Tikki & John - 1962 'The beginning'
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It all began in 1962 when Tikki and John Newman decided to open a late night coffee house on Exhibition Street in Melbourne, to catch the crowds as they left the theatres, From humble beginnings, this pint sized venue evolved into Tikki & John's Music Hall which featured a fully produced show and restaurant, and soon boasted a waiting list of twelve months. T&J's became a Melbourne Institution and set the standard in dinner theatre. This was Australia's first Theatre Restaurant. |
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Dracula's Melbourne - 1980
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It was a wild experiment but it paid off. Who would have thought that a horror themed comedy venue would be such a scream? Dracula's first opened in Drewery Lane, hidden in Melbourne's back streets in an old warehouse. The idea took off. Based on the successful Rocky Horror Picture Show, zany characters and haunted castle interior thrilled crowds. Australia's smallest man, John Mcall (center left front)was a giant performer. |
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Crazyhouse - 1982
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Designed to entertain the younger genre, the Crazyhouse Theatre Restaurant featured the new wave comedy of characters as Rocket Snotter and the team of truly insane waiters. The Crazyhouse enjoyed a successful run of over a decade. Contempory sketch comedy and skits gained a huge Melbourne following. Many now established performers began their showbuisness journey on stage, at Crazyhouse. |
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Dracula's on the Gold Coast
- 1985
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Off the main drag in a converted shopping centre, Dracula's doors creaked open with all odds stacked against it. Fortunately the locals fell in love with the eccentric comedy and intimate atmosphere and soon the venue became known for the long quse that would stretch to the end of the block. Eventually the cramped little venue was re furbished and became another Newman creation, The Comedy Clinic. The current location between Jupiters Casino and Pacific Fair shopping center, is a Gold Coast Landmark. A fully operational Ghost Train now takes customers into the theatre. In 2004 Dracula's Gold Coast was awarded the Telstra AMP Australian small business of the year. This year we celebrate 21 years of non-stop performances. |
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The Vaudeville Theatre
1978
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From Music Hall to Vaudeville,the stage was set for lively entertainment that featured Vaudeville skits as well as guest magician Jules Cafari. Award winning actors Terry Norris, Annie Phelan, Ernie Bourne and Brian Hannan featured in the talented cast. This was the last production in the original Tikki and John's theatre. Sadly this historic building was demolished in the early 1980's to make way for a carpark. |
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Squizzies
Theatre Restaurant 1975
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This time it was the hustle & bustle of the gangster era that featured in this speak easy comedy joint, based on the notorious gangster, Squiggy Taylor, the auditorium was alive with the rattle of machine guns and the sound of honky tonk piano. An amazing, professional cast of well known actors brought this theme to life. Tea spoons chained to coffee cups, specially made bottle openers in the shape of a 32 pistol were just some of the inovative concepts that changed the industry. More attention to detail followed. |
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Cafe Crypt - 1996
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Australia's first a la carte restaurant and bar set in a multi- level house of horrors with entertainment provided by robotic skeletons. Out growing the Exhibition Street site, this 140 seat theatre was completely re-furbished. It even sported a tiny 30 seat close-up magic parlour. Using the latest computer controlled effects, this amazing venue added a new dimention to interactive dining. |
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Newman's Cabaret - 1982
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Combining the very best standard of service and entertainment, Tikki and John Newman teamed up with a talented cast of vetran Australian performers. Newman's Cabaret took the Theatre Restaurant industry to another leval of quality. A five star night of music and comedy performed by the original artists. |
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Dr. Shagnasty's Comedy Clinic - 1996
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Set in the emergency room of a zany hospital, this theatre featured wall to wall
medical apparatus severed limbs and hysterical character waiters. Customers were admitted to a mad night of off beat, contempory comedy showcasing some of the Gold Coast's most talented performers. |
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