toronto comedy

This Week In Comedy: Brian Stollery with Ward Anderson, I Just Love That I'm So Into You, Todd Glass, and One Hour Fun Hour

Over the next seven days, Toronto plays host to acts that have been featured on everything from Conan O'Brien to MacWorld. Follow me as I take you through the best that our rich comedy scene has to offer.

WED AUG 8 - SUN AUG 12 / BRIAN STOLLERY FEAT. WARD ANDERSON / ABSOLUTE COMEDY / 2335 YONGE / $6-15 / VARIOUS TIMES

When I looked up one of Brian Stollery's videos, the description read, "Attention to detail is what has made Brian Stollery one of Western Canada's most sought after corporate comedians." I have to admit that I wasn't expecting to laugh when I hit play. But to my surprise, he had me laughing throughout the entire clip, which I can't say for a lot of comedians. And hey, if he can hold his own when sharing a stage with the likes of Norm freakin' MacDonald, that's good enough for me.

FRI AUG 10 / I JUST LOVE THAT I'M SO INTO YOU / FLYING BEAVER PUBARET / 488 PARLIAMENT / 730PM / $10 ADV $15 DOOR

Heather Gold and Mariko Tamaki headline this comedically diverse show, which will include traditional stand-up as well as plenty of engaging crowd work. How do I know it will be engaging? Well, Google and MacWorld invited Gold to speak, and they seem to be on the ball. Not to be outdone, Tamaki's graphic novel Emiko Superstar was published by Minx/DC Comics. Wowzers...now that's what I call a dynamic duo!

FRI AUG 10 & SAT AUG 11 / TODD GLASS / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 8PM & 1030PM / $20

What a resume! Kimmel, Conan, Tosh2.0, Politically Incorrect, Louie, Comedy Central Presents...I could go on. But don't get it twisted: Glass is old school. Remember A&E's Evening at the Improv? Yep, he was on that, too! If you're interested in attending, I'd suggest acting early. Between his stand-up and podcast following, you'll be hard-pressed to find tickets at the door.

SAT AUG 11 / ONE HOUR FUN HOUR / CROWN & TIGER / 414 COLLEGE / 9PM / PWYC

In my reviews, I tend to focus on the individual comedians. However, Jacob Duarte and Alexander Saxton have been so consistent with producing great shows that I have to keep the spotlight on them. They have a great way of booking acts that are wonderfully different from each other. On Saturday, where Dom Pare will be upset, you'll find Amanda Brooke-Perrin to be pondering and inquisitive, while your headliner Fraser Young will seem calm even when he's getting worked up. I take my baseball cap off to Jacob & Alexander for once again bringing the heat.

About the Author: This is Michael Jagdeo, and I refuse to write about myself in the third-person. My blog, Diary of a Stand-up Comedian, teaches you how to be - and how not to be - a comedian in Toronto.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Arts

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

21 things to see at Nuit Blanche Toronto 2024

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

Huge art festival opens in Toronto this week and it will last for more than 2 months

Toronto man brings back shuttered neighbourhood hub to its former glory