by Véronique Alarie
Fed up with the same old evenings at the movies or in front of the TV? Looking for variety? Then check out the comedy nights on offer all over the city. Here are five places to go when you’re in need of a good guffaw. [image credit: iStock]
Opened in 1980, this club features local English-speaking comedians, many of whom are often unknown within the French-speaking community. Given that quite a few of them were invited to appear on such prestigious talk shows hosted by the likes of David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert and Craig Ferguson, The Comedy Nest is one place you’d be nuts not to check out!
Another venue for discovering homegrown English-speaking talent – sometimes emerging, sometimes establishedComedy WorksBonus: La Belle Improv improvisation evenings held every other Tuesday and their once-a-month BattleCOM joke-offs. Tight for time? Their 8:30 p.m. Saturday evening show is perfect for anyone who likes to hit the hay early. Night owls can stay to see the headliner at 10:30 p.m
Launched in 2015 to great fanfare in Montreal’s Latin Quarter, Bordel Comédie Club . Since then, this popular venue (founded by Louis-José Houde and François Bellefeuille, among others) has celebrated one success after another. Although the identity of the seven comedians on the bill (Tuesday to Saturday) is kept secret until showtime, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon a veteran comedian trying out a new routine. Oh, and their menu? Tantalizing!
On Wednesday nights after 9 p.m., no fewer than eight comedians grace the stage of this charming pub. "We mostly welcome up and coming comedians, but also more familiar names. In recent years, Phil Roy, Simon Leblanc, Adib Alkhalidey and Mehdi Bousaidan (a former MC) have often stopped by. From time to time, we've also been treated to sets by Louis-José Houde, Mike Ward, Cathy Gauthier and François Bellefeuille," explains manager Simon Lalonde.
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OTHER GOOD IDEAS:
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Some very big names make their appearance here on Friday nights to test out new material, including: Mélanie Couture, Martin Perizzolo, Rosalie Vaillancourt (Le nouveau show), Melanie Ghaminé, Silvi Tourigny, Gabrielle Caron (Code F) and Jean-Francois Provencal (Les Appendices). Word to the frugal: the $7 cover charge is laughably small!
