Comedians
South Rock Comedy FestivalComedy Line-Up
Lizzie Allan
Now based in Surrey, Lizzie Allan is an international comedian who avoids the traditional comedy circuit, preferring to create her own alcohol-free shows that emphasize a therapeutic atmosphere. A TEDx speaker and the visionary behind Hilarapy, she teaches comedy therapy and blends humor with healing, making her a distinctive and innovative voice in the world of comedy. Catch Lizzie headlining the Hilarapy Showcase (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 7pm).
Randii Andii
Randii Andii is a musical comedian known for her provocative parody songs, elaborate costumes, and energetic performances. Her shows, a blend of original comedy and musical numbers, are a wild ride where no song is safe from her twisted humor. Since starting in Nanaimo in 2005, she has toured internationally, including with Carnival Cruise Lines’ Punchliner Comedy Club, captivating audiences worldwide. Catch Randii co-headlining the Double Take Comedy show (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 9:30pm).
Kermet Apio
Born and raised in Honolulu, Kermet Apio moved to Seattle, where a Comedy Underground open mic turned into a full-time career. Featured on Dry Bar Comedy and at festivals across 47 states and 3 Canadian provinces, he has won the Seattle International Comedy Competition and the 2009 Great American Comedy Festival. Don’t miss this rare chance to see Kermet Apio perform in Canada! Catch Kermet performing on the White Rock Wit show (Oceana PARC Playhouse: Friday Sept 20, 7pm).
Aaron Arya
Born in Montreal, raised in Toronto, and residing in Vancouver, Aaron has lived an authentic Canadian life. His upbringing and experiences shape his sharp, self-deprecating humor. Aaron performs nationwide, with credits including JFL Vancouver. Passionate about traveling, poker, and the Montreal Canadiens, he also founded Jokers Canada, a traveling comedy club, in 2021. Catch Aaron hosting the PNW LOL Showdown (Galaxie Public House: Thur. Sept 19, 8pm).
Darwin Barcellano
Darwin Barcellano was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This Filipino funnyman doesn’t just tell jokes; he spins tales about his roots, surviving the 80s, and navigating family life with a disability. He’s performed at Yuk Yuk’s and at comedy clubs throughout the country where he shared stages with legends like Rex Navarrette, Jeff Leeson, Ron Josol, and the one and only Jo Koy. Catch Darwin performing on the Deadbeat Dads show (Beecher Place: Thurs. Sept 19, 8pm).
Ty Boissonnault
Ty Boissonnault has been making his way up the rank in the Vancouver Comedy Scene for a few years now. His style of personal stories, combined with some musical parts of his act, and strong work ethic has made him stand out. He finished his first Western Canada Tour in 2022 and has since toured the rest of the country. He has been featured at the Just For Laughs Vancouver and has opened for Josh Adam Meyers. Catch Ty hosting the White Rock Wit show (Oceana PARC Playhouse: Fri. Sept 20, 7pm).
Ellen Bradley-Cheung
Ellen Bradley-Cheung has always loved comedy, whether it’s stand-up or sketch. Performing her first stand-up at 50, she has since graced stages from Yuk Yuk’s Surrey to Yuk Yuk’s Halifax, as well as throughout the Lower Mainland. She is a facilitator and performer with Hilarapy, merging laughter with therapy, and is a TEDx Solon speaker. Catch Ellen hosting the Hilarapy Showcase (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 7pm).
Alex Carr
Originally from Halifax, Alex Carr is best known as Sonic 104.9FM’s morning radio show DJ. Carr brings a wealth of life experience to the stage, having worked as a fast-food employee, bellman, used car salesman, landlord, and even sold cable door-to-door in Detroit’s toughest neighborhoods. Carr headlines venues nationwide, mixing real-life stories, current events, and fast-paced audience interactions. Catch Alex hosting the White Rock Roars show (Oceana PARC Playhouse: Sat. Sept 21, 7pm).
Scarlet Chen
Scarlet Chen, a filmmaker from China and new immigrant, stumbled into stand-up comedy by chance. Since then, she has become a unique force in the island comedy scene. She has opened for Maria Bamford and appeared at the LA Burbank Comedy Festival. Catch Scarlet performing on the White Rock Wit show (Oceana PARC Playhouse: Fri. Sept 20, 7pm).
Graham Clark
Graham Clark, a 3-time Canadian Comedy Award winner and Head Writer for The Debaters, is a pillar of the Canadian comedy scene. A “national treasure” according to CBC and one of National Post’s “Eight Extraordinary Canadians,” Graham combines classic comedy with a unique perspective. A festival favorite, he has performed at Just for Laughs, won “Best Headlining Comic” at JFL NorthWest, and toured with award-winning shows like Graham Clark Reads the Phonebook. Catch Graham headlining the Ocean Park Laughs show (Ocean Park Hall: Sat, Sept 21, 7pm & 9:30pm).
Charlie Demers
Charlie Demers is a dynamic Canadian comedian and writer with credits including CBC’s The Debaters, WTF with Marc Maron, CTV Comedy and his Juno-nominated album Fatherland. He has performed at the Halifax Comedy Festival, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and major events like Just For Laughs in Vancouver and Montreal. He is the voice of Walter from the Netflix original animated series Beat Bugs. Catch Charlie headlining the White Rock Wit show (Oceana PARC Playhouse: Fri. Sept 20, 7pm).
Rory Dunn
Rory Dunn is a Vancouver based comedian who has toured across the country and been featured on JFL Vancouver. Originally hailing from Saskatchewan, Dunn’s high energy style and blistering, goofy delivery has delighted audiences for over a decade. He currently hosts the live blind dating comedy show Meet Cuties. Catch Rory performing with Headliner Jane Stanton on the Crescent Beach Comedy show (Beecher Place: Sat. Sept 21, 7pm).
Brett Emmerson
Brett Emerson, a Wisconsin native, has been a music journalist, special ed teacher, and punk band singer. A fixture in Bellingham’s comedy scene for the past decade, he competed in the 2022 Seattle International Comedy Competition and he’s currently finishing up his podcast Karate Tolstoy. His comedy style is black as night and surreal as a unicorn working retail. Catch Brett performing on the Comedy Café show (Leon’s Cafe: Sat. Sept 21, 7pm & 9:30pm).
Jon Endo
Jon Endo has made appearances on Just For Laughs Vancouver and Comedy Here Often Shorts. Being of mixed Asian heritage, born in Canada, Jon likes to poke fun at the hypocrisies of life, his past experiences with family and friends, current events, and everything in between. Delicate like a desert rose, but raw like when your parents met, Jon loves to tell it as it is.Bio coming soon! Stay tuned for more information about this exciting performer. Catch Jon performing at the Double Take Comedy show (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 9:30pm).
Jon Gagnon
Jon Gagnon is a cartoonist and award-winning screenwriter known for his thought-provoking humor and dark wit. He performed at the 2023 Paris Comedy Festival, the Burbank Comedy Festival, and opened for Darryl Lenox at Gotham NYC. Jon created Stickman, hosts This Month Tonight, and appeared on CBC’s Canada’s Smartest Person Season 2. Fri.Sept.20 Catch Jon hosting the Crescent Beach Comedy show with Headliner Jane Stanton
Jirair Garabedian
Jirair Garabedian is a seasoned comedian known for his sharp wit and unique style. He has performed at Yuk Yuk’s, House of Comedy, and at the Just For Laughs Vancouver festival. Popular in Surrey/White Rock, Jirair has collaborated with Ari Shaffir and Steve Simeone, and his animation work is featured on Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Catch Jirair performing with Headliner Jane Stanton on the Crescent Beach Comedy show (Beecher Place: Fri.Sept.20
Chris Gaskin
Hailed by Brielle Magazine as “The Baby-Faced Assassin,” Chris Gaskin is well nown for commanding audiences’ attention with his innocent looks, and sharp tongue. Since starting stand-up, Gaskin has been a finalist in the national comedy competition “Stand Up & Bite Me” on Bite TV, featured on SiriusXM and won the Champion of Champions Comedy Competition. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in comedy including: Emo Philips, Godfrey, and T.J. Miller. Catch Chris performing on the White Rock Roars show (Oceana PARC Playhouse: Sat. Sept. 21, 7pm).
Rosie Grypma
Rosie Grypma is a Langley-based stand-up comedian who has been making her mark on the Greater Vancouver comedy scene. Inspired by her young family, experience in construction and growing up in small town BC, Rosie likes to surprise audiences with her offbeat perspective and self-deprecating style. When she isn’t embarrassing her family on stage, she can be found doing sketch comedy and writing screen plays. Catch Rosie performing on the White Rock Roars show (Oceana PARC Playhouse: Sat. Sept 21, 7pm).
Nancy Ho
Nancy has performed stand-up across Canada, drawing from her immigrant background and experiences as a single mom. She co-produces Twins Comedy Productions and has been featured at Just for Laughs Vancouver’s “Best of the West” and Cellar Comedy. Nancy has appeared on Crave, CTV’s Cross Country Cake Off, and NBC’s The Irrational. Catch Nancy hosting the Ocean Park Laughs show (Ocean Park Hall: Sat. Sept 21, 7pm & 9:30pm).
Peter Hudson
Known as the “Mayor of Nanaimo” among comedians nationwide, Peter Hudson is a cornerstone of Vancouver Island’s comedy scene. He’s entertained audiences across Western Canada with sharp wit and hilarious takes on life. He’s also performed at Just For Laughs Vancouver, Nanaimo Fringe, Rifflandia and was the 2016 Yuk Yuk’s Victoria Yuk Off winner. Catch Peter co-headlining the Deadbeat Dads show (Beecher Place: Thurs, Sept 19, 8pm)
Trevor Jang
Trevor is a comedian and writer of Indigenous and Chinese-Canadian descent. His hilarious lived experience breaks down racial stereotypes, reconciliation and the shame and stigma that often comes with addiction and recovery. He is an alumni of Lizzie Allan’s Hilarapy Recovery Project. Catch Trevor performing at the Hilarapy Showcase (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 7pm).
Kay Karoll
In her late 70s, Kay Karoll is a comedic force to be reckoned with. Drawing from her rich tapestry of life experiences, Kay shares her journey of long-term sobriety, transforming her personal stories and character flaws into uproarious humour. With Kay, shame takes a backseat, and joy takes the wheel, leaving you feeling lighter and ready to embrace life’s imperfections. Prepare for a night of belly laughs and heartfelt connection! Catch Kay performing at the Hilarapy Showcase (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 7pm).
Ryan Lachance
Ryan Lachance is a stand-up comedian from White Rock, BC, with over 25 years of experience. He has toured Canada, featured on the Halifax Comedy Festival, and recorded at Just For Laughs Vancouver. Known for his hilarious storytelling and unique perspective as a comic with quad-spastic cerebral palsy, Ryan shares personal anecdotes from his life in Alberta and BC, blending everyday joys and challenges into memorable performances. Catch Ryan co-headlining the Comedy Café show (Leon’s Cafe: Sat. Sept 21, 7pm & 9:30pm).
Alex Miller
Alex Miller is a standout comedian from Kelowna, known for his sharp wit and relatable humour on kids and marriage. Quickly gaining popularity throughout British Columbia, Miller is already set to perform nationally this summer at Yuk Yuk’s clubs in Calgary, Toronto, London and Burlington. His energetic delivery and ability to turn everyday experiences into laughter make him a rising star in the comedy scene. Catch Alex hosting the Deadbeat Dads show (Beecher Place: Thursday Sept 19, 8pm).
Jaaron Minhas
A White Rock local that has been doing comedy for over years, drawing from his experience as a 1st generation Canadian and a self-proclaimed “reformed partier”. Catch Jaaron performing at the Double Take Comedy show (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 9:30pm).
Anjelene Mittelholtz
Hailing from Saskatoon, Anjelene Mittelholtz is a rising stand-up comedian known for her sharp wit and relatable humour. She has performed all over Western Canada. With a background in acting, she brings a versatile and engaging presence to the stage, captivating audiences with her sharp humour and charismatic performances. Catch Anjelene hosting the Comedy Café show (Leon’s Cafe: Sat. Sept 21, 7pm & 9:30pm).
Niki Mohrdar
Niki Mohrdar is an up-and-coming standup comedian based out of Vancouver. She is the co-producer of both the Bi-Weekly Comedy Show and the Big Queer Party Mix Variety Show. She has performed at Just For Laughs and was featured in the second season of YVR Funny. This year, she was featured on the Just For Laughs Original Album. She is also a co-host on the podcast, Soft For Us. Catch Niki co-headlining the Comedy Café show (Leon’s Cafe: Sat. Sept 21, 7pm & 9:30pm).
Ray Morrison
Introducing Ray Morrison, master of uncomfortably comfortable comedy with a twist of senior angst. His comedy career began when his wife urged him to “Get a hobby!” In 2017, he won Vancouver’s “One Hitter Quitter” competition, besting 130 competitors. Known for clean, relatable humor, Ray performs at top clubs like Yuk Yuk’s across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Catch Ray performing on the Crescent Beach Comedy show (Beecher Place: Fri.Sept.20 7pm) with Headliner Jane Stanton.
Justin Nichol
Justin Nichol is a B.C. Based comic who has been touring the country and opening for some of the biggest names in comedy including John Cleese, Marc Maron and Bryan Callan just to name a few. He did the JFL Northwest Comedy fest opening for Tim Dillon at House of Comedy and is the creator of Justin Nichol’s Comedy Brawl. His comedy Album My Happy, Angry Dadness drops in October 2024. Catch Justin headlining the PNW LOL Showdown (Galaxie Public House: Thurs. Sept 19, 8pm).
Dave Nystrom
Calgary”s Dave Nystrom is an acclaimed comedian who has toured the UK, performed at HBO’s US Comedy Arts Festival, and filmed specials for Comedy Central and CTV Comedy. A writer for CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, he won awards and has worked with stars like Robin Williams and Dane Cook. He also wrote for National Lampoon and starred in pilots for VH1 and CBC. Catch Dave headlining the White Rock Roars show (Oceana PARC Playhouse: Sat. Sept. 21, 7pm).
Denene O’Brien
Denene has always embraced the power of laughter and humour in her life. By sharing her personal journey through comedy, she has healed and discovered joy while connecting with others. As a storyteller, Denene uses wit and authenticity to engage her audience, highlighting the importance of finding light in challenging times. She aims to uplift and entertain, fostering a sense of community through shared laughter. Catch Denene performing at the Hilarapy Showcase (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 7pm).
Lisa Person
White Rock resident Lisa Person, known for her quiet demeanor offstage, brings a twisted, quirky perspective on sexuality, dating, and aging to her performances. Since starting in 2013 at age 53, she has performed at clubs, casinos, and theatres, and competed in Roast Battle Vancouver. Lisa has appeared at Just For Laughs Vancouver, Yuk Yuk’s on Tour, I Am Woman, Hear Me Laff!, and Comedy Shocker. Catch Lisa performing on the Ocean Park Laughs show (Ocean Park Hall: Sat. Sept 21, 7pm & 9:30pm).
Jessica Pigeau
Jessica Pigeau, the vibrant and quick-witted comedian, now newly based in Langley, is celebrated for her rapid-fire absurdist humour and distinctive voice. Beyond the stage, she is a multi-talented force, contributing her sharp wit as a researcher and comedy writer for channels like Linus Tech Tips, Tech Linked and Tech Quickie. She’s also the co-host for the Histories and Mysteries podcast, where she delves into intriguing tales with equal parts humor and curiosity. Catch Jessica performing on the White Rock Roars show (Oceana PARC Playhouse: Sat. Sep 21, 7pm).
PNW LOL Showdown Competitors
Catch 10 rising amateurs as they compete in the inaugural PNW LOL Showdown that features some of the best open mic comedians from the Lower Mainland and Bellingham Washington. This year’s line-up includes Marvin Manson, Kevin Appleby, Raul Carrasco, Parvin Sohal, Monique Bellamy, Dylan Meenk, Chris Hamilton, Nicole Anne, Joel O’Connor and Corbin Stephensen (Galaxie Public House: Thur. Sept 19, 8pm).
Divinder Purewal
Divinder, a middle child from East London, learned humour early to avoid beatings from his siblings. Now calling Surrey home, he emigrated to Canada 19 years ago, hoping his English accent would open doors in comedy. Starting in his mid-40s, he jokes about wanting to achieve something before dementia sets in. Purewal has been performing throughout the region and recently moved onto the Yuk Off semi-finals. Catch Divinder performing with Headliner Jane Stanton on the Crescent Beach Comedy show (Beecher Place: Fri.Sept.20 7pm).
Elyott Ryan
Elyott Ryan, a rising headliner from Victoria, BC, captivates with his sharp jokes and personal, confessional style. Known for his rapid delivery and keen wit, Elyott’s honest and hilarious performances make him a distinctive voice in comedy. Gaining recognition, he is quickly becoming a favorite on the West Coast and beyond. Catch Elyott co-headlining the Deadbeat Dads show (Beecher Place: Thurs. Sept 19, 8pm).
Patti Savard
A sassy comedian hailing from Vancouver Island. Patti’s comedic style is a vibrant celebration of queerness, infused with humour that resonates with authenticity and charm. With roots in a small community, Patti brings a unique perspective to the stage, blending the warmth of small-town familiarity with the boldness of a confident and proud queer voice. Catch Patti at the Ocean Park Laughs show (Ocean Park Hall: Sat. Sept 21, 7pm & 9:30pm).
Angelica Senger
Born and raised in Mexico City, her personality and background stand out onstage, while he imperfection of her English has become her greatest asset for her comedy. Angelica’s witty material comes from her dual-citizenship, blende multiracial-gay marriage, their kids, working life and the little details of life that bind us all. Catch Angelica performing at the Double Take Comedy show (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 9:30pm).
Harmeet Singh Kohli
Fresh off his latest India tour this past summer, Singh Kohli is a new Canadian-Indian comedian. Harmeet first gained popularity at the Canvas Laugh Club in Gurgaon, India before moving to his new home in Surrey. A multi-lingual comic, he’s been taking the country by storm performing in English throughout Canada and recently at the Just For Laughs Vancouver comedy festival. Catch Harmeet co-headlining the Double Take Comedy show (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 9:30pm).
Jane Stanton
Jane Stanton is a top Canadian headliner with festival appearances at Just for Laughs and the Halifax & Winnipeg . Her debut album Date Night hit #1 on iTunes, and her podcast High School Sucked reached the top 100 worldwide. Jane has acted in The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers and The Twilight Zone and toured with Tig Notaro and Michael Che. She lives in Vancouver with her dogs, Hoffman and Pancake. Catch Jane headlining the Crescent Beach Comedy show (Beecher Place: Fri.Sept.20th, 7pm).
Alex Svarez
Alex Svarez began comedy just a year ago in Abbotsford. Since then, he’s produced countless shows, hosted, and performed nationwide, quickly earning a positive reputation as a leader in the Abbotsford comedy scene. His act features irreverent observations, impressions, quick-witted crowd work, hot roasts, and unfiltered confessions about life on this crazy rock spinning through space. Catch Alex performing on the Ocean Park Laughs show (Ocean Park Hall: Sat, Sept 21, 7pm & 9:30pm).
Kwasi Thomas
Kwasi Thomas is a crowd-pleaser nationwide, performing from Montreal to BC’s Yuk Yuk’s and on countless independent tours. He has represented Montreal at Just for Laughs and showcased in the Best of the Fest. Kwasi recently played Kitch in PassOver and has appeared in TV shows like Lucifer, Altered Carbon, and Netflix’s Snowpiercer, as well as films Love Hard and 2 Hearts. Catch Kwasi performing on the White Rock Roars show (Oceana PARC Playhouse: Saturday Sept. 21, 7pm).
Carson Thompson
Surrey’s Carson Thompson has performed all over Western Canada and is a regular at YukYuk’s. His material stems largely from self-deprecating and self-revealing stories that will make you feel a lot better about the embarrassing experiences you’ve had in your life. With a preference for being extremely silly and getting weird with you, his primary goal in comedy is that the audience has a wonderful experience. Catch Carson hosting the Double Take Comedy show (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 9:30pm).
Sarah Tisdall
Sarah is a deadpan comedian renowned for her sharp, insightful humour on recovery, loss, and addiction. Her unique style emerged after she completed the Hilarapy course in 2022, which ignited her passion for comedy. With a knack for blending dark themes with dry wit, Sarah turns life’s toughest moments into a source of laughter and reflection, earning her a devoted following and critical acclaim. Catch Sarah performing at the Hilarapy Showcase (Elgin Hall: Fri. Sept 20, 7pm).