaide at the weekend with their dogs but couldn’t come into any Fringe shows. Also if you have a dog in Australia you can’t even travel on public transport – you have to use a car.”
Petty, who has been bringing shows to Adelaide Fringe for 15 years, had the idea of running a show at the Piglet, an open sided tent run by comics Matt Grey and Mickey D. The Piglet is normally used for kids shows but he realised it would also be a way to get around the rules and give Adelaide dog owners a rare opportunity to enjoy some comedy.
He says: “People have been delighted. The response has been so positive. As soon as they join the queue people are chatting, meeting other dog owners.
“The comics are loving it as well. Every single act has been opening with some response to having all these cute dogs in the venue. And they’ve all been working on more dog-related material.”
UK comic Ollie Horn, who has performed at Club Doggo said: “For a lot of dogs this was the most social event they’ve ever been to – so there was a lot of arse sniffing going on. But the best shows are the ones where the audience is relaxed – so what could be better than a bunch of dog owners surrounded by lovely dogs.
“Alex organised it really well. There were lots of bowls of water and snacks and dogs that wanted to could run around on the grass.”
Horn, who was accompanied to the gig by George, a golden retriever owned by his Adelaide hosts, asked the audience: “What kind of dog is the best at magic? Answer: A labracadabrador.”
Club Doggo – The Best in Stand-Up is on at the Piglet tent in Gluttony. The next events are March 1 and 2 at 5pm
Tickets here:
https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/club-doggo-the-best-in-stand-up-af2025
Ollie Horn is appearing in Best of the Edinburgh Fest at the Garden. Tickets here:
https://www.gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au/event/best-of-the-edinburgh-fest
