Lord Mayor Nick Reese and Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks lauded the enormous achievements of Spiegel Haus Melbourne, the CBD’s exciting new destination for the performing arts and nightlife as the venue announced a third extension of Blanc de Blanc Encore, taking its run to a record 40 weeks as part of the 40th birthday edition of Melbourne Comedy Festival.
The venue is projected to achieve 100,000 tickets sold over its inaugural season, along with countless attendances at its free events and hospitality zones.
“Spiegel Haus Melbourne has captured the hearts of Melburnians since opening last year – drawing crowds and delivering a strong boost to businesses across the Chinatown precinct,” said Lord Mayor Nick Reese.
“For 40 years, the Festival has helped provide more opportunities for artists and creatives. Central to this is building temporary venues in the heart of the city to house the growing Festival,” said Melbourne Comedy Festival Executive Director, Dylan Cole.
“Having Spiegel Haus invest in the city’s cultural infrastructure perfectly complements this work, particularly for cabaret and circus, where fit-for-purpose venues are otherwise limited.”
Blanc de Blanc Encore is Strut & Fret’s intoxicating, signature blend of hedonism, humour and old-school cabaret decadence. Overflowing with vintage French glamour, high-octane circus, and edge-of-your-seat entertainment, it’s all served up with a riotous wink and a whole lot of fizz.
“To have an independent production like Blanc de Blanc Encore run in Melbourne for 40 weeks and beyond has been huge achievement. Being our home city, we were very aware that audiences here are not only spoilt for choice and particular discerning – but the response has been incredible,” said Blanc de Blanc Encore Executive producer, Jess Copas.
In its short six month history, Spiegel Haus has quickly become a festival hub for both Midsumma and Melbourne Comedy Festival, a hospitality showcase, and the number one spot for performance, music and fun.
“Spiegel Haus has struck a real chord with both audiences and artists. It combines the nostalgia and escapism people love about Spiegel Tents with the kind of intimate 200 to 500-seat venues Melbourne CBD has been missing, all within a unique multi-level setting,”said Spiegel Haus Melbourne Creative Director, Chris Mitchell.
“That, together with our festival partnerships and diverse programming, has made it a truly special destination for live performance.”
Blanc de Blanc Encore continues in the Spiegeltent at Spiegel Haus Melbourne, 217 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, until 24 May 2026. For more information, visit: www.spiegelhausmelb.com for details.
Images: The Spiegeltent at Spiegel Haus Melbourne – photo by Benjamin Cross | Blanc de Blanc Encore – photo by Cameron Grant, Parenthesy