WATCH: After almost 30 years, Victoria once again has a Yuk Yuk’s comedy club in the downtown core. Monica Martinez has the story.
Yuk Yuk’s has people laughing once again in downtown Victoria.
It’s been almost 30 years since the comedy club first opened in Victoria, but after a year, it closed due to lack of interest.
Comedian and radio host Jason Lamb said the city is more vibrant now and doesn’t take itself so seriously.
“We are going passed having tea at the Empress and double decker buses. There is a great arts scene here and that is part of that why comedy has blossomed – there are a lot of creative people here,” he said.
The new owners had some bumps on the road. The first attempt to open in James Bay was was shut down by city council, who voted unanimously against a liquor license, but a week later, they found their new location next to Hermann’s Jazz Club.
“It’s been a long road to get here and I’m really excited,” said co-owner David Wilcox.
His wife and business partner Yona Depue said more laughter is good for Victoria.
“Laughter heals the soul, laughter makes you feel good even if you are in a bad mood when you come in,” she said.
Yuk Yuk’s will have five shows over three days, competing directly with Heckler’s, but the question is can Victoria support two comedy clubs?
Lamb said it’s hard to tell. “I would love there to be room for both clubs to thrive and be successful and have full rooms every weekend, whether that is realistic, I don’t really know.”
Heckler’s Bar & Grill co-owner Aaron McGeough said he hopes so, but thinks it will be a hard start for Yuk Yuk’s.
“It’s hard with any new business and I think we’ll probably be the smallest city in Canada with two comedy clubs,” he said.
But a downtown location also means Yuk Yuk’s can tap into the tourist market.
Two comedy clubs in town mean more stage time for home grown talent, and more laughs for locals.
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