Comedy Showcase returns to Park Theatre

South Osborne

Wolseley

St. Vital

The Winnipeg Comedy Showcase marks its 43rd show this Friday, June 26 at the Park Theatre.

Twelve years and 43 shows in, one might wonder how comedians keep their material fresh for the crowd.

Emmanuel Lomuro, one of the show’s comics, said he was told a tip before on keeping his jokes original.

“If you tell jokes about yourself, then nobody can replicate them,” said Lomuro as he laughed over the phone.

Lomuro’s an Egyptian-born Sudanese refugee who fled to Canada 30 years ago with his family. His stand-up mostly revolves around his experience of being a refugee, he said.

When asked about where his funny bone comes from, he said he grew up in a family of funny people. He also just loves making people laugh in general.

Lomuro looks forward to performing this summer at the Park Theatre.

“The nicer the weather, the happier the people are,” said Lomuro.

Lomuro said he’s excited and happy to see the crowd getting bigger every show.

The previous show last March was sold out, according to Jared Story, the show’s host and producer. He never repeats the same comedians back-to-back per show, and he mixes things up for the audience.

“It’s important to have comedians who are trying new stuff,” said Story.

Personally, Story always tries to come up with something new for the crowd when he’s hosting.

Story said Winnipeg’s comedy scene has grown since he started in the industry.

“I think it’s because we take a lot of ownership with our comedy scene,” Story explained.

Story said comedians here face higher stakes than those in bigger cities. They have fewer shows to establish a good impression and maintain a good reputation.

Story said he sets the bar high for the comedians on the show. That’s why he doesn’t “just bring in anybody on it.”

Jordan Welwood, another veteran comic, described the crowd in Winnipeg as fun and full of great energy.

“It’s always a good time performing in Winnipeg,” he said.

Welwood’s been doing stand-up since 2009, and for this show he said he might have “one to two new things” for the audience.

The way he does stand-up is not structured, according to Welwood. He makes it a point to keep his jokes entertaining for himself — that’s how he makes sure it’ll be the same for the crowd.

Jon Wilson, another comedian on the bill, described the show as “quite a stacked lineup.”

“You’re only as good as your last set,” Wilson said, explaining how he keeps his material fresh. He tests new material regularly and works on his guitar skills too — his act includes singing while he plays.

People in Winnipeg have a great sense of humour, he added. That’s what makes it a great place to do comedy.

You can get tickets for the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase at TicketWeb for $20 in advance. Tickets will cost $25 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7.