Headliners announced for digital event next month

Just For Laughs has unveiled the line-up for its first virtual festival, following the cancellation of its Montreal event for the first time in 38 years.

Hannah Gadsby tops the announcement, with shows from America’s Got Talent judge Howie Mandel, Black-ish creator Kenya Barris and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s Tituss Burgess also featuring.

Events will be screened over October 9 and 10 and be entirely free.

Other comics taking part include Sarah Cooper, who has gone viral with her satirical lip-synchs to Donald Trump,  Nailed It host Nicole Bryer, Andy Kindler, who is known for his annual State Of the Industry address in Montreal, and Canadian Comedy Award winner DeAnne Smith, who is also a regular at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Kevin Hart's comedy brand, Laugh Out Loud, will be programming its own comedy ‘room’ within the festival, dedicated to celebrating Comedy in Color; while regular strands including Varieties’ 10 Comics To Watch and New Faces will run in online form.

Several virtual rooms will run simultaneously over the two days to capture the feel of the festival, including ‘in conversation’ events, live discussions, and panels.

Charles Décarie, president of the Just For Laughs Group said: ‘We are very proud to offer this special edition… enabling us to do what we do best, curating and creating the best of comedy, while making it more accessible than ever, to all fans across the globe.’

Just For Laughs has also been forced to cancel its newer comedy festival, JFL42, which should have taken place in Toronto this month.

Published: 9 Sep 2020