Laughter prolongs life. And it’s really true, as everyone sometimes needs to take a break from work, the daily grind, and life’s troubles. Some people go to the movies, others to the theatre. And then there are those who are fans of stand-up. Today, we’ll be talking about Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club. It is one of the most famous and oldest comedy club chains in Canada. Read more about this on the torontoski.info website.
The History of Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club
In 1976, in Toronto, Mark Breslin and his friend Joel Axler decided to found a comedy club. The first shows took place in the basement of The 519 community centre on Church Street, where, for a symbolic fee, attendees could enjoy performances by young comedians.
Just two years later, the founders decided to open the first fully-fledged club on Bay Street in Toronto. It quickly gained popularity thanks to its unique format and the freedom of speech granted to the comedians who performed.
It’s worth noting that Mark Breslin, himself a former stand-up comedian, aimed to create a space where comedians could experiment with edgy humour. He wanted comedians to joke about topics previously considered taboo — personal confessions, sex, drugs, etc.
The Club’s Development
During the 1980s and 90s, the network expanded, opening clubs in other Canadian cities: Ottawa, Hamilton, Niagara, Calgary, and Edmonton. By 1999, Yuk Yuk’s had grown to nine clubs across the country.
The club went on to organize several national comedy competitions: the “Search for Canada’s Funniest New Comic” and the “Yuk Yuk’s Great Canadian Laugh Off.” These contests were very popular with comedians and audiences alike. They became important platforms for discovering new talent.
Currently, Yuk Yuk’s has 15 clubs across six Canadian provinces. And the main office is located in the heart of our city. Both popular American comedians and lesser-known humorists perform here. However, the venue’s hallmark is its freedom of speech for comedians and a commitment to preserving edgy, provocative humour.
Who Performs at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club
The club has a long history and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. As you’ve probably gathered, it’s not just popular comedians who perform here, but also up-and-comers trying to find their audience. The club’s regular performers and stars include:
- Danish Anwar. He is the host of the Comedy Melting Pot show, known for his appearances on CBC, SiriusXM, and CTV’s Roast Battle Canada. He tours the world, performing at various prestigious clubs.
- Harris Anderson, Eric Andrews, Armin Arbabi, James Ball. Comedians who regularly appear on the Yuk Yuk’s stage.
- Jeff McEnery. A winner of several prestigious Canadian comedy awards, a participant in major festivals, and a writer and performer of his own stand-up specials.
- Ben McKay. A young stand-up comedian from Toronto who is gaining popularity thanks to his unique style.
Additionally, many famous comedians who later gained international fame began their comedy careers at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club: Jim Carrey, one of the world’s most renowned actors and comedians; Howie Mandel, known for his unique style of humour; Russell Peters, one of Canada’s most famous stand-up comedians; and Norm Macdonald, a legendary comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member.
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club was founded in the last century, yet today the establishment remains popular among comedians and patrons. It’s a wonderful place to relax, where you can have a good laugh and unwind.
We hope you found this material informative and learned something new about your home city.