Comedyworks gets ready to stand back up

Comedyworks. Photo by Lisa Sproull

Montreal’s comedy lovers have been all smiles ever since it was announced that downtown stand-up club Comedyworks would be reopening under new ownership following a several-months long closure. The club’s closure last June came as a shock to many in the scene, and former owner Jimbo Skomorowski noted that the lack of nearby parking options was a major deterrent that kept customers away.

 

The new and improved Comedyworks is owned by Troy Lorenz and will be managed by longtime CW employee Ian Campbell, with support from Mike Gowing and Walter Lyng on the bookings desk. Our Editor-in-chief Lorraine Carpenter caught up with Lyng this week to find out more about what’s changing at the Bishop Street club.

 

“The old club was kind of run down and needed work. It needed repairs.” Lyng explained. Renovations to the bathrooms and the bar spaces both upstairs and down have been completed, and a new sound system is being installed, and the familiar bright yellow awning has been removed to make way for a brand-new sign.

 

A new indoor parking arrangement has been secured as well, to facilitate those arriving by car. “A deal has been made with an indoor parking facility on Mackay,” says Lyng.  “It’ll only cost $5 if you’re going to the Comedyworks. There are plans for a valet parking system too.”

 

Of course, the most important draw for any comedy club is the calibre of performers the venue attracts, and to this end the team is hitting the ground running. Since the closure of Comedyworks last summer, Lyng, Campbell and Gowing have been busy building up a monthly comedy night at a neighbouring venue (Crescent Street’s Brass Door Pub) owned by Troy Lorenz’s brother Ross. The monthly event has attracted some big names and began outgrowing the space, leading Troy to invite the crew to team up to relaunch Comedyworks.

 

The first shows in the newly renovated space will take place this weekend, kicking off tonight with headliner Massimo, who will be supported by Just For Laugh’s Morgan O’Shea plus up-and-comer Scott Andrew Carter, with Peter Radomski acting as MC.

 

Comedyworks (1238 Bishop) will offer five shows each weekend, Thursdays at 8:30 p.m., and two shows both Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $15/$10 students. For more information check out www.comedyworksmtl.ca