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Ilya Lawson plans to open new comedy club – Laugh Lounge – just off Rundle Mall

It has been doom and gloom for most of 2020, but one Adelaide local is determined to find a way to beat coronavirus – one laugh at a time.

Ilya Lawson is opening a comedy club called Laugh Lounge in Lindes Lane in Adelaide. Picture: Morgan Sette
Ilya Lawson is opening a comedy club called Laugh Lounge in Lindes Lane in Adelaide. Picture: Morgan Sette

ILYA Lawson says his next business endeavour will help South Australians get through the COVID-19 pandemic, one laugh at a time.

Mr Lawson, who also works in the construction game, has lodged an application with Adelaide City Council to start a comedy club in Lindes Lane, just off Rundle Mall.

The Laugh Lounge, expected to cost about $70,000 to fit out, will be a venue where comedians can try their luck at entertaining an audience.

It is understood to be the second dedicated comedy club in the Adelaide CBD, second to the iconic Rhino Room on Pirie St.

Ilya Lawson’s planned comedy club – called Laugh Lounge – will be in Lindes Lane, just off Rundle Mall. Picture: Morgan Sette
Ilya Lawson’s planned comedy club – called Laugh Lounge – will be in Lindes Lane, just off Rundle Mall. Picture: Morgan Sette

The Laugh Lounge director hopes his venue can lift spirits during unprecedented times

“People want to get out and about and have a laugh,” Mr Lawson says.

“So part of it is getting people out and making them happy – helping them have a laugh when they feel it is all doom and gloom.”

Mr Lawson has planned to open a comedy club for about 4 years, sussing out about 17 different locations before deciding on the second level of the Lindes Lane venue.

He says his business will help stimulate the local economy.

“It is one of those things where positivity brings positivity … and the reality of it is to become a better comedian you need venues and you need people to perform in front of to tell jokes to.”

The Laugh Lounge will create at least six jobs and bring a number of performance opportunities.

Adelaide City Council is yet to set a date for assessing Mr Lawson’s application.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/city/ilya-lawson-plans-to-open-new-comedy-club-laugh-lounge-just-off-rundle-mall/news-story/fd36dd38f2dc5268403491df7d065393