Round 6: The end, part one

Last night was particularly exciting in the world of comedy, as their were only amateurs, 8 to be exact, competing for the chance to move on to the semi-finals.  The last of six preliminary rounds, it was a nail biter to be sure!

Customers were greeted first by a beautiful ticket seller (aka me), then seated by the manager/owner of the club.  I like Yuk Yuk's for it's personal touches, such as having the owner greet the customers!  The crowd coming in was not a warm crowd, but could be won over, with some work!

The person to warm them up was none other than Ottawa's finest Egyptian comedian, Wafik Nasralla!  Nasralla began by discussing how friendly New Brunswick folks are, then moving to jokes about being Arab and about being blind in one eye.  He has the crowd and finishes off by discussing his mom swearing, and the night is ready to go!  First up was......

Mr. Aaron Power, and yes, that is his real name!  Power had the unlucky spot of first up, and did very well considering.  He riffed with original jokes about commercial jingles and leprosy, and about photographic memories.  Not great guffaws, but steady laughs for a steady performer!  Second up was...........

Matt Watson, dressed conspicuously as a door to door Morman!  Kidding aside, the well dressed shirt and tie Watson brought HIGH energy to the room, and had the audience captivated from the get go because everyone agrees that it would be gross to have their sister accidentally sext them!  He moves on to his love of his workplace (yeh, he doesn't like it so much) and the crowd is WITH him!  Third up was.....

Red haired comedian Jimmy Cassidy, who works his magic with the young ladies in the crowd!  He discusses how "gingery" and good looking he is, about his apartment and his wily mother.   Cassidy does very well, but for some reason the crowd is not vocal in their enjoyment.  It was odd and very unfortunate for a great talent such as Cassidy.  People, if you like the jokes you need to laugh OUT LOUD!  Very important in comedy.  Following Cassidy was...................

Jean Taillefer, who gives the best set of his life.  Having seen him perform often, I have never seen him more relaxed on stage, nor deliver his jokes with such precision.  He discusses his pet peeves such as interac cards and miscommunication that can occur by people with accents!  He ends discussing Yodeling fellatio, and the crowd enjoys it.  Up next was..............

The very young and very talented Greg Stringer!  By young I mean around 17, and by talented I mean very much so!  Stringer riffed on his jokes about being a young person, pedophilia and Harper and "his ways".  Stringer brings freshness, and not just in his face but in his clever writing and smart delivery.  He does a great job!  Up next is........................

The only female tonight, Ms. Emily O!  Ms. O began by discussing her mental health issues, and her love of crocheting, especially bondage gear!  She also does a great accent and impression of her deaf Scottish father.  A good job by Emily!  Up last was......................

Ernest Szoko, who discusses internet dating, photoshop, and about how great it would be if he was gay.  He does a good job, but is fairly new to comedy so slightly uncomfortable on stage, but that comes with time, practice and patience!  Great job though!

While the owner tabulates the judges scores, Alex Wood comes out and not just entertains the audience but destroys the entire room.  He is what I am now calling never fail, because he just doesn't have bad sets anymore!  Faves tonight was his discussion of hippo's and his always funny bit on applying for a job at Chapters!

But wait, the winners are.........................and it was CLOSE folks....................

1.  Greg Stringer

2.  Matt Watson

Kudos go to all the comedians tonight, they did a great job!

Stringer and Watson join the other many comedians in the semi finals on August 17th and 24th.  A full list:

August 17

Amateur

Chris Timms

Paddy Mack

Kris Kinsbury

Nick Flores

Matt Watson

Adrian Cronk

Professional

Trevor Thompson

Geoff Mackay

Matt Carter

August 24th:

Amateur

Ken Strangeway
Derek McFarland
Josh Williams
Brad Sproule
Greg Stringer
Skip Phillips
Professional

Graham Keay
Jessica Salomon
Dave Atkinton

The semi-finals are not to be missed!  They are expected to sell out, so reserve your tickets today at 236-LAFF!

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