Stand-up comic, writer, and actress Chloe Radcliffe has been hitting milestone after milestone the last several years.
When I heard Sarah Millican's Late Bloomer tour was going to make a stop in Toronto as part of the revived Just for Laughs Toronto, I was delighted. When I heard it would be literally a five minute walk from my house, I knew there was no way I could miss that.
On my way out to my first show of Just For Laughs Toronto 2025, I was starting in a familiar space made unfamiliar. Comedy Bar is easily my favourite space for comedy in the city and the cabaret space my favourite room, and it couldn't have started in a more pleasant way.
I have been reviewing this festival for a long time now, and one thing remains as true as ever: The Alternative Show is the best show of the fest.
The new producers of JFL Toronto are doing a lot of things right this year. First of all, The Alternative Show is back at the original Comedy Bar location.
James Adomian, if you don't already know him, is your favourite comedian's favourite comedian. He can also do an impression of your favourite comedian so accurate that you don't realize he's not your favourite comedian. Then when you do realize, he will be your favourite comedian.
I put him in the category of the Jonathan Winters of our generation.
In an effort not to bury the lede: You're going to want to see Conner O'Malley.
In a time when the news is overwhelming and it feels like satire might be dead – because reality is just too over the top – his show on Saturday at JFL Toronto was actually kind of healing. It made me laugh in a way that almost knocked me off balance and I didn't see coming.
I sit with my friend the amazing comedian, writer and performer Shaharah Gaznabbi and we talk about the super funny physical Rhys Darby and his special Mystic Time Bird. While we're at it we explore grief in comedy (and yes there's someone hammering in the background).
Another JFL Toronto has come and gone. It's been such a treat to see so many masters at work, each showcasing their talent in their own unique way. One of the most memorable among them was Patti Harrison, with a show that sent a shock wave of mixed emotions through The Royal Theatre.
Ottawa's Graham Kay, who now calls Brooklyn home, has built up quite the comedy résumé.
I got the chance to catch up on Zoom with the charming and talented Sydnee Washington ahead of her appearances at the Toronto Just for Laughs Festival.
You can catch Syndee's solo show "How to Start a Fire" at JFL Toronto every night at Comedy Bar from September 27-30.
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