TORONTO—This is no joking matter. Canadian and American comedians will be facing off to determine who has the best pound for pound, belly-busting, eye-watering jokes in North America at the Toronto Underground Cinema this weekend.
The Canada vs. USA comedy clash bout has been set with two teams of four members each, and only one group can be victorious.
“Whoever goes up against me from [Team] America is going to get a good whipping,” said a confident Jay Martin, captain of the Canadian team and co-producer of the show, who was watching some Muhammad Ali earlier to get him in the mood for this weekend’s event.
Although some jokes will be directed towards the two competing countries, there will be other cultural jokes since members of both teams hail from different parts of the world.
“People will be surprised at how diverse comedy has become in the States,” said Dave Lester, the captain of Team USA.
“I don’t discount other people’s talents...but make no mistake, we are some evolved cats that do this,” Lester said.
This not a typical comedy show: there will be prizes and giveaways along with music to add to the entertainment.
“I always add some sort of musical element so people can feel good while the DJ is throwing down,” said Martin.
After the event in Toronto this Saturday, Nov. 19, the show will head to Montreal on Sunday, then move over to Hamilton the following weekend. In the new year, the show’s schedule will include various locations in the US.
Some of the proceeds will be donated to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
