Critch keeps tradition with ComedyFest

Comedian Mark Critch can often be seen furiously riffing on Canadian politics in This Hour Has 22 Minutes.

But it's the hosting gig for Ha!ifax ComedyFest — one he first began in 2004 — that provides him some much-needed time with laugh experts.

“The great thing about this festival is acts keep coming back. You get to catch up with everyone,” he said.

“I get to see comics develop over the years and I see the evolutions. I get to watch these comedians in the fabulous HD of real life.”

But it's the organizers, volunteers and event-goers who have kept Critch coming back.

“The crew is just incredible, and it's a fun, fantastic atmosphere to be around,” said Critch.

“The audience is tremendous here, and it's one of the best festivals for comedy in the country. This Halifax event is huge, but it is more compact than some others.

“Comedians spend more time together at an event like this, and it kind of feels like we're all in the same platoon.”

The laugh regiment this year includes many beloved comedians, Jeremy Hotz among them.

“He's much-loved, and he always sells out. Last year he hurt himself and couldn't perform, so it's nice he's back,” said Critch.

“Tom Papa, who's been on The Tonight Show, and Colbert will also be here. He's a seasoned pro like no other.”

Of the 30+ comedians going, other named include Derek Edwards, Nikki Payne, Nathan Macintosh and Jenn Labelle.

Critch said in an industry full of solitary work and traveling, festivals provide a solace and comfort.

“Festivals is where we reconnect and find out what we're all up to, then everyone does their dates across the country. But being together and watching all these acts shows where all our comedy fits in,” he said.

“Outside the comradery of getting together for these events, they also provide a weather gauge for what we are all talking about. We see the whole rainbow of topics and types of comedy.”

Comedy, Critch says, is an art form where the performer gets immediate feedback.

“You can debate art or music, and you can convince yourself if it's not received well, that you're still doing okay. Your painting or music could be controversial or important,” said Critch.

“In comedy, your audience laughing is a reaction they can't control. It's a guttural response, and if you failed, you hear the silence. There's no argument. It's terrifying in a way.”

With This Hour Has 22 Minutes currently enveloping his creative efforts, Critch says he gets six sketches done a week, “and only three get made.”

“We look at headlines and TV news and just let it percolate. Then I'll get this lightbulb and do everything I can to get it on paper,” he said.

“When the mood strikes, and the muse hits, it's fantastic. But when one show finishes, we already go hard to work on next week's material.”

But Critch is excited for the welcome interruption of the Ha!ifax ComedyFest from Wednesday, April 25 to Saturday, April 28, 2018.

“It should be an amazing event for all the comedians coming and the audience, who are sure to get a great show,” he said.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit Ha!ifax ComedyFest website.