Canadian Comedy Awards & Festival leaves them laughing in London again
The Sixth Annual Canadian Comedy Awards & Festival provided five days of laughter and comedic high-jinks from October 18 - 22, 2005. It also handed out 20 awards in three categories - film, television, and live comedy. (For detailed information on the awards, visit the festival's website at www.canadiancomedyawards.ca.)
Winners included some of Canada's best known comedy television performers, standup comics, writers and directors.
The Festival began in 2000 with a mandate to recognize and celebrate Canadian achievements in comedy at home and abroad. It is run by a not-for profit organization, the Canadian Comedy Foundation for Excellence, founded by Tim Progosh, and is artist-driven. Member organizations include ACTRA, The Canadian Actors Equity Association, The Directors Guild of Canada, The Writers Guild of Canada, and The Comedy Association (including Yuk Yuk's, Second City, and Just For Laughs).
It also functions as a showcase for both new and seasoned talent to keep audiences rolling in the aisles. It is in its third year in London.
Performances began with the Funniest Person in London Contest, and included such high-energy sketches as The Canadian Comic Witness Protection Program, and Stand-up Newcomer and Women Showcases.
There was a Sketch and Improv Show, and the Canadian Comedy All-Star Gala hosted by Sean Cullen and which included a huge cast of seasoned professionals.
A highlight of this year's festival was the Jokers vs. Knights Alumni Charity Hockey Game, a hilarious mixture of comedy and hockey as guest announcers, coaches, players, and musicians supported two teams of comics, celebrities, NHL and Knights alumni. Brampton-born Scott Thompson was hilarious on the ice. Hockey, comedy and mayhem! Bluma Appel and Byron Bellows were laughing on the sidelines for the third year.
Next year's Festival includes a program on Laughter in the Workplace by the Hockey Mom herself. Stay tuned!