New Westminster's House of Comedy

Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy is a relatively new 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.

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.

Ticket Prices and Show Times

Performances at the House of Comedy are very affordable. Ticket prices range from $5.00 for a less formal event up to around $55.00 for dinner and a show.

The price depends on who is performing. For example, tickets to Show Up N’ Go events (where both experienced and less experienced comedians just show up and perform) cost only $5. Tickets to see “special presentation” guests, like Jackie Fabulous or T.J. Miller, meanwhile, might cost $32 or more.

The schedule for the House of Comedy changes week to week, but there are basically always shows from Thursday to Saturday. In addition, there are sometimes shows on Sunday and Monday depending on the week. Regular shows run at 7:00 or 7:30 pm, with late shows scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays at around 9:30.

(Note: Show times, prices and other details are subject to change. Check the official House of Comedy website for exact details and to see who is performing when.)

What to Expect in 2022

As of the end of March, 2022, here is what the House of Comedy’s calendar looks like for the next couple months:

From Thursday to Sunday most weeks there is a featured comedian who does five or six shows. There is not always a show on each of those four days. Each of the days where there are shows there is one that starts at either 7:00 pm or 7:30 pm. On Friday and Saturday there is a second show that starts at either 9:30 pm or 9:45 pm. These special guests include many Canadians and all the performers have had professional success here or internationally.

Tuesdays sometimes have shows as well. From April 12th to May 24th, 2022 there is a Funniest Person With a Day Job show each Tuesday. Anyone at all can enter this contest with five minutes of material and at the end of the competition someone will win $1000. Admission to these shows costs just $5 (with a two menu item minimum once you’re inside).

During times without this competition, there are often Triple Threat Tuesdays, which is another cheap show. A wide mix of both experienced and new comedians take the stage in five-minute sets so there is quite the rotating cast. The “triple threat” in the event’s name comes from the $5 food and drinks specials that are also on offer on top of the $5 tickets.

For the most up to date schedule and to buy tickets, visit the Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy website.

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.

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 Vancouver/New Westminster venue opened in early January 2020.

The club is owned by Rick Bronson, 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 — Vancouver Comedian Justin Nichol

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. Shows can sell out though, especially on weekends and with some of the more well-known acts.

TIP #2: Debit cards are not accepted for purchases in the showroom – only cash and major credit cards can be used.

TIP #3: 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 one item off the menu per person (which can be food or a drink).

TIP #4: Food prices aren’t unreasonable. Expect to pay about $13.50 for a pound of chicken wings, $12.50 for poutine, and $16.00 or so for a burger or flatbread pizza. A beer will cost about $8.00, a glass of wine might be $10.00, and a cocktail will be between around $10.00 and $12.00 depending on what you order.

TIP #5: 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 #6: Since performances are not censored, some material may not be suitable for all ages. Minors ages 15 and up are permitted in the early shows when accompanied by an adult. Late shows are restricted to guests ages 18 or older.

Jackie Fabulous at Rick Bronson's Comedy Club — Jackie Fabulous in Vancouver

Discounts and Accessibility

TIP #7: Folks that are employed in the hospitality industry get in for free on Sunday nights (except not for “special presentations” or “concert series” events). Just bring a valid pay slip or badge. Students with valid ID also get in for free at “Show Up N’ Go” events.

TIP #8: 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 #9: The facility is wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility issues or other special needs, contact the venue to let them know in advance.

TIP #10: 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 at either 7:45 or 10:15 pm), so don’t be late!