Best Comedy Nights in Toronto?

[zero]

I don't know a thing about independant stand-up or sketch comedy in the city but want to check some out. Anybody got any recommendations? Comedy Bar is in my area and I'm curious to check them out and support them but I'm weary of being sober in an audience of theatre/comedy majors supporting their unbearably awkward peers. As far as that Vapo Lounge business I think I would have some sort of Falling Down type moment at the sheer depravity of the whole thing.

[Jaimoe]

Although it's coming to an end since founder/producer Dave Shore is leaving for the UK, the sketch improv comedy troupe, Monkey Toast, still has a number of shows coming up in the next few months. I recommend the January 31st show at the Gladstone. Monkey Toast has some of the best comics in the city and the show is a riot on most nights.

http://www.monkeytoast.com/blog/

Another great comedy venue for improv is Bad Dog Theatre on The Danforth (just east of Broadview, beside The Black Swan): http://www.baddogtheatre.com/modules/news/

Every Wednesday for 13 years is the Open Mic Night at Spirit's Bar & Grill at Church Street, just south of Bloor. It's well worth checking out. Many of the top standup comics in Canada try out their material there on a weekly basis. Sometimes big names take the stage unannounced. I caught Robin Williams' surprise gig a few years ago (the following week Lewis Black did a routine). Scott Thompson checks in from time-to-time. It starts at around 8pm.

[AD]

It's expensive, but the Leafs are pretty hilarious.

[Jaimoe]

It's expensive, but the Leafs are pretty hilarious.

And their warm-up act, the Argos, are almost as funny.

[Tenenbaum]

hey luke,

hope you don't mind my shameless plug for my friend Nick Flanagan in Toronto. This guy is JOKES!

Nick performs around town, frequently at the Hour of Power comedy shows (rivoi) or hosts comedy nights at the Comedy Bar (945 Bloor St. West (at Delaware)

He just did (literally, last night was the last) some live shows at the Rivoli to be recorded for a live album.

Besides performing jokes, he's also the lead singer for Brutal Knights (punk), freelance writer for Eye, and pop culture critique (and movie trailer reviewer) for Toro Magazine (check out his page linked below):

http://www.toromagazine.com/ringside/pop-culture/index.html