As a lifelong comedy enthusiast who has attended more stand-up shows than I can count, the news of Just for Laughs‘ comeback fills me with unadulterated glee! This festival has been an integral part of the comedy world since its inception in 1983, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how it has launched countless careers and brought laughter to millions.
Who’s laughing now?
Following a period of financial hardship and the suspension of its recent event in 2024, the esteemed Just for Laughs Comedy Festival is set to return.
The comedy festival, now under new management ComediHa! following its acquisition of Just for Laughs in June, is making a comeback in Sydney, Australia from November 18-28, 2024. The lineup includes Trevor Noah, Eric Idle, Brad Williams, and Melanie Bracewell who will also host the All-Star Gala.
In January of 2025, the event will transition to its 17th edition in Bermuda, taking place from the 22nd to the 24th. Following this, it will travel to Vancouver, spanning from February 13th to the 22nd.
Absolutely, Just for Laughs will once again grace Montreal, its birthplace back in 1983, from July 17-26. In a statement, the recently acquired ComediHa! highlighted their focus on keeping JFL firmly rooted in Montreal as one of their primary goals. They further expressed their intentions to marry the festival’s historical roots with the evolving face of comedy, looking ahead towards the future.
The anticipated comeback of Just for Laughs is a relief for comedy enthusiasts, given the uncertainty surrounding its 2024 edition’s cancellation. In a press release, festival organizers attributed the pandemic and rising inflation as primary factors causing “unprecedented financial stress” on their company, which, according to certain sources, had amassed debts exceeding $22.5 million.
Just for Laughs, an influential event in the entertainment industry, has played a significant role in propelling the careers of numerous comedians such as Kevin Hart and Ronny Chieng. For many years, Hollywood executives have made their way to Montreal to network and uncover promising newcomers in comedy. To highlight its enduring impact, Just for Laughs was featured in a Season 3 episode of “Hacks,” a TV series about a veteran stand-up comic (Jean Smart) and her ambitious young writer (Hannah Einbinder).
“We’re absolutely thrilled to unveil these extraordinary festivals under the guidance of ComediHa!, each with a rich and meaningful past that we value greatly,” remarked Sylvain Parent-Bédard, president of ComediHa!. “Together with our festival partners, we’re injecting fresh energy and ideas into these events, hoping to strike a chord with both seasoned fans and new spectators. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to our outstanding programming team, some of whom are returning, others joining us for the first time. They’re tirelessly working to create exceptional lineups that we believe will be the key to these festivals’ triumph. Their dedication and creativity are what will make these events a huge success.”
Speaking about it, Nick Brazao, programming director at Just for Laughs, stated, “Organizing these festivals is an exhilarating chance to introduce fresh ideas while keeping our roots intact. We’re dedicated to showcasing both established stars and rising talent, aiming to highlight the cream of comedy. We’re welcoming the evolving landscape of the industry and can hardly wait for global audiences to witness what we’ve prepared.”
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2024-08-21 17:16