Comedy by the sea

This summer, the Victoria Playhouse invites audiences to roll in the aisles in a brand new way. The Playhouse will host the debut of Comedy Night Victoria by the Sea, a two-night-only festival celebrating stand-up comedy and storytelling tradition. Island comedian Patrick Ledwell is bringing this idea to the Victoria stage, and inviting some of his best storytelling friends to join him for the inaugural edition.

Both nights will feature headliner Steve Patterson, stand-up comedian and host of the long-running hit, The Debaters. Patterson is famous for keeping audiences across Canada engaged with heartfelt stories, incredible off-the-cuff wit, and original songs. In short, Patterson packs much more than punchlines into his show.

“I’m so excited to bring Steve to a summer theatre on PEI,” says Ledwell. “He’s a comedy hero and now a good friend. If you love The Debaters on the radio, you can imagine how much fun he’ll be live.”

Ledwell will kick off both shows with a new opening set, showcasing the brand of honest and smart comedy that has brought him from PEI venues to national stages, with regular appearances on The Debaters.

“I got a huge first opportunity to be on stage with comedy in Victoria, doing two seasons of a show called The New Potato-time Review. It’s such a welcome opportunity to return, to this very special theatre.”

Both shows will be hosted by much loved CBC voice, Matt Rainnie, who has recently hung up his microphone on Mainstreet and is looking forward to bringing his storytelling in new directions.

Comedy Night Victoria by the Sea runs two nights only, July 7 and 8. Tickets can be purchased online at victoriaplayhouse.com.