Looking for a laugh or two this Saturday night? There is one place you’re guaranteed to find it. That is the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre with their ever-popular Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Tours.
For the past four years, MTCC have been playing host to the touring shows which are produced by Canada’s staple comedy outfit, Yuk Yuk’s. Yuk Yuk’s are known all over the world for developing top quality comedians and exporting their product of comedy wherever they can. First erupting in the mid-‘70s in Toronto, it didn’t take long for founders Mark Breslin and Joel Axler to establish their small club as the best spot for comedy in the city, and soon the country. There was barely anywhere to see stand up comedy at the time and they provided a place for people to enjoy it and for comedians to do it. Yuk Yuk’s is one of the world’s biggest comedy club chains and is widely known as the birthplace of Canadian stand-up comedy.
The most brilliant thing about Yuk Yuk’s was not only were they able to set up actual comedy clubs around the country, but also that they could tour their shows to places that were too small to support a full time venue. Now, everywhere in Canada can enjoy live stand-up comedians, even if it is only every once in a while.
Sydney is one of those small areas in Canada that would not be able to support a full time comedy club. However, it makes perfect sense for MTCC to host the Yuk Yuk’s touring comedians every so often, feeding Cape Breton’s hunger for live comedy. When asked about how the audience has been over the past 4 years, MTCC’s head of promotions Phil Dubinsky answers, “It is packed everytime!” Dubinsky adds that, “The monthly thing really works. We do it eight to ten times a year and we fill it with all regulars and, each time, we get new people showing up as well.” When asked about what new people can expect from the show he replies, “They can expect a great night out for a great price.” He continues that, “Everyone comes early to enjoy some drinks and some food before the show. It adds to the whole experience.”
On Saturday, January 23rd, the show will consist of comedians Marcus Beaubier and Andrew Albert. Beaubier hails from Newfoundland but now resides in Alberta. He fills his material with hilarious thoughts on pop culture, personal relationships and politics. Beaubier was a founding member of “The Audiotoon Theatre”, a sketch comedy troupe out of St. John’s and has also appeared on CBC’s “Madly Off In All Directions” and has contributed many times to “Definitely Not The Opera.” Beaubier was also featured in the world’s biggest comedy festival out of Montreal, “Just for Laughs.” When Beaubier teams up with Andrew Albert, it should be a hilarious Saturday night full of laughs at the MTCC.
The Yuk Yuk’s Stand-up Comedy Tour starts at 9:00pm sharp and doors open at 7:00pm. Tickets can be purchased for $15 by calling 539-2300 or in person between 10:00am and 6:00pm at the MTCC box office.
