A big name is making his way to Prince Rupert, but more people in the city may actually be familiar with his opening act.
Actor and comedian Kenny Robinson is arriving on the North Coast to present The Big Dog Comedy Show at Chances Prince Rupert this Friday, Feb. 10.
Robinson is set to be the main draw, with many knowing the funny man from his history as the creator and host of the series After Hours with Kenny Robinson that appeared on The Comedy Network, has hosted the Gemini Awards, and has appeared in films with other big names like Chris Rock and Ed Harris.
But Robinson’s opener, Shane Clark, may be even more well known to Rupertites, having grown up in the northern city and now residing in Vancouver.
“I’ve definitely missed the small town feel. I love how everyone knows everyone there. My favourite Rupert memories are definitely all the outdoors stuff; just being in the outdoors and enjoying the seclusion of it all,” said Clark.
“[Robinson] is one of the biggest names in Canada. He’s one of the best. You’re not going to get a much bigger name than that so don’t pass up the opportunity.”
Clark moved away from Rupert in 1999 after finishing college, and got his funny streak started at Vancouver’s Yuk Yuk’s.
Back then, the former Rupertite frequently commented to himself that he felt he could generate more laughs than those already on stage.
He said the first rule for a comedian starting out is to gauge the audience first and to have at least five minutes of material prepared.
The Big Dog Comedy Show starts at 8 p.m. this Friday and is available to those aged 19 and over. Tickets can be purchased at Chances Prince Rupert. There will also be an opportunity for members of the audience to try their hand at on-stage comedy with an open mic session after the show.
“We certainly want to encourage people to take advantage of the opportunity to see some hilarious talent without the hassle and expense of having to travel to Vancouver or Toronto. Everyone that came to the last show had a great time and we’re definitely looking forward to another night full of laughs,” said Denise Everett, manager of marketing, sales and events at Chances, adding to look up Clark in your yearbook if you went to high school with him.
“He was shockingly voted class clown of his graduating class.”
The Big Dog Comedy Show has been touring the North lately, with stops in Prince George and Quesnel before Rupert and Telkwa still to come.