Guelph’s new comedy show presents feminism at its funniest
On the second Monday of each month, The Cornerstone hosts That Time of the Month, Guelph’s feminist and LGBTQA+ stand-up comedy show.
On Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, That Time of the Month welcomed headliner Sandra Shamas, winner of the Gemini Award for Best Performance in Comedy and Best Performance in Theatre from the HBO Comedy Festival, and nominated for the Governor General’s Award and The Stephen Leacock Award.
The Ontarion asked Erinn White, one of the show’s co-producers, how Shamas became involved.
“So, Sandra has a Guelph connection. I think she has many friends here and so she actually was in the audience, at our January show I think. […] She’s a big supporter of women in comedy and the project we’re doing here […],” White explained.
White and Norman also had stand-up comedian Ashley Moffatt guest host the show. Moffatt’s crowd-work engaged the audience and made everyone feel like they were, as she put it, “just hanging out with 70 of my best friends.”
The Ontarion asked Moffatt what she enjoyed about performing in Guelph.
“Guelph has the best comedy audiences, an incredible scene [and] amazing local talent. I think every show I’ve ever been to in Guelph has been sold out and that’s something that does not happen in Toronto ever. And the people that come out love comedy, they’re progressive, and I’ll say it: Guelph has the best comedy audiences! It’s a testament to the local talent because they’re seeing these locals who are doing such great things and then they just keep coming back. It’s just a really healthy community here.”
Moffatt also explained why it’s important for smaller cities like Guelph to have women’s comedy shows.
“The importance of women’s comedy shows is: women are funnier. And you know, you just want to put on the best show possible and it’s impossible to do that without ladies because WE TAKIN’ OVER! No. I just think that equal representation is important and I’ve been to a lot of boring shows where it’s just like, the same dude over and over and over again. Women have a unique perspective on things and are almost always funnier. So, I said it, I don’t care,” said Moffatt.
Opening for Shamas were: Cas Knihnisky, Kelly de Hoop, Lauren Mitchell, Hayley Kellett, and White.
The openers performed women’s comedy staples such as period jokes, feminism, and relationships with their own unique perspectives. They also touched on a few unexpected things like body dysmorphic disorder, white guilt, and smuggling weed in one’s vagina.
The audience was in high spirits by the time Shamas took the stage. Within minutes, she had the room snorting, crying, and doubling over with laughter.
She talked about being unmarried and in her late-fifties, being attracted to the funny guy who usually has all the issues, and her hilarious experience using Tinder.
Shamas owned the room effortlessly; exuding an edgy kindness that makes you understand what confidence truly looks like.
The Ontarion asked Shamas what advice she would give to women in comedy.
“I always produce my own work. So I want to work, I rent the theatre. If someone asks me, or invites me, to come on and do a spot I’m always delighted. But I’m not fighting for it. And I’m not sucking on the exhaust of the male-dominated world. That’s never been me. […] The advice I give to anybody who ever wants to do anything ever […] is participate in your own success. Like, do what you need to do. It doesn’t come to you. They will not fucking come to you. They will not. In fact, the more desperate you are, the more they will avoid you. So participating in your own dream, if you will, is what you need to do. That’s the advice,” said Shamas.