Last week I was taken on a journey. There was singing and dancing. There was laughing and sadness. There was an amazing new experience that I encourage everyone to try. Introducing (to those of you who are not already in the know), The Butterfly Club. Located in South Melbourne and going strong since the mid 90s, The Butterfly Club offers an alternative night out with a difference. We had cocktails, cabaret and kitsch all in the one evening, we laughed and nearly cried our way through the performance and marvelled in the décor that makes The Butterfly Club so unique.
But first – to the food around the corner! Near East is an Asian fusion restaurant on Park Street in South Melbourne where the food was good, the staff attentive and the atmosphere soothing. We ate early in order to make the show so the place was empty (it was a Tuesday night at 6pm after all) but as we finished up around 7.30pm, people started to drift in (including Trevor Marmalade, ex Footy Show, who I think is hilarious). I went with my favourite – Pad Thai – and was not disappointed. Our party also bought along a little birthday cake (Happy Birthday Miss K!!) and the staff were happy to let us light our candles and sing for our friend.
My first glimpse of the Butterfly Club from the street does not distinguish it from any other townhouse or small bar. The street tables and chairs are basked in sun and people are mingling in the space. We go inside and are greeted with the most fabulous display of kitsch around! It adorns the walls, the picture rails, bookshelves and bars. There are cosy nooks with couches, soft lighting courtesy of the funkiest looking lamps and a bar serving a wide variety of cocktails. Outside, a beer garden-esque space paves the way to an outdoor loo, while plastic flowers and more intriguing décor continue to wow.
A quick look upstairs reveals more of the same – and I know I can’t wait to visit again on a night when the place is full of people and we can spend time looking at the intricate detailing of the bits and bobs around the bar.
The doors to the theatrette open and we are encouraged to take our drinks into the space – 
retro seating accommodates about 50 people and the smallest stage I have ever seen is fit for just one performer. A piano on one side and a small table are the only props, and our actress for the evening, Hannah Smith, takes to the stage shortly after we take our seats. Her performance is entitled The Bartender, and Hannah takes us on the journey of a young girl from the country headed to the big city and in need of employment. We meet the regulars, the hot guy and the girls who are in the wrong bar at the wrong time. Hannah sings and dances her way through – from Radiohead’s debut hit Creep, to the number one chart song of 2009, Tic Toc.
The show made us laugh, bought us close to tears and gave us all a reason to be out on a Tuesday night. I loved every minute and can’t wait for a return visit! The Butterfly Club runs several shows a month, each for only a few nights. Visit www.thebutterflyclub.com for information and tickets.
