Five Facts About FunnyFest
The yuk fest prepares to celebrate its first decade.

Bruce Weir, Calgary Herald

Published: Friday, April 23, 2010
 
1 Good Health Begins with a Belly Laugh ... Like most festival producers, Stu Hughes is a little harried in the days before opening night. But he isn't skipping lunch and a good night's sleep just to ensure a smooth 10th edition of the laugh riot that is FunnyFest. No, Hughes is a man on a mission. "I firmly believe that society takes laughter for granted," he says. "It can be the catalyst for physical and mental well-being."

2 ... And That's Good Because There's No Playoff Hockey Hughes says FunnyFest is the perfect solution for Flames fans who are struggling to fill the void created by the untimely end of the hometown heroes. If, as he contends, humour can heal, then perhaps the Canada vs. USA comedy showcase, with its Olympic overtones, will be perfect for hockey fans.

3 Talent from the North If that doesn't work and you still need to hang out with some winners, check out Noor Kudwai and Kent Tilley, who took the top spots in the FunnyFest Talent Search.
Both hail from Edmonton, a fact that Hughes cites as proof of the competition's unbiased nature. "I don't like most comedy competitions," he says. "There are usually just two guys--the owner of the club and a friend--doing the judging." In contrast, FunnyFest recruits a dozen or so judges from all walks of life.

4 Because Chidbirth Is No Laughing Matter The festival includes a Mother's Day show at the Mount Pleasant Community Association. Hughes promises an "exceptionally clean show" that kids can take their mothers to without fear of embarrassment.

5 The Mix Hughes says he books performers who go for belly laughs, not quiet snorts of recognition, but while the acts at FunnyFest might have that in common, the comedy get-together features an eclectic lineup of standups, improvisers and The Baby Jessicas, a sketch troupe from Vancouver.

FunnyFest runs Thursday, April 29 to Sunday, May 9 at various venues. $15, festival pass $99. funnyfest.com.
 

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