Edmonton Comedy Festival is built from more than a desire to make people laugh, it’s also built from good intentions. The idea for the festival was born four years ago at an All-Star Comedy Show, which raises money for cancer research through the Don Neil Charity. One of the comedians asked why there was no comedy festival in Edmonton, and as no one could come up with an answer, the group of comedians — Producer Andrew Grose among them — realized it’d be a great idea to start one.
With several different formats for its shows, the comedy festival gives its audiences the chance to “choose the kind of show you want to see,” says Grose. For instance, gala nights at the ATB Financial Arts Barns offer audiences more comedians, but less time to see each one. Whereas Comedy on Whyte shows at the Varscona Hotel have fewer comedians performing, but allow more time for each set — which makes them the perfect format for seeing a favourite comedian. Or if you’re just a “chicken wings and beer” kind of person, who wants a casual comedy atmosphere, go to a show at the Four Points by Sheraton, says Grose. “If you want to see where comedy is born, go there. Most great comedians got their start in a pub.”
When picking comics for the festival Grose says he has two conditions: “I have to know them and love them.” He wants to be confident that when he pairs comedians up at shows, they’ll enjoy each other’s company and have fun together. He also doesn’t want a night to be filled up with people joking only about politics or relationships. Unless, of course, there’s a theme to the evening, such as the Date Night Gala, which will obviously feature jokes about dating.
However, one of Grose’s picks for a can’t-miss comedian is an exception to his rule. He hasn’t met Alingon Mitra but wanted to bring the comic to the festival once he heard a story about him. When Mitra won a competition at the Boston Comedy Festival, he split the prize money with all the competing comedians as he doesn’t believe that comedy should be judged. And as Edmonton Comedy Festival is a friendly festival, Grose believes that action makes Mitra a perfect fit with the other performers.
Grose also recommends audiences attend one of the late-night galas on Friday or Saturday night. “There’s not a better show than that anywhere in North America,” he says because all six of the gala performers are headliners of their own shows during the festival, making each gala a best-of-the-fest-style evening.
No matter how you like to get your laughs in, you’re sure to find something chuckle-worthy at Edmonton Comedy Festival, which runs from October 15 to 18. For a full listing of shows and venues, visit the website.
