Snowed In Comedy Tour Returns for 17th Year with Vancouver Performance
The Snowed In Comedy Tour, a beloved Canadian entertainment tradition, is celebrating its remarkable 17th anniversary with a nationwide journey that includes a highly anticipated stop in Vancouver. This winter comedy institution brings together some of Canada's most celebrated comedians for a coast-to-coast tour spanning 70 cities, offering audiences a much-needed escape from the cold with laughter and entertainment.
Vancouver Show Details and Featured Comedians
The Vancouver performance will take place at the historic York Theatre on January 23 at 7 p.m., located at 639 Commercial Drive. Tickets are available for $52.50 plus service fees through the venue's official website. The tour features an impressive lineup of award-winning Canadian comics including:
- Erica Sigurdson, a Vancouver native and favorite on CBC's The Debaters
- Dan Quinn, tour founder and Just for Laughs winner
- Paul Myrehaug, Great Canadian Laugh-Off champion
- Pete Zedlacher, Canadian Comedian of the Year Award winner and Gemini nominee
The tour includes multiple British Columbia dates with shows in Surrey on January 20, Chilliwack on January 21, and Whistler on January 22 before arriving in Vancouver.
Comedy Without Political Polarization
In an exclusive interview, Vancouver comedian Erica Sigurdson revealed that the Snowed In Comedy Tour deliberately avoids political material despite current global tensions. "I'm doing exactly the same amount I've always done, which is none," Sigurdson explained. "None of us are really political comedians. There might be a light jab here or there, but nothing that's going to polarize the audience."
Sigurdson reflected on how the comedy landscape has changed over the past decade, noting that political humor has become increasingly divisive. "Ten years ago, you could do political comedy without it feeling so divisive. Now everything is so polarized — it's either this or that — and that's not really conducive to a comedy show where people just want to laugh," she said. "Nobody's leaving our shows storming out."
Contemporary Themes and Technological Integration
This year's tour material explores relatable contemporary themes that resonate with Canadian audiences. Sigurdson shared that her set includes relationship humor, observations about life coaching trends, and commentary on technology and artificial intelligence. "I'm not a technophobe, but I'm fascinated by how customer service has disappeared at the same time companies are more eager than ever to ask you how their customer service was," she noted.
The comedians have embraced technology to refine their performances throughout the tour. Sigurdson revealed that she records every set and uses transcription applications to analyze her material. "I'll search the transcript for crutch words — mine is 'like' — and consciously try to cut them down," she explained. "I've already reduced that by almost half. At the start of a tour, you swear more and rely on crutch words more. Then everyone settles down and finds the rhythm."
Evolution of Material and Vancouver Comedy Scene
Three weeks into the extensive tour, the comedians' sets have naturally evolved through performance. Sigurdson described how material develops organically during a tour: "Jokes grow as you perform them, and sometimes something just doesn't fit anymore. Other bits get stronger as you add lines." This process of refinement is part of what makes live comedy such a dynamic art form.
When asked about the health of Vancouver's comedy scene, Sigurdson expressed mixed feelings. "The scene is strong and full of talented comedians, but the loss of dedicated clubs like The Comedy Mix is tough," she said. "That Tuesday-to-Saturday club environment — seven shows a week — was invaluable. Nothing replaces being able to test five minutes in front of a real club audience."
Despite these challenges, Sigurdson acknowledged that Vancouver still offers numerous venues for comedy enthusiasts, though she emphasized that traditional comedy clubs provide an irreplaceable environment for both performers and audiences.
A Canadian Winter Tradition Continues
The Snowed In Comedy Tour represents more than just a series of performances — it's become a Canadian winter tradition that brings communities together through shared laughter. Now in its 17th year, the tour has established itself as a mainstay of Canadian entertainment, weathering literal and metaphorical storms to deliver comedy that unites rather than divides.
As the tour continues its journey across the country, Vancouver audiences can look forward to an evening of expertly crafted humor that focuses on universal human experiences rather than political divisions. In an era of increasing polarization, the Snowed In Comedy Tour offers a refreshing reminder of comedy's power to bring people together through laughter and shared humanity.
