Toronto Comedy

This Week In Comedy: Laughable at Unlovable feat. Scott Thompson, Evan Carter (feat. Jordan Chyzowski), West End Girls feat. Dawn Whitwell, Rap Battlezz, and Tom Green

From a Kid In The Hall to comedians impersonating Canibus on a street corner in Harlem, Toronto's best laugh-makers are spitting hot fire. Here's what's worth getting out to see this week.

MON JAN 9 / LAUGHABLE / UNLOVABLE / 1415-B DUNDAS W / 9PM / FREE

This show is proof that Toronto has one of the best comedy scenes in North America. Where else can see Scott Thompson (Kids in the Hall), Darryl Purvis (Comedy Now!), and a guest that's been featured on HBO, free of charge? Look out for Zabrina Chevannes' set: her energy on stage is unparalleled. This line-up comes courtesy of Nick Flanagan, a producer who works tirelessly to feature the best our city has to offer.

WED JAN 11 - SUN JAN 15 / EVAN CARTER (feat. JORDAN CHYZOWSKI) / ABSOLUTE COMEDY / 2335 YONGE / 8:30PM / $6-15

The first time I heard Evan's voice, I thought, "That's what Dave Chappelle sounds like when he impersonates caucasians!" Evan has been on the scene for 30 years, opening for the likes of Fats Domino (wowzers) and Marvin Gaye (double wowzers). He'll be accompanied by Jordan Chyzowski, who made me a fan for life with his Buddha and Jesus bit. The fact that Absolute has put together two comedians that are worlds apart material-wise will go a long way to highlight each performer's chops.

THURS JAN 12 / WEST END GIRLS / POOR JOHN'S CAFE / 1610 QUEEN W / 8PM / FREE

Dawn Whitwell is a special guest this week. You may remember her as the gay comedian who was dropped from a Catholic school show when they learned she was married to another female. I'd suggest paying close attention to Amanda Brooke Perrin; she's one of the funniest comedians, male or female, in Toronto. Amanda's gotten to the point where audiences laugh at her pauses, a feat which has me in awe (and a tad jealous) every time I see her on stage.

FRI JAN 13 / RAP BATTLEZZ / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 10:30PM / $8

In 2003, Smack DVD introduced us to Jae Millz and Murda Mook, rappers who would insult each other poetically until one of them finally ran out of steam. The producers of, 'Rap Battlezz' have run with this idea, but have also added a twist: they've opted to hold these lyrical face-offs in the Comedy Bar, rather than in a barber shop or a children's parkette. I'm shaking my head because, well...it's such a great idea. Watch the video and you'll see what I mean.

FRI JAN 13 - SAT JAN 14 / TOM GREEN / YUK YUK'S / 224 RICHMOND W / 8PM & 10:30PM / $30

The first time I saw, The Tom Green Show was in '95. At the time, Tom was airbrushing a lewd scene onto his parents' car and conspicuously purchasing Trojans at a drug store. My parents weren't as amused as I was. But then again, I probably shouldn't have shown them his infamous cow udder bit. He's fallen under the radar in the past few years, but given what's on the radar, you can't really blame him. Whatever he does on stage, I hope he gives the audience his deadpan stare; it kills me everytime.

If you have a show that wasn't featured this week, please comment below with full details to keep us in the know!

Written by Michael Jagdeo, a Toronto Comedian who regularly blogs over here.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Arts

This is what Nuit Blanche looked like in Toronto for 2024

A guide to Nuit Blanche 2024 in Toronto

21 things to see at Nuit Blanche Toronto 2024

The Toronto Biennial is a window into what art looks like right now

Breathtaking public space opens in Toronto for Truth and Reconciliation Day

Toronto was just named one of the best cities in the world for creatives

Toronto museum is reopening to the public after closing to kick off massive renovation

A new generation of writers aim to put a different spin on Toronto nightlife