Harold Park Hotel

Harold Park Hotel

Lenny Ann Low, reviewer

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Despite its upmarket fitout, a long-dormant comedy venue is still playing for laughs.

It is doubtful the elegant drinking companion would have approved of the Harold Park Hotel last century. Before it was sold and closed in 1999, the corner pub was a busy, old-fashioned drinking hole hosting grungy students, grubby comedians, grimy rock musicians and line-dancing desperados, among other regulars. The decor was not a style triumph but the Harold Park was comfortable, unfussy and welcoming to all. Without doubt, the elegant companion's desire for refined surrounds would not have been sated there. Being a penetrating conversationalist, however, she would, have loved the wit. The Harold Park's reputation as an engine room of live comedy during the '80s and '90s, meant it attracted high-calibre comics on a regular basis. Funny Australians such as Sarah Kendall, Greg Fleet, Andrew Denton, Jimeoin, Bob Downe, Akmal Saleh and Adam Hills developed their careers there. English comedian Ben Elton delivered some politically infused rants at the mic and American movie star ...

Full review on Sydney Morning Herald