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Vancouver’s House of Comedy in New Westminster

New Westminster's House of Comedy

Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy is a Vancouver comedy club that features live stand-up comics at the Columbia Theatre in New Westminster.

The New West club is one of a few venues in the Lower Mainland where you can watch a comedy show. Another great place which specializes in theatresports-style comedy theatre is The Improv Centre on Granville Island.

 


COMEDY IMPROV IN VANCOUVER

If you like live comedy, another venue you’ll want to check out is The Improv Centre on Granville Island. Their shows are also hilarious, affordable and highly recommended.


 

Improv Centre

 

New Westminster Comedy Club

Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy hosts live stand-up comic shows on different evenings of the week. On a typical night the show will open with a local comedian or two. This is then followed by a featured special guest who is frequently a fairly well-known comedian who has been brought in from out of town, and more often than not from the United States or back east. The quality of the shows is generally very high.

When we attended a show, in early 2020, we saw Justin Nichol and Kwasi Thomas – who are both based in the Lower Mainland – plus America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Jackie Fabulous who was the evening’s headliner. All were exceptional and we really enjoyed the experience.

 

Comedy Club Location

Shows take place at the Columbia Theatre at 530 Columbia Street in New Westminster. The theatre was built in 1927 and still retains some of its original Vaudeville feel. It’s a nice place with table seating.

 

Comedian Kwasi Thomas

 

Ticket Prices and Show Times

Performances at the House of Comedy are fairly affordable. Ticket prices range from about $10 for a less formal event up to around $55 or more for dinner and a show. The price depends on who is performing and when.

There are shows between three and six evenings a week, including almost every Friday and Saturday. There are usually shows from Thursday to Saturday, plus sometimes on various other days too. They typically start at 7:00 or 7:30 pm, with late shows on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at around 9:30.

 

About the House of Comedy

Formerly Lafflines Comedy Club, the House of Comedy is a comedy club that features the acts of both local and internationally-known comics. Under its new name and management, the New Westminster venue opened in early January 2020.

Rick Bronson owns the club. He’s an award-winning Canadian comedian and magician. He also owns a few other similar places. The original club opened in West Edmonton Mall followed by locations in the Mall of America in Minnesota and on High Street in Phoenix Arizona. World-famous comedians such as Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert have performed at the various venues.

 

Justin Nichol at House of Comedy

 

Things to Know

Below are some tips and extra information to help you make the most of your experience at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy.

TIP #1: Ticket prices are the same whether purchased online or at the venue (or at least they were the last time we checked). Shows can sell out though, especially on weekends and with some of the more well-known acts.

TIP #2: Food is available for purchase at the club and includes a full menu of appetizers, main courses and desserts. In addition to the price of admission, guests are expected to purchase a minimum of two items off the menu per person (which can be food or a drink).

TIP #3: Similar to movie cinemas and other theatres, guests are asked to turn off their phones and other electronics in the showroom. Photos and video recording are not permitted.

TIP #4: Since performances aren’t censored, some material might not be suitable for all ages. Minors ages 15 and up can attend the early shows when accompanied by an adult. Late shows, however, are restricted to guests ages 18 or older.

 

Jackie Fabulous at Rick Bronson's Comedy Club

 

Discounts and Accessibility

TIP #5: The venue often offers discounts and gives away free tickets. Follow them on Facebook and you’ll see some of their offers. Also, they sometimes have a draw at shows where you can win free tickets. And when we went, if an individual spent over $40 on food and drink they got a free ticket to see a future show (which was a really good deal).

TIP #6: The facility is wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility issues or other special needs, contact the venue to let them know in advance.

TIP #7: Arrive early if you can as it will give you time to find parking, order some food and drinks, and chat with your friends before show time. Doors open an hour before each performance and close about 45 minutes after the start, so don’t be late!

 

Other Information

For more details on the comedy club, click House of Comedy Vancouver.

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