When your dad jokes are getting a little old, it might be time to bring in the professionals.
Good news on the front in North Vancouver, as stand-up comedians from Jokers Canada are coming to Presentation House Theatre for Father’s Day weekend. The group will take the stage on Saturday, June 15 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with a lineup that includes comics Sam Tonning, Harris Anderson, Niki Mohrdar, Damonde Tschritter, Bradley Sakawsky, and Ray Morrison.
Known as the elder statesman of the Vancouver comedy scene, 69-year-old Morrison is excited to hit the stage in North Van. Dedicated to his craft and passionate about spreading joy, the comedian selflessly took time out of his cataract surgery recovery to speak with the North Shore News just hours after leaving the operating room.
Morrison and his wife Joanne are the former owners of the Couch Potato furniture store on Pemberton Street in North Vancouver, and he’s got his sights set on a triumphant return for Saturday’s show.
“We loved being a part of the North Shore community for the 10 years that we had the store, and we still feel like it’s our home.”
Morrison’s comedy often revolves around family dynamics. He specializes in family-friendly material, which makes him especially excited about the upcoming Father’s Day show.
“My dad, who passed away in 1997, was the funniest man I’ve ever known,” he said. “He was incredibly funny, very kind, and respectful to everyone. When I’m performing comedy, especially when I see older people in the audience, I often feel like I’m performing for my dad.”
Jokers Canada was founded by Aaron Arya in 2021, soon after the pandemic. Arya, who is a stand-up comedian himself, said he started the company for three main reasons: the hospitality and performing art venues had been crushed after the pandemic, comedy spaces were closing, and people just needed to laugh.
“We created Jokers Canada with the mission to make people laugh by bringing the best comedians to the best venues,” Arya said. “We began with virtuous intentions, but it has now grown into a corporation.”
Noting that the June 15 performance is the third time Jokers Canada will be in North Vancouver, Arya said the previous two times were both sold out.
“We’re expanding from the Vancouver area into the suburbs and unique spaces like the Presentation House Theatre, which many people don’t know about but is a really neat venue.”
Jokers Canada is promoting the upcoming Father’s Day show in creative ways, including an ad that humorously plays on the idea of dad jokes.
"No more dad jokes,” the ad suggests. “Bring him to our comedy show instead!”
North Van Comedy Classic
Where: Presentation House Theatre
When: June 15, 7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m.
Info: jokerscanada.ca
The show is 19+. North Shore News readers receive an exclusive 20 per cent discount on tickets using promo code NORTHSHORENEWS.
Fatemeh Falah is an intern reporter with the North Shore News. She can be contacted at [email protected].
