We recently had the chance to catch up with the Toronto comedian Allie Pearse to chat about her comedy style and influences.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Biographical and high energy. Sometimes alarmingly so (on both accounts).
Who are some of your influences?
I’m extremely influenced by the amazing talent we have in Canada. Some of the best comics I have ever seen are built up in the Canadian scene.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
I didn’t watch a lot of standup growing up but I’ve been a big Sarah Silverman fan.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
This totally depends on my mood and what I’m after. I would say, like my jackets, it changes seasonally.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Make a list of jokes I want to perform. Panic, try deep breathing, panic again. Tell myself once I’m dead none of this will matter.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Comedy Bar in Toronto is my favourite club. It feels like home (it’s literally next to my home). I also produced a show at the Royal Cinema right before the pandemic which was iconic and very special to me. Recently I was at the Laugh Factory in Chicago!
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I have an NSFW, fairly anatomical joke that I used to close within my early days of standup. I think my writing has grown significantly since then but it remains one of my favourites because it was the first time a bit really landed and continued to work when I first started.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
It’s a mix of watching local, up-and-coming talent at some of the smaller shows I perform at. Throwing on Sirius XM is also key!
Tell us a joke about your city.
Only if you pay me for it first upfront. How else am I supposed to afford rent in Toronto?
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Check out my episode on The New Wave of Standup, Season 2! You can also find my writing on the latest episode of Letterkenny’s stand-alone special for International Women’s Day.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about.
Andrea Jin is an absolutely brilliant Vancouver-based comedian who you can also find on The New Wave of Standup! She is nominated for a Juno this year for her outrageously funny album Grandma’s Girl which you can stream right now.
