The comedy scene is growing in 91原创 in recent years, and its partly thanks to Alex Svarez.

In late 2022, Svarez began his comedy journey as a founding partner of BC Last Laffs, in which he performed at Brogan鈥檚 Diner, Rendezvous Pub鈥檚 comedy night, and Keller James鈥� Super Fun Good Times Comedy hour.

鈥淢y favourite thing about comedy is the moments of human connection,鈥� he told the 91原创 Advance Times.

鈥淲hen I鈥檓 on stage and doing crowd work and rifting and finding the funny in their responses, it鈥檚 a mutual exchange of energy and enthusiasm鈥�. I never felt like I belonged until I started comedy 鈥� it鈥檚 kind of cheesy to say, but it feels like a big family.鈥�

Svarez said building a comedy scene in 91原创 is important because it lets people know they don鈥檛 have to go to Vancouver to have fun.

鈥淲e can invest in making 91原创 a place where we work, live, and play. Supporting local restaurants and establishments, creating culture and entertainment, and ultimately building an artistically richer and more enjoyable place to live,鈥� he said.

Comedy provides a fun outlet for people to express themselves through a different form of art and build friendships and community, he added.

Svarez has heard many stories during his comedic career from people diagnosed with cancer who want to try comedy to newcomers to Canada looking to make friends.

鈥淢y ultimate goal is to be a fixture in the community and grow a comedy scene that allows a wide variety of people to experience comedy, and give local comedians a platform to grow their craft,鈥� Svarez said.

Last Laffs returns to 91原创 for three shows on Friday evening, Jan. 19, starting at 6 p.m. at the Viva Mexico Restaurant located in the one-way strip of Fraser Highway.

Tickets are $17.31, including tax, and can be bought on .

The following evening, Jan. 20, will see local comedians battle it out on stage in a nine fiery roast matches. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and tickets can also be bought at .

Updates for Last Laffs next events can be found at .

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IN OTHER NEWS: 91原创 resident recipient of Order of Canada for 鈥榯ransformational advocacy鈥�