JFL Highlights Day 1: What Are You Missing at Just For Laughs This Year?

Published by Marty Younge at July 27, 2023

By Marty Young

This year at Just for Laughs I have been reminded just how truly proud the city of Montreal is of this festival.

Press Conference

My festival began with a press conference that was entirely bi-lingual to commemorate the Just for Laughs organization getting a place on Canada’s walk of fame. There was several speeches in both French and English about the legacy and impact of the festival. I was very moved by a speech by Rachid Badouri who spoke in perfectly interchangeable French and English and told the story of landing his first set and how working with the festival over the past 13 years truly had changed his life. This set the tone nicely for it is the story of so many comics hoping to break out at JFL.

The scene here is always the same but different it’s my 6th Just for Laughs so I know the deal. I try to stick to spending time with my friends not chat with anyone person too long, ignore the judgmental eyes of the various Americans sent in droves…don’t bother them they won’t bother you anyone you are supposed to meet you will. Just for Laughs is funny like that.

Keynote

Steph Tolev delivered the Canadian Keynote which is essentially a welcome address. She spoke about her story in standup with unflinching honesty sharing how a career in Canada has way too many limitations placed on it. She also spoke about how the things that made her different are ultimately what led to her success, even though she felt discrimination over those same things early on. It was a nice reminder that you have to trust the process. Work hard. It takes time and time cannot be faked or hurried.

Brit(ish)

My first show of the festival was Brit( ish)– a show I have been trying to see at Just for laughs since 2017. Hosted by Jen Brister, featuring Alan Davies, Gina Yashere, Josie Long, Jamali Maddix and Australian Reuben Kaye.

Rueban Kaye put on a stunning show. Adorned in gender bending glam, they spoke with fire, fearless about the hate they have received as a Queer performer. Dark honest material about death threats really showed how Kaye knew themselves. Their beauty and strength and razor sharp wit.

Josie Long was an absolute delight and the highlight of the show. The natural magnetism she had was infectious. She remains untouched- and un-influenced by similar progressive comics in North America which is tremendous. Her set was perfectly paced. Her subject mater was approachable and witty.

She really has the style to be one of Britain’s next big stars.

The Nasty Show

The second show of the evening was the Montreal tradition The Nasty show. There is nothing quite like it in comedy. I am very glad this show still exists it represents the true artistry it takes to preform dark comedy well.

It was hosted by Mike Ward who was notoriously fined $42,000 by the human rights commission in Quebec for making a joke about a disabled child star. Ward held nothing back and was the perfect host.

Adrienne Iapalucci was a force of nature. This was my first time witnessing exactly what she does. One of the darkest comics I have listened to ever–. she takes the stage with a delivery so calm, so relaxed, so non challant, and then proceeds to delivere a barrage of filth, and offensive premises and punchlines which made it all the more hilarious. Her ability to take and keep the audience on board makes her truly a comic who understands her craft.

Steph Tolev fresh off of doing the Canadian keynote earlier in the day had boundless commanding energy, She is a perfect fit for the Nasty Show, and went deep with very involved crowd work. And made it look easy. Tolev’s style is filthy fast and unflinching but always there are glimpses of her earlier more character driven work. She is heavily featured throughout this year’s festival with a podcast recording and solo show. A comedian who’s relentless drive to be themselves has lead her to a big and exciting time in her career on her own fucking god damn terms. And we’re proud to see it.

I got to witness a very special moment– Montreal’s own Pantelis did a spot. He has amassed quite a following as a bi lingual comic. When he stepped on stage the crowd went wild. He did a spirited brilliantly executed set with so much showmanship and heart you felt the entire Club Soda right there with him. A mention of Montreal neighborhood Parc Ex was met with thunderous applause.

My first day at Just for Laughs had ended how it started — a Montrealer dream realized.

Rather then go to the party I sat and ate shawarma on a bench with my friends I wound up at the party regardless

I had one club soda and went home to write this column. Just for Laughs is marathon not a sprint.