Let me begin with a modest proposal. We’ve heard from countless doctors and medical researchers who have all told us about the benefits that laughter can bring to the human body and soul. Laughing, they tell us, actually has profound health benefits, and few would disagree.
I propose, on that basis, that OHIP cover the costs of attendance to any comedy performance. Would the cost be staggering? No, think of the money saved in the reduction of sick days and the cut in expensive medications.
This may be a tough sell in the political arena, especially these days. Maybe the idea is better for private health plans. If acupuncture and massage can be covered in health insurance, why not the internal massage of a good laugh?
But what is the accurate comedic prescription? Once a month sounds about right. Emboldened by my modest proposal, I would now like to prescribe my 2012 Comedy Diet.
Let’s start with the obvious.
Stand-up clubs: But don’t make the mistake of just showing up. Do your research. There are all kinds of headliners at a comedy club — clean, dirty, political, prop acts — you won’t like them all, so choose wisely (www.yukyuks.com).
Second City: This legendary sketch comedy troupe changes their shows about every six months. You should never, ever miss one. They are the Rolls-Royce of sketch comedy, and their shows never fail. Even if you don’t like every single sketch, there are always a few dozen high moments to make you laugh. And the general exuberant tone of the cast will put a smile on your face (www.secondcity.com).
Just For Laughs Roadshow: Every year, the prestigious Just For Laughs festival brings an assortment of interesting new acts to town at a large venue. There may not be huge stars on these shows, but the acts are well-chosen and usually from far away. This month, the tour features Demetri Martin at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (www.hahaha.com).
Comedy concerts (choose 2): These days, there are many established comics who do solo shows in big halls. All of these comics are worthy, but the ticket price is high, so I’m only going to prescribe two in a calendar year. Just to give you an idea, this January alone will see visits to our city by the aforementioned Demetri Martin, as well as Jim Gaffigan and Jeff Dunham. When a comic gets to the level of selling out Massey Hall, you can bet that the level of professionalism will be very high.
Comedy Bar: If you want to see cutting-edge comedy delivered by a very young and enthusiastic group of performers, Comedy Bar is your stop. It’s not fancy, but the food is superior, and the atmosphere of experimentation is electric. Shows tend to be short, and there are usually more than one a night (www.comedybar.ca).
Theatresports: I’ll admit I’m not a fan of improv comedy (unless Colin Mochrie is involved), but Theatresports turns it into an interactive game for the whole audience. I’d recommend one evening of improv a year to finish off a well-rounded comedy diet (www.baddogtheatre.com).
And there you have it: Dr. Breslin’s Comedy Diet for 2012. Following this prescription may not guarantee health and sanity for the coming year, but it couldn’t hurt!
Post City Magazines’ humour columnist, Mark Breslin, is the founder of Yuk Yuk’s comedy clubs and the author of several books, including Control Freaked.
