Comedy on Queen

Two downtown Fredericton business partner to host open mic comedy night.

Matt Carter

The Abbey Café and Gallery and The Ciderhouse on Queen Street are hosting a live comedy open mic night Wednesday January 10. Join host Mary Green and an impressive cast of local comedians for an intimate evening of mid-week laughter.

This event marks the venue’s first comedy open mic, something Green would like to see happening more throughout the city.

“New Brunswick in general, and Fredericton in particular, has an embarrassment of riches in terms of standup comedy,” said Green. “There are so many talented comedians here now, but for many years Fredericton has only had one monthly open mic at Wilser’s Room. Open mics are essential for both experienced and up-and-coming comics as a way to work on their material. Comedy is a unique art form in that practicing alone in your room can only do so much to grow your skills, you really need to be in front of an audience as much as possible to get good and become comfortable on stage.”

Green is a regular performer at Wilser’s Room open mic nights but admits the venue and the atmosphere may be a little overwhelming for first-time comics. She hopes the cozy confines of The Abbey/Ciderhouse’s lower level will prove a little less intimidating for some.

“One thing that really drew me to The Abbey/Ciderhouse as a venue is the intimate space,” she said. “The show will happen in the downstairs gallery which only holds 25 or 30 people. I’m interested to see how that will work in the context a standup comedy show.

“I have some non-comedian friends who have expressed interest in giving standup a try, but felt overwhelmed by the size of the crowds at Wilser’s Room,” said Green. “It’s often standing room only, which can definitely be intimidating when you’re just starting out, so I’m looking forward to giving new would-be comics another option.”

The evening will also include performances by Mark Harnett, Elizabeth MacDonald, Ben Macdonald, Sabrina Harnish, Matt Melanson, Troy Haines, Matt Keenan, Camille Garceau, Anthony Bryan and Johnathan Jimmer Duffy.

“This is an open mic and not a curated show,” said Green. “I invited any and all comedians who wanted a spot in Fredericton on January 10th, and although most of the comics are people I’ve worked with before, there are a few who are new to me, so I’m not even totally sure of what to expect. Anything could happen, but that’s what I love about standup.”