Who doesn’t like to laugh? The people behind the Uptown Waterloo Comedy Festival know
that there are lots of us who like to laugh and are offering up some comedic genius for us humour-lovin’ folks, March 6-9. The festival offers something for the intellectual (see Steve Patterson), the vulgar (see lispy Nikki Payne), the edgy (see Glenn Wool) and the campy (see Lady Carol), with a range of comedic stylings in between.
The festival also includes a screening of the documentary, Alone Up There, about the craft of stand-up comedy, and a family variety show to please the youthful laughers in your life.
Phil LeCompte, the festival’s executive producer has been hard at work planning this festival since last year’s event, armed with a dedicated crew of volunteers. “We’re all big comedy fans,” said the festival’s volunteer media coordinator, Brytni Tregunna. “We take on the work because we love it.” She adds, “We love how quickly the show sells out, and we get to make people happy by bringing talented stand-up comedians, some who have never performed in Waterloo, to our city.”
The festival’s executive team, several of whom are performers themselves, pick the line-up based on their personal preferences. They have either seen the performers live or really love their work and convince them to come to town. “We bring in the comedians we know are good and who know how to feel out the crowd,” says Brytni.
The festival has early show times (thank you for that good planning!) and is hosted at different venues around Uptown including the Chainsaw, Starlight, Princess Cinema and First United Church. “My mom and 72-year old grandma came last year even though they aren’t into comedy,” says Brytni. “They left the show with big smiles on their faces and enjoyed themselves.”
Imagine if you really like this kind of thing, what might happen to you when you leave a show? You might leave smiling too. You can find out after you buy your tickets.
I’ll see you there. I’ll be the one laughing.
P.S. What comedian are you looking forward to seeing?
Red leather booth 