Fall Arts Preview: 5 Comedy and Spoken Word Events to Check Out

Laugh-out-loud comedy, thought-provoking literary discussions and more spoken word events happening this fall.

1. Lewis Black

Best known for having been The Daily Show with Jon Stewart’s resident angry old man, the now-68-year-old comedian and social activist’s trademark apoplectic delivery today seems eerily prescient: in the age of Trump, his rage feels not only appropriate, but compulsory. September 7, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, ticketmaster.ca

2. Stuff You Should Know

Does a decapitated head retain consciousness? Why do we itch? What are the origins of curse words? Hosts Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark bring their freewheeling, wildly popular podcast to the stage, broadcasting live to the world. September 26, Vogue Theatre, ticketfly.com

3. Vancouver Writers Fest

Launched in 1987, this annual celebration of all things printed and bound has not only offered crucial exposure for emerging and established wordsmiths, it has also introduced bookworms to many now-revered authors when they were all but unknown. In recognition of this year’s 30th-anniversary milestone, some literary heavyweights—including Margaret Atwood and veteran New Yorker essayist Adam Gopnik—have been brought on board. But the most memorable moments of each year’s program often come from the least expected sources, which is why the likes of Brit crime novelist Ruth Ware and former NHL goaltender (and latter-day Order of Canada officer) Ken Dryden shouldn’t be missed. October 16 to 22, various venues, writersfest.bc.ca

READ MOREFall Arts Preview: 5 Must-See Concerts and Music Festivals

4. Vancouver International Improv Festival

Following last year’s critically acclaimed indie film Don’t Think Twice and the revival of TV’s Whose Line Is It Anyway?, the interative, off-the-cuff art form of improv comedy is as visible as ever. More than two dozen ensemble and solo performers—including plenty of local yuksters—will take to stages around Granville Island. October 10 to 14, various venues, vancouverimprovfest.com

5. DeAnne Smith

If you aren’t yet familiar with this New York state–born stand-up, we recommend you remedy the situation when she returns to Vancouver after too long an absence. A winner of awards everywhere from Australia to her adopted home of Montreal, her humour is brash and staunchly feminist, but she’s also happy to laugh at herself. October 12 to 14, Comedy Mix, thecomedymix.com

Check back for more on the hottest theatre, music and visual arts shows in Vancouver, part of our 2017 Fall Arts Preview!