Just For Laughs : 4 Must-See Shows at Place des Arts

It should come as no surprise to learn that Juste pour rire Festival Montreal is the world’s largest comedy festival: from July 16 to 27, some 1,700 artists, actors, comedians, and other showbiz pros will take over the Quartier des Spectacles. Its English component, Just For Laughs, will host many internationally renowned names on the comedy scene.

JFL Galas: A Galaxy of Stars at PDA

Two evenings on the program will be reserved for the traditional comedy galas in Théâtre Maisonneuve. Hosted by leading figures in the world of comedy, these events give audiences a chance to discover rising stand-up stars and reconnect with established artists. While the full lists of comedians appearing in the galas have yet to be revealed, the headlining hosts promise to ensure that the affairs will be quite exciting.

On the evening of July 25, Emmy Award-winning documentarian Roy Wood Jr. will helm the first gala. The actor and comedian, who became known for his regular appearances on The Daily Show, was named one of Variety magazine’s “10 Comics to Watch” in 2016.

Next up will be comedian, author, and star of the Netflix series Survival of the Thickest, Michelle Buteau. The actress and screenwriter has also appeared in over forty film and television productions over the past twenty years.

On July 26, American comedian and actress Fortune Feimster will kick off the second evening of galas, which CBC will be recording for later broadcast.

“The CBC Just For Laughs galas have long been a defining moment in the careers of many Canadian and international comedians,” said Trish Williams, CBC’s Executive Director of Scripted Content, in a press release. “They provide a national platform for emerging and established talent and a chance to be part of a celebrated comedy tradition in which CBC is proud to participate.”

Later that same evening, the host for the next gala will be Saturday Night Live cast member Mikey Day, who made his debut on the show in 2013, and who was most recently recognized for his appearance on Is It Cake? on Netflix.

It’s July… time for a few good laughs. Book your tickets now and enjoy the shows!