The Stand-Up Comedy Revolution in Newfoundland and Where It's Going

Newfoundland and Labradorians have always had a way with words. Tall tales, clever quips, and that dry, delightful wit—it’s all baked into our culture. But over the past few years, something fresh has bubbled up alongside our fish and fog: stand-up comedy. Real, honest-to-goodness, homegrown, mic-in-hand hilarity. And it’s not just a trend—it’s becoming a movement.

From Kitchen Parties to Punchlines

Humour’s always been our secret weapon. Life on the Rock isn’t always easy, and Newfoundlanders have learned to laugh through just about anything—from storms to stories passed down over tea and a bit of rum. Icons like CODCO and Mary Walsh made us nationally known for sketch comedy, but stand-up? That took a little longer to catch fire.

For years, touring comics would drop by, tell a few jokes, and head back to the mainland. Then came 2016 and the closing of Yuk Yuk’s in St. John’s. At first, it felt like the end of something. Turns out, it was just the beginning. Locals realized: if national chains wouldn’t nurture the scene, we’d build our own from scratch.

Then the pandemic hit. Lights out, mics off. No shows, no crowds. But beneath that eerie silence, comics started scheming. Writing. Zooming. Planning. When things finally opened up again, people were craving something real. Not polished, not corporate—just funny and familiar. Comedy came roaring back, louder and prouder than before.

Luke Lynch

Meet the Newfoundlanders Making Us Laugh Out Loud

There’s a whole crop of performers who’ve helped turn this thing from a curiosity into a cultural force. Like Matt Wright, with his sharp wit and cool-as-ice delivery. Or Lisa Baker, who’s bold, brassy, and doesn’t hold back. Brian Aylward brings global polish to the local scene, while Mike Lynch and Colin Hollett took their Best Kind Comedy Tour viral by riffing on everything from capelin rolling to corner store slang.

And we’ve gotta talk about Josh Menchions. He’s not just telling jokes—he’s building the foundation. Through StandUp Comedy NL, he mentors, organizes, and gives rookies a chance to shine. Behind every good comic is someone like Josh saying, “You’re on next—go get ’em.”

Behind the Curtain: The Unsung Heroes

The comics might get the laughs, but there’s a whole support crew making the magic happen: bookers, producers, workshop leaders—folks running cables, printing posters, hyping shows on Instagram. Groups like StandUp Comedy NL don’t just stage events—they create space for people to try, fail, and try again. That’s how a real scene grows.

Josh Menchions, Founder of Standup NFLD

Where the Funny Happens

None of this works without venues that are game to give comedy a chance. Thankfully, Newfoundland has some real gems:

• Erin’s Pub—the beating heart of open mics, where you can watch comics workshop a bit about snow tires next to someone doing their first-ever set.

• The Ship Pub—home to NewFunny, a night that highlights new voices and perspectives.

• The Pearl Market—hosts the wild and weird Super Happy Fun Time Comedy Show.

• Peter Easton Pub—where comics get experimental (and maybe a little tipsy).

• LSPU Hall—for when you want your giggles with a touch of gravitas.

These places aren’t just spots to perform. They’re homes for comedy. They’re where strangers become fans, and fans become family.

Newfoundland Crowds: Not for the Faint of Heart

Ask any comic: St. John’s crowds will give you love—but they’ll also give it to you straight. They’re sharp, cheeky, and know when you’re phoning it in. Lisa Baker once said if you can survive Saturday night on George Street, you can survive anywhere. And she’s right. But when you win them over? There’s nothing better.

The Festival Factor

Festivals have been a game-changer. NL Sketch Fest launched in 2024 and sent a clear message: we’re not just another stop on the Just For Laughs circuit—we’re a destination. Add in Stand-up at Woody Point (where comics share the stage with writers and musicians in jaw-dropping scenery) and visiting showcases from Just For Laughs, and suddenly, Newfoundland feels like the place to be funny.

The Next Wave: Youth, Diversity, and Big Dreams

The scene’s changing, in the best way. More Indigenous voices. More LGBTQ+ comics. Younger performers are bringing TikTok sensibility to their stage presence. Open mics and workshops are giving people from all walks of life a chance to take the stage.

Sure, there are still hurdles—like the fact that stand-up isn’t officially recognized as an art form in Canada (hello, funding gap). But Newfoundlanders have never waited around for permission.

Where It’s All Going

Bigger festivals. More rural comedy nights. A wider mix of voices on stage. The comedy scene in Newfoundland isn’t just thriving—it’s evolving. It’s deeply silly, often heartfelt, and unmistakably ours.

So next time you hear someone’s trying to stand up for the first time at a pub downtown, grab a pint and check it out. You might witness the next big laugh—born right here on the Rock.