On June 15th at Anvil Centre Theatre, in New Westminster, Laughter Zone 101 Productions is planning to host a solely South Asian Comedy Show titled F is for Funny: The East Indian Edition. This is final event for the 2018-19 season of a four part series, bringing stand-up comedy to the Anvil Theatre. The three previous shows have had full houses of 300+.
Laughter Zone 101 Productions, is well known for promoting diversity through the showcasing of stand-up comedy talent. The organization loves to provide a platform for different ethnicities to showcase their talents to the community.
At the F is for Funny, East Indian Edition show, the company will be featuring comics ranging in age from 18-60+ and their comedy sets and sketches will entertain all audiences with their unique takes on life as a South Asian.
PERFORMER BIOS
ASH DHAWAN CO-HEADLINER
Performing since 2011 Ash Dhawan’s hilarious take on life as a South Asian woman has captured audience’s attention Canada wide! She was named Vancouver's Funniest comic with a Day Job contest in 2011, and was back to back winner of the 2014 & 2015 BC's Funniest Female contest. She's an Engineer Tech by day and a Comedian by night, and has been embraced by the comedy community working with formidable comedians such as India's founding father of stand-up comedy, Johnny Lever. Her passion for comedy and dedication to her craft has made her a favorite amongst audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
AL HASSAM CO-HEADLINER
Like a lot of people from an Indian background, Al Hassam was raised in Prince George, British Columbia. Performing comedy for over a decade His passion for comedy has lead him to perform in venues all North Americ He mixes knowledge of cultural, ethnicity and relationships as key ingredients in his stand-up routine. Al's quick wit leaves audiences delighted with laughter. More importantly Al is passionate about community involvement and has performed with organizations such as Stand Up For Mental Health to promote a more inclusive society.
RAJNEESH DHAWAN FEATURED COMIC
Rajneesh Dhawan is a professor, playwright and a comedian. His comedy career started in his college days in India where he eventually went on to write three television series and four documentaries. Since moving to Canada in 2009, Rajnesh has written and performed five plays at various venues in the Fraser Valley. His latest comedy “Culture Shock” is under production and will be premiered in Fall this year. As a comedian he has won the Fraser Valley comedy competition twice and in March of this year he made it to the CBC’s NextUp competition.
SIMI C FEATURED COMIC
Simi has been on stage in some capacity or another her entire life, while writing and comedy was always at the forefront of that passion. A little over four years ago Simi took the YukYuk’s stage and within months was achieving success she hadn’t imagined. Tackling topics that are both taboo and relatable, Simi leaves her audiences in stitches every show. She has performed stand-up throughout BCs top venues including River Rock Casino and Resort theatre and has caught audience’s attention province wide.
MANTAJ FEATURED COMIC
Mantaj (pronounced like Montage in English, different name used at Starbucks), is a recent graduate of SFU that loves comedy, acting and cancelled plans. Bringing a young South Asian voice to the comedy scene in BC, Mantaj has gained quick success. Influenced by comics such as Dave Chappelle, Mantaj is a comedy star in the making
NAZIM HASHAM FEATURED COMIC
Nazim Hasham, a comedy superstar in his own right, or is that his own head? Whichever it is, Nazim offers a fresh funny commentary on everyday life, news and politics, sprinkled with personal experiences. He has performed in venues city-wide and is growing quite a fan base. At the end of the day he is a just a boy standing in front of an audience asking you to laugh
JANICE BANNISTER PRODUCER & EMCEE
Last but not least, Janice Bannister is the token white person and owner and creative director for Laughter Zone 101. She will be the emcee for F is for Funny East Indian edition, a fourth in a series of comedy shows at Anvil Centre Theatre. She has produced shows for numerous comedy clubs and theatres, including the Mother of All Comedy shows, the F is for Funny series, and the BC Funniest Female competition. As a performer she is toured with Debra Digiovanni & Susan Rice in the I am Woman Hear Me Laff shows, and headlined at Lafflines, and Yuks Yuks for Chic Productions. Janice is also the lead instructor for Laughter Zone 101 comedy classes, and has brought over 700 new comics to the comedy stages.
Tickets are $23 and can be purchased from www.ticketstonight.ca or by calling 604-684-2787!
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