1. The Comedy Cellar – New York City

Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, The Comedy Cellar, known for its iconic brick wall backdrop, is a cornerstone of New York City’s comedy scene. Opened in 1982, this club has been a proving ground for comedians looking to make it big. It’s one of the most famous comedy clubs in New York. Legends like Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and Jon Stewart have all performed here. They often drop-in unannounced to test new material. The club’s intimate setting creates an unparalleled atmosphere where comedians and audiences connect in a shared experience of laughter.

2. The Comedy Store – Los Angeles

On the West Coast, The Comedy Store in LA boasts a history as colourful as Hollywood itself. Founded in 1972 by Sammy Shore and later run by Mitzi Shore, this club became the breeding ground for a new generation of comedians. It’s one of the most famous comedy clubs in LA. It’s where names like Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, and Ellen DeGeneres honed their craft. The Comedy Store is known for its uncensored approach, giving comedians free rein to push boundaries and experiment with their art.

3. The Second City – Chicago

The Second City in Chicago, famous for its improv comedy, has been a significant force in the comedy world since its inception in 1959. This famous Chicago comedy club is the birthplace of sketch comedy and has produced stars like Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell. The club’s focus on improvisational comedy sets it apart, offering a unique platform for comedians to spontaneously create and collaborate, making every show a one-of-a-kind experience.

4. The Stand Comedy Club – Edinburgh

Across the pond, The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh has been a key player in the UK comedy scene since 1995. Known for its cozy ambiance and supportive audience, The Stand is a favourite among comedians and comedy lovers alike. It has been a launching pad for British comedians like Frankie Boyle and Kevin Bridges and is a staple venue during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival.

5. Yuk Yuk’s – Toronto

In Canada, Yuk Yuk’s stands out as a premier comedy club. Founded in 1976 in Toronto by Mark Breslin, it has expanded across the country, but its flagship location remains a must-visit. Yuk Yuk’s has a reputation for nurturing local talent and has been instrumental in the careers of comedians like Jim Carrey and Russell Peters. The club’s commitment to showcasing a mix of established and up-and-coming comedians ensures a diverse and dynamic comedy experience.

6. The Comedy Store – London, UK

The Comedy Store in London, a beacon in the British comedy scene, mirrors its Los Angeles namesake in prestige. Since 1979, it has been at the forefront of the UK’s alternative comedy movement. It has launched the careers of British icons like Eddie Izzard and Russell Brand. Known for its no-holds-barred performances, The Comedy Store London offers a blend of seasoned and emerging comedians, making it a landmark for comedy aficionados.

7. The Classic Comedy Club – Auckland, New Zealand

The Classic Comedy Club in Auckland is New Zealand’s premier spot for comedy. It offers a unique blend of local and international acts since 1997. Its vibrant atmosphere and diverse lineup make it a hub for discovering new comedic talent and enjoying established performers. Therefore, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the Australasian comedy circuit.

8. Quatsch Comedy Club – Berlin, Germany

Quatsch Comedy Club, established in 1992 by Thomas Hermanns, is a highlight of Berlin’s comedy landscape. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the club features a mix of local and international comedians. Quatsch is particularly notable for its English nights, offering performances in English that attract a diverse audience. The club showcases a variety of comedic styles, from traditional stand-up to experimental acts. Thus, making it a vital platform for both up-and-coming and established comedy talents in Germany.

And there you have it – a tour of some of the most iconic comedy clubs around the globe. These comedy clubs, each with its unique history and character, have played a pivotal role in the evolution of stand-up comedy. They’ve been more than just entertainment venues. They’ve been cultural landmarks where comedians have pushed the boundaries of humour and audiences have revelled in the joy of laughter. Whether you’re a comedy aficionado or a casual fan, a visit to these iconic clubs is a journey through the heart of the comedy world.

Montreal Comedy Shows

At Comedyville, we pride ourselves on offering some of the best live comedy shows in Montreal. By joining us, you’re not just enjoying a night of entertainment. You’re potentially witnessing the rise of the next big star in comedy. Who knows, maybe one of the future comedy legends is currently honing their craft on a stage near you – perhaps even at Comedyville. So, come and be part of the laughter, the cheers, and the unforgettable moments that define the world of Montreal stand-up comedy.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

The post Discover Famous Comedy Clubs Around the World appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

The Montreal comedy scene features many hilarious women. There are many women who have played pivotal roles in shaping the history of stand-up comedy. But who was the first? Let’s take a look at the life of the world’s first female comedian, how she got her start, and the legacy she paved for later generations.

Early Women Comedians

When you think about women pioneers of comedy, you likely think of names like Phyllis Diller and Joan Rivers. These were certainly remarkable talents that left their mark on the comedy scene. However, they were nowhere near the first female comedians. Both of these got their start in the 1950s, several decades after the first female comedian initially took the stage.

Female stand-up comics in the 1950s were among the first to be given the name “comedian.” Prior to the 1940s, that term was reserved solely for male performers. Women were largely not viewed as serious comedians and typecast into roles that often required singing and dancing to be successful. However, one entertainer in the 1920s was able to make her mark as a comic.

Jackie “Moms” Mabley & the Chitlin Circuit

If you haven’t studied about black history in the United States, you likely won’t recognize the term Chitlin Circuit. This was a grouping of performance venues from the early 1900s to the 1960s that encouraged performances by African American musicians and entertainers.

The Chitlin Circuit included performance spaces in the eastern, southern, and midwestern United States. They were an important source of performance at a time of segregation where black people were not allowed to perform in many venues. Named after chitterlings, a popular dish with ties to black southern cooking, the Chitlin Circuit helped give rise to many art forms, perhaps most notably Blues music.

During the 1920s, a young comedian by the name of Jackie Mabley began working on the Chitlin Circuit. Originally named Loretta May Aiken, she had a difficult childhood. Both of her parents died in separate accidents when she was young. As a young woman, she made her way to Vaudeville and began performing on the circuit.

Defining Her Schtick

Mabley earned the nickname “Moms,” which may sound strange for a performer that was quite young. In reality, this nickname was in relationship to her onstage persona. She cultivated a character that was largely framed after her grandmother, the one stable force in her early life.

As the first female comedian, Mabley’s onstage character was that of an old lady. She would present herself with loose fitting, old clothing, a funny-looking hat, and form her mouth in a way where it looked as if she did not have teeth when she spoke. This appearance served to create a very comical look. However, it also had another important benefit for Mabley.

By performing under the guise of an old woman, she had much more freedom to discuss topics that were taboo. Her act typically addressed different aspects of life at the time including racism, political satire, and sex.

Prior to developing the maternal grandmother character, Mabley did many of her sets about sexuality and sexual orientation. She had come out as a lesbian in 1921, just a year after making her comedy debut at Connie’s Inn in Harlem. While she drew a name for herself quickly, it was the Moms Mabley character that catapulted her into stardom.

A Career with Many Accolades

As the first female comedian, Mabley performed stand-up comedy at a time where women were not given the opportunity. Rather, women in the 1920s would see comedic performances limited to roles in Vaudeville song-and-dance acts rather than traditional stand-up. She proved that she had strong comedy chops, seeing her career takeoff. In 1939, she became the first female comic to be invited to perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theatre.

In the 1960s, at the time when segregation was nearing an end, Mabley began to achieve crossover success. She performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 1962 and began to be featured on many television and radio shows. She was a regular guest on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour program.

While her act had been traditional stand-up comedy, she did begin to venture into music later in her career. She began adding singing as a regular part of her act. In fact, Mabley even earned a Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1969 with “Abraham, Martin, and John,” which peaked at No. 35. This made her the oldest person to have a Top 40 hit in the United States, which she achieved at the age of 75.

Mabley, the first female comedian, continued to make regular appearances on television programs and recorded several popular comedy albums. In 1971, at the age of 77, she opened for Ike & Tina Turner at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre. Her final addition to her resume was serving as the leading role in the film Amazing Grace in 1974. She suffered a heart attack on the set but returned three weeks later after receiving a pacemaker to finish shooting. Mabley passed away the following year.

The Legacy of the First Female Comedian

Mabley was a trendsetter in stand-up comedy. As a black, lesbian comic, Mabley was able to achieve extreme success while paving the way for others to follow in her footsteps. She saw crossover fame amongst a wide demographic of audiences with her non-threatening grandmotherly character allowing her to address more taboo topics at the time.

Mabley’s Moms character has since been portrayed by other comics including Whoopi Goldberg and Wanda Sykes. The character served as the inspiration for Grandma Klump in Eddie Murphy’s The Nutty Professor. Her mark on comedy can still be seen today, most notably in her popular character that she portrayed for most of her career.

As a popular venue in the Montreal comedy scene, Comedyville Comedy Club is happy to share the history of our craft. We hope that you have enjoyed learning about Moms Mabley as the first female comedian and that you will join us for an upcoming show. Whether you are a guest or a local, you are sure to enjoy Montreal comedy.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal. 

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1. Jerry Seinfeld

Seinfeld’s love of stand-up developed while acting in college, leading him to start performing at open mic nights while attending college. His work led to an appearance on an HBO Rodney Dangerfield special. He would go on to be a frequent guest on The Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman.

In 1988, one year after his first one-hour standup special, he and Larry David developed the sitcom, Seinfeld. Much of his wealth came from this sitcom’s success, including royalties that continue with its syndication. In 2017, he sold Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee to Netflix. He continues to tour with his stand-up act and is estimated to have a net worth of $950 million.

2. Ellen DeGeneres

DeGeneres worked for years as a popular stand-up comedian before eventually earning the starring role in her network sitcom, Ellen. Of course, she is perhaps best known as the host of her daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she showcases her dance moves.

She is also the voice actor for Dory, the talking fish from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. Ellen still does stand-up comedy; however, her tour schedule is not as extensive as it once was. She is estimated to have a net worth of $500 million.

3. Jay Leno

Leno began stand-up comedy in the 1970s, performing for the very first time on The Tonight Show in 1977. He also had small parts in a variety of television shows and movies. Leno became a regular substitute host for Johnny Carson in 1986. Upon Carson’s retirement in 1992, Leno took over The Tonight Show, which he hosted until 2014 with the exception of a short time when Conan O’Brien served as host in 2009.

Leno is an avid car collector and has also volunteered with many charities including doing USO tours. He continues to do stand-up, frequently performing over 200 dates each year. He has an estimated net worth of $450 million.

4. Kevin Hart

Hart is one of the most popular comedians today. His popularity with his stand-up acts led him to transition into an extensive film career. He has headlined movies including Ride Along, Jumanji, and Central Intelligence. He has also lent his voice to animated characters in movies like DC League of Super-Pets and The Secret Life of Pets.

Endorsements and ownership of a media comedy also contribute to Hart’s fortune. He is a stand-up comedian who has turned his talent into many different creative outlets. His net worth is estimated at $450 million.

5. Adam Sandler

From stand-up to performing skits on Saturday Night Live, Adam Sandler became extremely popular in the 90s. He actually got his start in stand-up comedy at the age of 17. After college, he took on a number of writing gigs on television shows.

Most of Sandler’s earnings have come from his movie career. He is known for iconic cult classics like The Waterboy, The Wedding Singer, and Happy Gilmore. He owns his own production company and has signed multiple deals with Netflix. Sandler has a net worth of $440 million.

6. Larry David

Larry David supported his early stand-up comedy career by also working as a store clerk and historian while living in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen. He served as a writer on Saturday Night Live and later worked with Jerry Seinfeld to create the show, Seinfeld.

David would later perform a one-hour stand-up special on HBO which led to a reoccurring series Curb Your Enthusiasm. The show won several awards including an Emmy and Golden Globe. He is estimated to have a net worth of $400 million.

7. David Letterman

Letterman originally worked as a broadcaster and later a weatherman but got attention for his humorous improvisations. He moved to Los Angeles in hopes of becoming a comedy writer. He began performing stand-up, including at the prestigious Comedy Store.

While Letterman earned a number of small television and film gigs, his stand-up led him to be a popular act on The Tonight Show. He would later host his own morning comedy show before hosting late-night comedy shows on NBC and later CBS. His net worth is $400 million.

8. Bill Cosby

Cosby’s stand-up career began in the Philadelphia club scene. In 1961, he made his first performance in New York City, where he continued to work frequently. He began touring nationally, performed on late-night television and released several albums.

While he had a number of roles on television and film, he is most known for his portrayal of father Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Cosby does not currently perform stand-up. His net worth is estimated at $400 million.

9. Ray Romano

Romano began his career in 1989 when he competed in the Johnnie Walker Comedy Search. After a number of small roles in television, he began frequently appearing on Late Show with David Letterman. Most of his earnings are from his popular television series Everybody Loves Raymond, which aired for a decade.

You’ll see Romano in cameos in many television series including The Office and The Middle. He also was a regular cast member on the drama series Parenthood. Romano continues to do frequent stand-up comedy and has a net worth of $200 million.

10. Eddie Murphy

Another stand-up comedian that rose to prominence through his roles on Saturday Night Live, Murphy’s career began with a performance in a talent show at a local youth center. He worked at comedy clubs as early as high school. His signature SNL characters included a cynical Gumby and a black version of children’s television host Mr. Rogers.

His popularity led to a successful movie career including Beverly Hills Cop, Another 48 Hours, and The Nutty Professor. He also did voice work for Shrek movies, playing the role of Donkey. He also had a brief music career. While Murphy does not currently do stand-up, he has spoken about a return in the future. His net worth is estimated at $200 million.

Get Your Laughs at Comedyville

There you have it, the 10 richest Stand-up Comedians in the World. One thing these performers all have in common is that their careers started in comedy clubs. Comedyville has some of the best comedy shows in Montreal. Who knows? If you check out some of our Montreal comedy shows, you may see the next huge name in comedy before they get their big break! One of the future 10 richest Stand-up Comedians may be on a stage near you.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal. 

The post 10 Richest Stand-up Comedians in the World appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

What Was Vaudeville?

You’ve likely heard the term Vaudeville before. However, if you aren’t a huge fan of theatre or comedy, you may be a bit unsure of what exactly it refers to. Vaudeville was a type of theatre that developed in France in the late 1800s that is very similar to a variety show. It was very popular throughout Canada and the United States until the 1930s.

A typical Vaudeville show would consist of several distinct, unrelated acts. Show attendees would see things like acrobats, jugglers, animal tricks, feats of strength, songs, one-act plays, and comedians. Comedy during Vaudeville often took the form of slapstick and physical humor. However, it gradually grew to approximate a situation similar to modern standup in some acts.

Origins of Vaudeville

The origins of Vaudeville are complex and actually quite hotly debated. The term itself is believed to be derived from val-de-Vire, a river in Normandy. French poet Oliver Basselin wrote popular humorous drinking songs called chansons du vau-de-Vire. Nearly two centuries later, these songs were revived with new lyrics and performed at agricultural fairs as short sketches called vaudevilles.

Some people may highlight Paris’ Theatre du Vaudeville as part of the evolution of Vaudeville. While it did play a part, the majority of its life was a traditional theatre company that produced multiple act plays. However, in the late 1800s, it did begin to experiment with programs that provided a variety of short plays and poetry readings together. However, this still varied significantly from what is considered as Vaudeville today.

While the name Vaudeville does owe its origins to France, the origins of the content of Vaudeville is much more varied. Vaudeville was ultimately more of an organic synthesis, highlighted by the merging of many different cultures. It has been described as a fusion of a number of century old traditions including English Music Hall, antebellum minstrel shows, and Yiddish theatre.

Grand Theatre in Buffalo, NY (1900s)
Source: American Studies at the University of Virginia.
(Category: Theaters in the US)

Vaudeville largely transitioned into its modern meaning in New York City, where performances were a way to bring theatre to the common man. Performances were designed to provide many short acts, helping keep an audience’s attention with rapid humor to generate lots of laughs. Many of the first stand up comedians had their beginnings on Vaudeville including Abbot & Costello.

Abbott and Costello performing
“Who’s on First?”
(Public Domain)

Does Vaudeville Still Exist?

Vaudeville lasted for roughly 50 years in the United States and Canada. Beginning in the 1880s and running through the 1930s. However, there are examples of Vaudeville that can still be seen if you were to look hard enough. More on that in a bit.

Why did something so immensely popular and widespread as Vaudeville see such a sudden end. Like many things, the growth of technology saw the death of Vaudeville. During the 1930s, talking motion pictures and a standardized method of film distribution created a cultural shift. Traditional theaters begin being wired for sound and motion pictures quickly overtook the variety show as the popular means of entertainment. While a few of the most popular theatres persevered for a time, the Great Depression shuttered them.

The best of the Vaudevillian performers found a new like in the evolution of entertainment. In fact, standup comedy largely originated from Vaudeville as some of the top comedians began performing on television and radio. Comedians like Milton Berle, Lenny Bruce, Don Rickles, and Sid Caesar found success here as well as in nightclubs that started springing up in major cities. Others like Abbot and Costello went on to make many movies.

In a way, you could say that Vaudeville did not technically die. Rather, it evolved.

What is Modern Vaudeville?

While Vaudeville’s days as an entertainment mainstay are long past, you can still find aspects of modern Vaudeville today. A good place to look is the circus, which combines lots of short acts including juggling, acrobats, strong men, and animal entertainment. It is done much in the same style as classic Vaudeville and, in many ways, is a lens to the past.

Of course, it is possible to find some throwbacks to Vaudeville. If you go to Las Vegas, you can see shows like Absinthe or the Atomic Saloon Show from Spiegel World Entertainment Group. Their offerings have earned accolades as some of the best shows in the city and are based on the traditional Vaudeville format with short acts interspersed with comedy.

However, perhaps the most popular approximation of Vaudeville in today’s world are the popular late-night comedy shows that you can find on television networks. Television shows like The Tonight Show, The Late Show, The Hour, and Jimmy Kimmel Live all borrow a bit from the classic Vaudeville recipe. They break up interviews with comedic monologues, slapstick, funny skits, and musical acts.

While you may find it difficult to catch a glimpse of Vaudeville in the world today, you can definitely see one of the art forms that evolved from it at Montreal comedy clubs. Comedyville Comedy Club prides itself on providing top Montreal stand-up comedy. We would love for you to come check out one of our shows on your next night out in Montreal!

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal. 

The post Origins of Vaudeville appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

One question we sometimes receive from patrons at our English speaking Montreal comedy shows is an inquiry to the differences between French and American humor. Let’s take a look at the major differences.

Observation

Observational comedy is a subgenre of comedy that focuses on deriving humour from typical aspects of life. This often includes finding humour in a common experience that is shared by both the comedian and the audience. Observational humor focuses on normal life whether it be being at the airport, ordering food at a restaurant, or navigating dating.

While observation can be seen in comedy everywhere, it is relied upon much more heavily in American comedy. American humor is filled with observation. Many people have described American humor as simply stating facts or pointing out situations. The audience then finds these funny or doesn’t. For people used to French humour, this can seem as if it is missing an ingredient – subtext.

Attitude

Another common difference between American and French humor is attitude or outlook. American humor is often described as being overly nice when compared to humor in other countries. While American humor does have dark humor, it is much less common than in French humour. In fact, French humour and British humour are both quite similar in the prevalence of dark humor as a mainstay of comedy.

For example, when the British TV series “The Office” was adapted to the U.S., they had to make the boss much nicer to be palatable. American humor would not tolerate a mean boss as a main character. Some people trace this tendency of American humor to Americans’ view of life as generally positive and uplifting while people in other nations are more likely to expect the worse.

Sarcasm & Irony

Furthering upon the concept of attitude is the usage of devices like sarcasm and irony in French humour. While you will find these in American humor, they are not pervasive, and many American comedians do not use them at all. When it comes to French humour, sarcasm can often be seen as being used as both a shield and a weapon. French humour often requires the audience to think and reflect more often.

Meanwhile, American humor is not often thought provoking in nature. This is not to say that it cannot be. Rather, it generally isn’t. While French humour is more often meant to be a critique, American humor is generally simply meant to be enjoyed for entertainment. In other words, French humour is typically more complex than American humor.

Social Commentary

Another hallmark of French comedy is its use in social commentary. Often times, French comedy is used to attack societal institutions, political stances, or policies. French comedy has been a vehicle for social critique from the beginning. One need only to look towards the comedic plays of Moliere to see that the comedy has a greater point. This is still true today in much French standup and even film.

Of course, there are very well-known American comedians that focus their time on social commentary. Dave Chapelle, Jon Stewart, and George Carlin immediately come to mind as some of the most famous. However, social commentary in American humor is more of a subgenre than an expectation. It is definitely not a mainstay of the comedy scene, another thing that draws a comparison between the two types of humor.

What is Acceptable

When it comes to French humour, dark topics are acceptable and often considered normal in the discipline. For example, the thought of someone making a joke at a funeral to break the tension would be perfectly normal in French humour but generally quite unacceptable within the United States. Thus, French comics have a much broader spectrum when it comes to material.

When it comes to American humor, there are many things that are simply not generally acceptable to joke about. For example, issues of race, gender, and identity typically must be carefully addressed. There are some American comedians like Anthony Jeselnick who have routines about dark and morbid topics. However, these are not common fare in American humor but rather a subgenre with a cult following.

The Major Differences Between French and American Humor

It is always a bit difficult to try to classify something as diverse as humour into a tidy package. After all, there are always situations that do not quite fit the definition. However, there are generally a number of major differences between French and American humor.

French humour tends to be more sophisticated and complex than American humor with the latter often simply relying on humorous observations or facts. Instead, French humor relies heavily on subtext, making the audience think as well as laugh. Additionally, French humour is more likely to be used as social commentary, heavily leveraging things like sarcasm and irony in the presentation. Meanwhile, American humor is often simply meant to be fun and funny. Furthermore, many things considered acceptable in French humour could be considered unpalatable or mean in American humor.

These differences often mean that Americans may struggle to find humor in French humour and vice versa. Regardless of your comedy preferences, we know that you will find comedy shows that you will love at our wonderful Montreal comedy clubs. Check out our Montreal stand-up schedule for your best chance to catch a great English comedy show at Comedyville.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

The post Differences between French and American Humour appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

Who Was George Carlin?

Many fans of comedy are quite familiar with George Carlin. However, those new to standup comedy may not recognize the name. Carlin was an American standup comic from the 50s until his death in 2008 at 71 years of age.

George Carlin first became nationally popular through his work on The Tonight Show. He was a frequent guest of host Johnny Carson for nearly three decades. He is also well known as the host of the first episode of Saturday Night Live. Throughout his career, Carlin has 14 standup comedy specials. He is frequently recognized as one of the top comedians in history.

His genre of comedy focused heavily on reflections on sociological, cultural, and political events. He often talked about topics seen as quite taboo for the time, routinely pushing the boundaries of comedy with his dark humour.

What was “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television?”

Carlin’s most famous – or, for some people, infamous – a bit of comedy was titled “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television.” This skit was first recorded in Santa Monica, California, in 1972 for his album, Class Clown.

The skit included a lot of wordplay, another common aspect of Carlin’s comedy, focused on seven specific words that were considered too profane for television. For the sake of décor, we will refrain from listing the words here. However, if you are curious, you can easily find them – and the routine – online.

Over the course of the routine, Carlin says these seven words quite a bit. The skit seeks to help normalize “dirty” words by making fun of the English language and how some things are considered offensive while seemingly similar things are seen as normal. This often included examples of intricacies and weird aspects of language.

This bit often begins, “There are 400,000 words in the English language and there are 7 of them that you can’t say on television …  399,993 to 7. They must be really bad.”

“Seven Words” and Carlin’s Arrest

As could be expected, “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television” led to quite the controversy for Carlin on several occasions. One such occasion occurred during Carlin’s performance at Milwaukee’s Summerfest in 1972. Carlin was picked as the opener for musician Arlo Guthrie at the festival which is billed as a family-friendly event.

After Carlin launched into the bit, local police received many complaints regarding the vulgarity, primarily coming from parents who attended the show with their children. After Carlin departed the stage, he was arrested by local law enforcement and charged with disorderly conduct.

A few days later, the charges were dismissed by a Milwaukee judge. The reasoning behind the dismissal was that Carlin’s act, while described by the judge as “indecent,” fit within the confines of the right to free speech and did not cause a disturbance. This event further launched the profile of Carlin as a top comedian.

1972: Comedian George Carlin is led away by Milwaukee police after being arrested for his performance of “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television”
(Source: Milwaukee Journal sentinel Files)

“Seven Words” and the Federal Communications Commission

The year after the Milwaukee incident, Carlin once again found himself at the center of a legal controversy regarding his “Seven Words” bit. This time, the routine ran afoul of the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC is a U.S. government agency that regulates communications across television, radio, and other platforms including what is considered decent versus not.

Carlin’s routine was broadcast on radio station WBAI-FM following a warning for offensive language. The routine played was not the full “Seven Words” skit but rather a similar one entitled “Filthy Words.” An executive of television station CBS was listening alongside his teenage son that evening. This person also was part of a watchdog group called Morality in Media, who filed a complaint with the FCC regarding the broadcast.

The FCC ruled that the broadcast was indecent, threatening sanctions on the company that owned the radio station. This led to a lawsuit that made it to the U.S. Supreme Court who ruled 5-4 that the FCC has the power to create language guidelines for broadcasts. This case was the first in a number of times that this doctrine would be challenged.

The FCC’s power was challenged again in 2009, this time by Fox Television Stations. In 2012, Fox won their case on a technicality, leaving the earlier decision as precedent. Today, the FCC maintains the power to determine what is considered decent for broadcast on various forms of media, although their standards have obviously been revised often as culture shifts. Still, it was Carlin’s “Seven Words” routine that served as the catalyst for the FCC v. Pacifica decision.

The Legacy of George Carlin

While “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television” remains Carlin’s most well-known comedic routine, his career is filled with hilarious and thought-provoking observations. Fans of comedy who are not familiar with Carlin’s work can always check out his material on their favourite streaming services.

While there is no other George Carlin, you can certainly see many comics who strive to push boundaries in social commentary during our great Montreal comedy shows. View our shows here. If you are a fan of Carlin’s style of comedy, you may love our weekly late-night comedy shows in downtown Montreal. We look forward to welcoming you and leaving you laughing.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal. 

The post Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television: A Bit of Comedy History appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

Who Were Abbott & Costello?

Abbott & Costello were a very popular American comedy duo. The pair, comprised of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, first began working together in New York City in the 1930s. They developed a number of sketches for the popular burlesque shows on vaudeville. Abbott played a typical person while Costello portrayed a dumb and often emotional person.

The team expanded their act to radio by the end of the 1930s, having their own show that began in 1940. With their voices sounding too similar, Costello changed his voice to one with a higher pitch for performances so they could be distinguished on radio shows. They debuted their “Who’s on First” routine for the first time shortly after their show launched.

Over the ensuring years, the duo quickly rose in popularity. Abbott & Costello had a 22 year career which included appearing on Broadway, radio, movies, and television. Together, the pair made 38 movies; however, their greatest comedic legacy is the “Who’s on First” routine.

Abbott and Costello performing
“Who’s on First?”
(Public Domain)

What Was “Who’s on First” About?

“Who’s on First” was a routine that took advantage of the use of homophones and complexities within the English language to create a confusing situation. This was similar to many of the pair’s acts, which often used puns and wordplay to draw laughs.

In this baseball-themed skit, Abbott attempts to tell Costello about the starting lineup, including a first baseman, second baseman, and third baseman whose names were “Who,” “What,” and “I Don’t Know” respectively. Throughout the bit, other players are introduced who have names like “Because,” “Why,” “Tomorrow,” and “Today.”

Costello, portraying the fool, misses this point and proceeds to spend the rest of the routine inquiring about the names of the players. This ensues in a fast-paced back-and-forth between the comics. Costello’s questions to Abbott invariably generate confusing responses. For example,

Costello: “Who’s on First?”
Abbott: “Yes”
Costello: “I mean the guy’s name.”
Abbott: “Who.”
Costello: “The guy at first base.”
Abbott: “Who’s on first!”
Costello: “Why are you asking me?”

The sketch goes on for roughly eight minutes, with Costello getting increasingly angry and frustrated with the responses while Abbott stays cool and factual. However, neither are ever to overcome the communication gap. The sketch typically ends with Costello losing his patience, and shouting, “I Don’t Care,” causing Abbott to reply, “Oh, that’s our shortstop.”

While the sketch was rehearsed, it was often improvised with the two playing off of one another resulting in the exact same sketch rarely being delivered twice.

Why Is It Significant for Stand-up Comedy?

The “Who’s on First” routine is an incredibly funny bit of comedy, generating nearly constant laughs over the course of it. Its popularity is certainly due not only to the numerous turns of phrase within but also to the excellent chemistry because the characters played by Abbott & Costello.

As a whole, the routine is quite complex, yet the pair pull it off flawlessly. It requires strong delivery, impeccable timing, and the ability to improvise as needed. It was loved by many people at the time, including United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who invited the duo to perform it for him on multiple occasions.

It is also frequently replicated or referenced in popular culture. Eugene Levy and Tony Rosato performed a variation of the act on SCTV featuring a misunderstanding about the names of rock groups such as “The Who,” and “Yes.” Johnny Carons also performed a spoof of it, playing the character of then-U.S. President Reagan and using names of foreign dignitaries.

There are far too many adaptations and references to mention over the years, but you can see the act referenced in shows and movies such as The Big Bang Theory, Family Guy, The Kids in the Hall, Bojack Horseman, and even the children’s show My Little Pony.

If you love comedy classics, you are sure to love the comics that take the stage at Comedyville Montreal where we proudly host the best comedy shows in English in the city. We would love to have you as a guest at an upcoming show.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal. 

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If you are a fan of Montreal comedy and find yourself travelling, you may want to try to catch a show from time to time. While you can find amazing comedy shows in Montreal, there is always something exciting about visiting a new club. With that in mind, here are Comedyville’s rankings of the 10 best comedy clubs in North America.

1. The Comedy Store – Los Angeles

Any list of the top places to see stand up comedy will have The Comedy Store ranked highly if not first. This 450-seat venue has a rich history and is frequented by many celebrities. It is also well known for the quality of its acts which are individually vetted by the operators. Many of the top acts in comedy history including Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, and Dana Carvey are alums of this venue.

2. The Comedy Cellar – New York City

Throughout the history of stand-up comedy, New York City and Los Angeles have been the two largest centers for people to make it big. Thus, it is not surprising that the second spot on our list is an NYC venue – The Comedy Cellar. With over three decades of history, this club has seen regular performances from many legends including Chris Rock, Aziz Ansari, and Robin Williams. It frequently features comedians from New York’s late-night shows and other top NYC acts.

3. Second City – Chicago

When it comes to improvisational comedy, people tend to either love it or hate it. However, we love all forms of stand-up comedy and are happy to list Second City high on our list. While there are three locations including one in Toronto, the Chicago location is the original. This is not just a comedy club but also a comedy school. Second City alums include Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Steve Carell, and Jordan Peele. Many former Second City residents have had successful stints on Saturday Night Live.

4. Comedy Works – Denver

A mile high in the Rocky Mountains is home to the fourth entry on our list, Denver’s Comedy Works. At this location, you will see both popular names of the circuit as well as up-and-coming acts. This club was founded in 1981 and is a fairly popular place for comedians to record albums. The owner actually worked her way up from waitress over the years, adding a fun story to this club’s legend.

5. Rumor’s Comedy Club – Winnipeg

The first Canadian entry on our list is Rumor’s Comedy Club in Winnipeg. This club has largely put Winnipeg on the map as one of North America’s best comedy scenes. It is well-known for being a great place for local talent to practice their skills and has been responsible for the large rise in Winnipeg comedians. A favourite annual tradition is its “Winnipeg’s Funniest Person with a Day Job” competition.

6. Helium Comedy Club – Portland

Portland, Oregon, is truly a jewel of a city with beautiful sights and an alternative vibe. Helium is actually a chain or comedy clubs that began in Philadelphia; however, the Portland location has by far established itself as the best of them. A large club without a bad seat in the house, Helium is a popular locale for many touring acts while also providing a venue for amateurs to try out their skills.

7. Yuk Yuks – Toronto

Yuk Yuk’s is a chain that has grown to a number of locations across Canada; however, the Toronto location truly stands out as one of North America’s best clubs. This club has been in existence since 1978 and typically has a mixture of established and amateur comics. Antidepressant Thursdays puts on a great show while student showcases from local colleges are also a fun departure from traditional shows.

8. Zanie’s – Nashville

Just down the road from Nashville’s most famous hot chicken restaurant is Zanie’s Comedy Club. Widely regarded as the top comedy club in the southern United States, you’ll see major touring acts and lots of local Nashville talent. The city as a whole has a thriving performing arts scene. While music often overshadows the comedy shows, there are tons of great Nashville comics, many of which are showcased at this club’s “Comedy Out the Yazoo” show.

9. Caroline’s on Broadway – New York City

With its strong influence on stand-up comedy, it is no surprise that New York City has two entries on this list. Caroline’s on Broadway is located in the famed Time’s Square. It is a popular place for regular comedy fans and celebrities alike. The club itself is almost always packed and has one of the best vibes of any comedy club today. Pair a classic feel with modern food and you have the Caroline’s experience.

10. Comedy Club on State – Madison

Madison, Wisconsin is not a city that immediately comes to many people’s minds; however, this is a thriving arts community in the middle of the Midwest. Comedy Club on State has taken advantage of the city’s hippie vibe and college-town roots to establish itself as one of the best clubs in North America. The club itself has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and features a blend of well-known names and local amateurs. Major shows are held in partnership with the nearby Orpheum Theatre.

Comedy in Montreal

And there you have it, the 10 Best Comedy Clubs in North America. While there are many great places to see the best comedy in North America, we are happy to have our very own hilarious English comedy club in Montreal right here at Comedyville. Whether you are a regular patron or have never dropped in before, we are always happy to welcome you to enjoy Montreal comedy and some great food!

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

Header image by Lisa Padilla, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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After all, many excellent stand-up comics are fairly up in age. It may surprise you to realize that Jerry Seinfeld is now 68 years old and Joan Rivers performed up until her death at 81. However, the oldest stand-up comic ever had an age even greater than these two performers. Let’s take a broader look at the answer to this question.

Herbert Falk

You’ve probably never heard the name Herbert Falk; however, he led an impressive life. He served in World War II as a combat engineer whose treacherous job was to remove land mines in front of a column of tanks, often under enemy fire. Injured by a mortar strike, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Croix du Guerre.

Herb Falk at Helium Comedy Club, Buffalo at age, 100. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository.

After the war, Herbert Falk went on to have a long, distinguished career in civil engineering where he primarily focused on building bridges. While his life was incredibly interesting at that, he ventured into a new foray at the age of 99 when he performed at an open mic night in Atlanta, Georgia. An amateur comedian, he performed his second and final set at the age of 100 in Buffalo in late 2021. He would pass away in early 2022.

As far as we can tell, Herbert Falk is the oldest person ever to perform stand-up comedy. However, as an amateur comedian who performed twice, he is not the oldest person to make a career out of comedy. To find the answer to that question, a little more digging was required.

Lynn Ruth Miller

The oldest professional comedian ever is a bit of a difficult question to answer. However, there is one woman who was frequently adorned with the title of the world’s oldest comedian. This was Lynn Ruth Miller, a British stand-up comic who began performing at age 70 and had a career for nearly two decades before her death at age 87.

Lynn Ruth Miller found herself living alone with no family and only a few friends and decided to try comedy, ultimately finding that performing served as a lifeline that kept her connected to the world. Her jokes dealt with topics such as ageism, dating later in life, and other observations from society. As a former writer who loved news writing, she found ways to make her shows reflect social commentary.

America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent

Despite starting a career in stand-up late in age, she received a great deal of recognition. She participated in both America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent. Lynn Ruth Miller toured throughout the world, making the semi-finals of the San Francisco International Comedy Competition and the finals of Bill Word’s Funniest Female Contest. She also became an advocate for octogenarians, encouraging them to find ways to continue to enjoy their lives and be active as they aged.

Her success was particularly impressive due to the fact that Lynn Ruth Miller organized all of her own shows. It was incredibly difficult for her to get into comedy gigs. Private clubs were often dismissive and did not view her as a serious comic. In fact, the famed Los Angeles Comedy Store told her that she wasn’t a good comic because she only talked about getting old. Despite this, she worked to plan and organize her own shows, drawing a strong following. Her story is not only about an iconic comic but one about perseverance.

Final Thoughts

There is great diversity in comedy, and you can certainly see many different performers grace the stage at Comedyville Club. If you have never been to Montreal comedy clubs before, you are missing a good time. We would be happy to welcome you to our English shows in Montreal. Check out our upcoming shows!

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.

The post Who Is the Oldest Stand-Up Comic? appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

What Is Improv Comedy?

If improv does not seem like stand-up comedy, there is a good reason for that. It is more of a blend between stand-up and traditional theatre. It can perhaps be best described as spontaneous ensemble theatre. The key here is spontaneity. There is no script, story, or material. It is all made up in real-time.

Improv typically has at least two performers sharing the stage at once, but generally several more. While there are types of improv theatre that are not comedic in nature, comedy is by far and away the most common type. Performers will typically ask the audience for recommendations such as people to portray, situations, or settings.

History of Improvisational Comedy: Initial Beginnings

Comedy is not in any way a modern invention. In fact, people have always loved to laugh. Thus, it is not surprising to find that the history of improv takes us a long way back in time. The very first recorded evidence of people performing improv comes from the Roman Empire around 400 BC. Improvisational performances were often given that typically featured people portraying popular stock characters.

However, the historic example that likely most closely resembled modern improv is that of the Commedia Dell’Arte. This originated in Italy but was incredibly popular throughout much of Europe from the 1500s to the 1700s. It typically featured performances of both planned sketch comedy as well as improvised. Again, there were typically stock types of characters portrayed while actors would pantomime different actions.

After the period of the Commedia Dell’Arte, improv largely went away. It was later “invented” yet again in two different locations around the same time.

The Re-Invention of Improv

The re-invention of improv occurred largely simultaneously in two different places: Canada and the United States. In Calgary, British-born Keith Johnstone desired to bring theatre to the “common man,” feeling that modern performing arts were too pretentious to connect with this population.

He decided to develop theatre into a competitive bout in order to better appeal to the types of people who attended sporting events such as boxing. He dubbed this new type of theatre “TheatreSports.” In this conception, two teams of comedic actors would square off in different improvised scenes. Judges would then award points based on performances. If you’ve ever watched Whose Line Is It Anyway, you’ve watched an adaptation of TheatreSports.

While TheatreSports was helping more people access theatre in Calgary, in the United States, Paul Sills was also working to develop comedic theatre that would appeal to the masses. He based his ideas on his mother’s work, who felt that instructing acting in a way that felt like a game would increase its appeal for children.

At the University of Chicago, Sills assembled a team of actors who worked to pioneer a modern adaptation of the Commedia Dell’Arte model with the goal of bringing comedic theatre to a more modern audience. They were originally known as the Compass Players (from their meetings at Hyde Park’s Compass bar); this movement led to the development of the Second City improv company.

The Dawning of Modern Improv

The foundation of Second City is largely considered by most people to be the beginning of the modern improv genre. In fact, both TheatreSports and Second City have heavily influenced today’s conception of improv comedy. In fact, a number of common situations used in improv comedy come from these origins such as audience member shouting suggestions, performers following instructions of a narrator, and performers interjecting changes into scenes with one performer having no knowledge of the change.

While modern improv often focuses on silliness or zany situations, the improv comedy of the 1960s often took on taboo topics. Popular ones at the time were motherhood and teenage sex. The Second City cast performed a stint on Broadway and rapidly gained popularity.

The 1970s

By 1970, Chicago’s Second City had two rotating comedy troupes for their venue in addition to three different touring troupes. The next year, they expanded to Toronto. The success of the Toronto location led to the creation of SCTV, a sketch show that ran in Canada from 1976 to 1984.

Second City became a big recruiting ground for writers and performers for Saturday Night Live, with the company sending people like bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Amy Poehler and more to the show. In fact, today SNL and Second City partner on a scholarship for growing new talent.

Most people’s introductions to improv comedy can be traced to Whose Line Is It Anyway, a British radio and television show that was later adapted in the United States and Australia as well. The show mirrored TheatreSports with the change that the points and winner were arbitrary and largely meaningless.

Today, improv troupes can be found in cities and college towns around the world. Meanwhile, improv is incredibly popular in many areas such as the United Kingdom where it often takes center stage at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Improv has succeeded in its initial mission of bringing comedy to the masses. Check out Comedyville’s other blogs to learn more about the history of comedy and consider stopping by to see one of our English shows in Montreal. We are happy to welcome you to the Montreal club scene and hope that you’ve enjoyed reading about the history of improvisational comedy.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.

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