GIGGLEFEST: Shining a Light on Montreal’s English Comedians
My love for live stand up comedy bloomed at the Just for Laughs Festival (JFL) many summers ago. I was swept up by the magic comedians can create with only a few ingredients, primarily a microphone and a room full of lovely people. When I got on stage for the first time my love only deepened.
This spring, stand-up comedy fans will have a NEW festival to express their love and appreciation for the craft. Better yet, if it's your first time, you may just fall in love as I did. Enter: GIGGLEFEST.
English Comedians, like myself, in Montreal often dabble in producing our own shows. There are various reasons why we do this. We get more stage time, some more money if we're lucky and we can experiment with different show concepts. As a result of this, there are MANY comedians that are producing shows all around the city. Montreal's English comedy scene is relentless. On any given night, pubs, bars, restaurants, and performance venues are taken over by local comedians. From straightforward comedy nights to experimental comedy shows, we are not lacking in talent or ambition.
Most of us keep at it with the hope of showcasing for JFL and becoming a darling, but it's limited, and sometimes without a proper connection, you can miss out. That's unacceptable in a town bursting at the seams with talented performers.
This inspired Michelle Forrester, an amazing comedian in her own right, to create GIGGLEFEST. GIGGLEFEST will shine a light on all of the independent producers/comedians working so hard to make others laugh. Sometimes, if not most of the time, at their own expense.
Michelle Forrester
Michelle Forrester handpicked over 80 local artists to produce over 25 shows in the first installment of the four-day-long GIGGLEFEST. This will be the first festival of its kind. By comics, for comics, and ultimately for you-the audience. No small feat.Comedians won't have to worry about putting a show together and hope for the best. Instead, GIGGLEFEST will let them do what they're best at making you laugh.
Years ago, I met Michelle Forrester at one of the many local open mics in Montreal. She's definitely a personal favourite. On stage, she's a raw force to be reckoned with, and a delight to work with off-stage. She's impressed many in the industry, and as a result, she made her JFL debut just last year and crushed it. She shared the stage with Preacher Lawson, Josh Adam Myers and Liza Treyger (and many more, OMG).
Michelle's passion, respect, and reverence for the art form emanates from her on, off, and around the stage. Undeniably so. The industry can be competitive, and sometimes a little soul-crushing, but in the actions Michelle Forrester is taking, her belief in the local talent and her trust in us, is absolutely inspiring. I know for a fact everyone is bringing their A-game. I know I will.
Michelle's open, caring, and professional nature shines through and through. GIGGLEFEST could not be in better hands, and us, by proxy.
THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Where: The majority of the shows are taking place at the Montreal Arts Center but there will also be indie shows taking place in venues across the city. Most of the shows are taking place in Montreal's South West area. An area that is accessible by public transit and has proven itself very supportive of the Montreal arts scene.
How it Works: The first day of the festival is Thursday April 6th. There are shows running from 7 pm until after midnight on each day of the festival. The list of shows and artists can be found on The GIGGLEFEST website. When you scroll through the listing of shows (HERE) that are taking place each day, you can buy tickets for any of the individual shows that peak your interest. All the EventBrite pages are linked to the website. Looking through the list of shows, I promise there is truly something for everyone.
If you’re familiar with festivals, you know that you can get passes in order to have access to multiple shows. GIGGLEFEST is no different! You can get a Weekenders Pass for a little over 100$. This pass grants you access to all of the on site shows that weekend. This WILL save you so much money and allow you to get the full GIGGLEFEST experience.
The artists involved are truly what makes this festival spectacular. The English Montreal comedy scene is mighty AF. Most days I am blown away from the spectacular talent I get to work with.
You can search for all the artists/comedians involved in this festival HERE. If you don’t recognize the names, you will. There are more than 80 comedians participating. Some of these artists you are going to see on TV some day. I have no doubt about that.
Yours truly, will be part of two shows at the fest. A live recording of my podcast, House of Stone, and a pro show called Datemare (ok, self promo over).
Some other notable shows that are part of the schedule are Giggle Pro, and Fresh Giggles. These shows are happening each day of the festival and will feature some of the best comedians in the city. Some of the other shows I would not miss are: Shit Show, Battle of Wits, A Very Pretentious Comedy Show, and Rad Dads. I literally can go on, and on, and on, there are SO MANY exceptional shows to see.
What I admire most about this festival is the potential to lift up and support the comedy community that I love so much. I will forever hold gratitude and adoration for Michelle Forrester for bringing this festival to life.
Come have a laugh.
