Get ready for a week of gut-busting comedy from some of the best new talent and comedy veterans, including Indigenous performers from all across Canada!
The returns, with shows in Yellowknife Oct. 3 to 5, and in Iqaluit Oct. 6 to 9.
鈥淭he last time we were able to have a full festival was in 2019,鈥� says John Helmkay Producer of the festival. 鈥淲e did have a couple smaller virtual presentations during the pandemic, but it鈥檚 great to be back to the full festival this year!鈥�
With amazing performances by well-known artists and incredible opportunities for young amateurs, the festival is sure to tickle anyone鈥檚 funny bone.
The Yellowknife portion kicks off Monday, Oct. 3 at the with Got Land? Indigenous Comics, featuring comedians from various nations across Western Canada, including Janelle Niles, Howie Miller, Chad Anderson, Dez Loreen, Brenda Prince, Mason Mantla and more.
On Tuesday, Oct. 4, again in the 快盈v3 Arts and Cultural Centre, it鈥檚 Comedy Night in Yellowknife, featuring performances by a variety of rising stars and Canadian comedy veterans like John Wing, Kyle Brownrigg, Lisa Baker, Brittany Lyseng and Sunee Dhaliwal.
Yellowknife wraps up Wednesday, Oct. 5 at the with the Just for Laughs Showcase, with Northwest Territories comedians performing in front of JFL鈥檚 talent scouts for opportunities to perform at Just for Laughs Festival events in Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto.
All four events of the Iqaluit portion are at the , starting Thursday, Oct. 6, with Got Land? Indigenous Comics, this time featuring comedians representing nations across eastern Canada, like Janelle Niles, Patrick Cheechoo, Hezron Muckpaloo, Mary-Lee Aliyak and Mike Bombay and more.
Friday night is one of Canada鈥檚 biggest independent comedy tours 鈥� the Best Kind Comedy Tour. Hosted by Griff, this show features three of Newfoundland鈥檚 top comedians: Mike Lynch, Colin Hollet and Brian Aylward.
Saturday is Comedy Night in Iqaluit, with performances by another group of rising stars and comedy veterans like John Wing, Kyle Brownrigg, Simone Holder, Nicole Etitiq, Nuka Fennel and more.
The festival finishes up on Sunday with the Canadian Improv Games Showcase, with an invitation to high school youth in Iqaluit to join the first-ever showcase in Iqaluit. Having taken part in workshops throughout the week, they鈥檒l have a chance to showcase their skills alongside professional improvisers. Some of the students will be invited to join the Improv Festival and Tournament in April 2023 in Ottawa.
鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to developing local Indigenous talent, especially the youth,鈥� Helmkay says. 鈥淜ids involved in improv develop not only comedy skills but all kinds of skills, and tend to stay in school.
鈥淲e invite everyone out to support them and have a great laugh at the same time!鈥�
Find out more on , and visit their for tickets.
