Journal staff
Sarnia's first and only comedy festival, Wicked Laughs, is returning next month, following a two-year hiatus.
The festival, running October 19-21 at three different locations, features local and national talent, including Kids in the Hall star Scott Thompson, JUNO nominated stand up comedian Courtney Gilmour, and local acts like Alan Hopkins, Ian Alexander, and Dan Edwards.
The festival was founded in 2019 by Hopkins, a local comedian who says he was inspired by the amazing talent in Ontario.
"This festival was something I had wanted to produce in Sarnia for a long time," he said. "Local comedians are getting the chance to share the stage with some big time Canadian comedy legends.”
The event kicks off at the Point Brewery with an open mic contest hosted by Matt Berden at 7 p.m. on Thursday Oct. 19, followed by the ‘Up and Comers’ show at 9 p.m., featuring headliner Mitch VK, along with Kaitlin Shuvera, Kevin Elliot and Adam Taylor.
On Friday Oct. 20, the Refined Fool Brewing Co. hosts the ‘Local Show’ featuring Sarnia’s best comedic talent, including Dan Edwards, Lisse Rob, Alan Hopkins, Chris Norton and Ian Alexander, beginning at 7 p.m.
Renowned comedian Scott Thompson will take the stage at 9 p.m., with his most famous character, lounge lizard ‘Buddy Cole’ for an exclusive performance of his new show ‘KING.’
The show will also feature local star Andrew Barr.
On Saturday, Oct. 21, an all-female lineup is slated for 7 p.m. at the Insignia Hotel, featuring headliner Courtney Gilmour, along with Olivia Stadler, comedian and TV writer, most notably for the award-winning Crave original show Letterkenny. The evening will also feature local star Lauren Crighton.
The finale, featuring headliner and rising talent Jarrett Campbell, begins at 9 p.m. at the Insignia Hotel, and also features popular act Marito Lopez.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Sarnia-Lambton Chapter of the Kidney Foundation.
For more information about the festival, including a full schedule and tickets, visit https://www.facebook.com/wickedlaughs and http://www.revelree.ca/wickedlaughsfest.