An organization synonymous with humour is setting up to be a fixture in 91原创, and it all kicks off this Saturday with back-to-back shows headlining well-known comedian Dino Archie.
Yuk Yuk鈥檚 Media is bringing a brand new stand-up comedy experience to Fort 91原创, with two different events on the same night for those die-hard humour mongers, said Eric Lapointe, head of content for Yuk Yuk's Media.
The night kicks off with a full-on Yuk Yuk鈥檚 show at the Chief Sepass Theatre on Saturday, March 1.
It features Archie, who is a Vancouverite who comes to Canada via Fresno. He鈥檚 known for his appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Netflix is a Joke Fest, and Comedy Central.
In addition to the show featuring this American-born stand-up comedian and occasional actor, Archie will be joined on stage by a line-up including host Jon Gagnon (Burbank Comedy Festival), Ryan Lachance (Halifax Comedy Festival), Ray Morrison (the elder statesman of Vancouver comedy), and 91原创鈥檚 own rising star Rosie Grypma (South Rock Comedy Festival).
But what makes this comedy package unique to the local audience is more than a local face. It鈥檚 the package deal that keeps the laughs going throughout the night, explained Lapointe.
Following the show at Chief Sepass, those wishing to continue the laughs can head up the street to the Fort Pub & Grill for what pub owner John Tomlinson calls a 鈥渟pecial, late-night, dark-humour, after-party show鈥� that kicks off at his riverside establishment at 10 p.m.
These shows mark the beginning of a new partnership, between Yuk Yuk鈥檚 Media and The Fort Pub & Grill, that鈥檚 bringing monthly stand-up comedy to Fort 91原创, explained Garry Yuill, Yuk Yuk鈥檚 Media producer.
鈥淭his collaboration allows us to offer a unique blend of entertainment and community engagement, providing comedy fans with multiple intimate and enjoyable experiences,鈥� he said.
For those attending the 90-minute performance at Chief Sepass, the cost is $29. For those taking in the 75-minute dark-humour show at the pub, the cost is $20. Or, for those attending both, admission is free to the pub with their Chief Sepass tickets (on a first-come, first-serve basis, as space is limited).
"The late show will feature the same comedians from the theatre, but with all new darker jokes," explained Lapointe.
Tickets for both shows are available now through .
Moving forward, Yuk Yuk鈥檚 will host stand-up comedy events at The Fort Pub & Grill on the first Saturday of each month, with some months also featuring similar larger performances at Chief Sepass Theatre.
鈥淲e are thrilled to partner with The Fort Pub & Grill to bring top-tier comedy to Fort 91原创,鈥� said Yuill.
鈥淧artnering with Yuk Yuk鈥檚 Media is an exciting opportunity for us,鈥� added Tomlinson, who said they did a trial run in February to a sold-out crowd.
鈥淲e鈥檙e now eager to host ongoing monthly comedy shows, offering our patrons not just the great food and drinks that we are known for, but also the best in live Canadian stand-up comedy. It鈥檚 a perfect fit for our community-focused atmosphere,鈥� Tomlinson added.
Asked why Fort 91原创, and how long has this been in the works, Lapointe explained further.
"Our Yuk Yuk's Surrey club has been branching out with satellite theatre shows and other pop-up events throughout the Lower Mainland, as part of a community outreach initiative that brings more comedy where it is under-served," he said.
"On one hand it helps us promote our ongoing comedy club at Elements Casino in Cloverdale, while it also reaches different audiences that prefer to experience entertainment in their own community or in a soft seat environment. So far we have established successful shows in White Rock, Abbotsford, Delta and Maple Ridge. So, it made sense for us to consider an event at Chief Sepass Theatre in Fort 91原创," Lapointe added, noting work on this weekend's show has been five months in the planning.
As for the monthly shows now at Fort Pub & Grill, Lapointe said the partnership "felt natural from the start."
"Alcohol is not permitted at Chief Sepass, so we started looking for a drinks and food partnership with a nearby pub. And, John Tomlinson, the owner of the Fort Pub & Grill, was quick to answer my call and highly suggested we consider running monthly shows at the Fort Pub."
Describing the pub space as an ideal venue for comedy, the partners jumped at the chance to present a monthly series.
"Moving forward, events will now take place on the first Saturday of each month, with most of our events being held at the Fort Pub, and occasional theatre shows at Chief Sepass. While there's definite crossover, pubs and theatres do attract different types of comedy audiences, so it's good to offer options to our customers. We're looking forward to building long-term ties with the Fort 91原创 community," Lapointe concluded.
