Comedy in Vancouver: A look at what makes the West Coast funny
Daniel Chai is a Vancouver based-comedian who performs with The Fictionals Comedy Co. and has performed with QueerProv and Vancouver Theatresports.
We love to laugh here in Vancouver, and who can blame us. With rising rent and constantly-falling rain, we need an escape. Luckily, Vancouverites and visitors to the city have a great comedy scene to discover.
Stand-up, improv, podcasts, festivals and more – here is a look at what makes the West Coast funny.
Vancouver Venues: Houses of Hilarity
A former automotive garage turned indie comedy haven, Little Mountain Gallery is packed with crowds ready to have a good time. Blind Tiger Comedy, Slide Show, and Blood Feud are just some of the regular events that make this hole-in-the-wall venue special.
For an eclectic mix of movies and comedy, head to Rio Theatre! Whether you're in the mood for live D&D with Critical Hit Show, an Improv Against Humanity tournament by The Fictionals, live storytelling with Story Story Lie or Geekenders' Batman-themed burlesque, the Rio is the place to be.
The Kino has been hosting stand-up shows every Tuesday for the past 12 years, and it's easy to see why it's a favourite. Steve Allen and Laura Accili have given many Vancouver comics their first break, and the tradition continues with Kino's Open Mic on Mondays.
For a sketch comedy fix, head to China Cloud Studios for The HERO SHOW. Some of Vancouver's finest comedians test out characters and premiere new ideas at Sidekicks, Mixtape, The Hero Show and more. Sketches may get weird, but they're always entertaining.
Havana Theatre is home to a diverse lineup of comedy, including Instant Theatre, Off Key Improv, and The Delightly. Nestled in the back of the Havana Restaurant, the black-box space gives an intimate feel to the performance onstage.
Vancouver improv
One of the longest-running comedy companies in the city, Vancouver TheatreSports is regularly sold out thanks to their popular TheatreSports and Rookie League nights. With alumni that includes Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles and Nancy Robertson, and rising stars of tomorrow, VTS is a great way to laugh.
Another comedic force in Vancouver is The Sunday Service, who perform every Sunday at Fox Cabaret. It's easy to tell that the improvisers are all great friends on and offstage. And with 20 Canadian Comedy Award nominations and a CCA Best Improv Troupe award under their belt, they have the hardware to prove their comedy chops.
For improv of a geeky variety, check out The Fictionals every Tuesday at Cafe Deux Soleils and monthly at the Rio Theatre with Improv Against Humanity. The troupe loves to mash up comedy with comic books, board games, and even professional wrestling. They can also be seen at fandom conventions around the city.
QueerProv is one of Canada's leading queer comedy troupes, and their inclusive improv can be enjoyed Mondays at 1181 and Wednesdays at The Junction. Their shows are open to everyone, and are proudly funny and fabulous.
Fierce, feminist and funny, Nasty Women perform monthly at the Biltmore Cabaret. Every Nasty Women improv and sketch show is like attending a sleepover with your best friends, if your best friends were some of the funniest women in Vancouver.
Vancouver stand up comedy
Grab a slice of 'za and head down to Comedy Basement at Goldie's Pizza. Stand up comedians of all skill levels and backgrounds are showcased by producer Suzy Rawsome, with packed open mics, femme and non-binary Fridays, and weekly Showcase Saturdays.
Anything can happen at The Brett Martin Show, a monthly late-night talk show at Yuk Yuks Vancouver. Hosted by Brett Martin with sidekick Sam Tonning, the show features dating games, audience gripes, and a variety of comedy guests.
Fox Hole Comedy is an intimate weekly show in the Fox Cabaret Projection Room. Hosted by Jackie Hoffart and Robyn Pekar, Fox Hole proudly showcases women, non-binary, people of colour and queer stand-ups.
For more laughs throughout the week, visit Laugh Gallery with Graham Clark on Mondays at Havana Theatre and Jokes Please! with Ross Dauk on Thursday at Little Mountain Gallery. Each show features a rotating lineup of comics, and is considered to be among the best in the city.
Alternative comedy for all tastes
For fans of so-bad-they're-good films, Gentlemen Hecklers aka Eric Fell, Patrick Maliha and special guests provide live commentary for cinematic trainwrecks at the Rio Theatre. Their play-by-play give new life to classics like The Notebook, Independence Day, and Mac and Me.
Shirley Gnome is an award-winning cabaret performer and singer, and a great example of how funny can be sexy. Her bawdy songs – including Masturbation Over Breakfast and Five Boner Night – have helped her land a number one album on the Canadian iTunes comedy charts and a guest spot on Dan Savage's Savage Lovecast.
Bring aloe with you to Roast Battle Vancouver at Little Mountain Gallery, because there will be a lot of burns. Hosted by Kody Audette and John Cullen, RBV has comedians tearing each other apart with savage insults and wit for the chance to hold the title belts.
For a magnificent mix of stand-up, sketch, and characters, make plans for The Lady Show. Morgan Brayton, Diana Bang, Fatimah Dhowre and Katie-Ellen Humphries are all accomplished performers on their own, but their joining forces have been a hit for Vancouver comedy fans. Inclusive, empowering, and darn hilarious.
Aficionados of dark comedy and classic radio plays will enjoy Phantom Signal, starring by Jayson McDonald, Andrew Bailey and Tara Travis. The trio perform old-timey horror radio comedy at Little Mountain Gallery, plus their tales can be heard online.
Turn up these Podcasts
Stop Podcasting Yourself with hosts Graham Clark and Dave Shumka is one of Vancouver's most popular podcasts. SPY has featured comedy luminaries like Paul F. Tompkins, Debra DiGiovanni and Brent Butt, and their conversational style is easy to listen and laugh along with.
Retail Nightmares, hosted by comedian Alicia Tobin and musician Jessica Delisle, is a podcast delight. The two friends have easy, witty banter with their special guests as they talk about hellish retail experiences and other topics.
Comic book creators Ian Boothby and David Dedrick (Sparks!) team up for a Sneaky Dragon, a long-running pop-culture podcast that's easy to dive into. The dynamic duo chat about box office hits, favourite comics, and anything else that comes to their mind.
Fashion Hags gives a hilarious insiders-look at the fashion industry with hosts Abby Shumka, Evan Ducharme, and Katie Garnham. From debating fashion versus style to political wardrobe choices, nothing is off limits for the trio.
Comedians and comedy fans alike should listen to Guy MacPherson's What's So Funny? Along with sidekick Sam Tonning, Guy chats with comedians about their careers, current projects, and what makes them laugh. An insightful podcast on the comedy industry.
Vancouver comedy festivals
Vancouver got its own Just For Laughs festival in 2016, and JFL Northwest has grown bigger and funnier each year. The festival has welcomed huge stars like Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Sarah Silverman, and Trevor Noah, plus featured homegrown talent in the Best of the West series. There is also a Vancouver Just for Laughs Film Festival, Comedy Awards, and a free Block Party to enjoy.
Smash Comedy Festival by Nasty Women Comedy showcases Vancouver's best and brightest women/trans/femme/plus performers. Each night of the festival is equal parts inspiring and side-splitting. Come for the sketch, improv and stand-up, stay for the '90s dance party.
Whether you're a true crime junkie or a storytelling enthusiast, Vancouver Podcast Festival is a great place to find your new audio addiction. Presented by DOXA, the festival connects podcast creators to new audiences, with live shows, workshops and more.
Vancouver International Improv Festival is one of North America's longest running improv festivals. Prepare to be amazed by how much theatre the improvisers can create with just single suggestion. There is no script, just the power of yes!
The Vancouver Fringe is a highlight in the city's performing arts calendar. Every September, clowns, magicians, and comedians of all stripes take over Granville Island and stages around Vancouver. Bring Your Own Venue shows are also a treat; past Fringe audiences have enjoyed live theatre on a fire escape, in a duck pond, and the backseat of a car.
And there are many more hilarious comedians and shows in Vancouver to discover. So when you're in need of a laugh break, invite a friend to a night of comedy. Your funny bone will thank you.
Think you're funny?
Show us what you got — submit your funniest material to CBC Comedy's Next Up talent search until February 21, 2019. The winner will get a chance to perform at the 2019 Ha!ifax ComedyFest. Enter now and find more details at cbc.ca/nextup.