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“Comedy is tragedy plus time.” |
Finally, for those out there that don’t like to laugh, they might be best served by a quote from another lady of show business, Julia Roberts:
“Show me a person who doesn't like to laugh and I'll show you a person with a toe tag.”
This is something I have always admired about Alicia Tobin. Poise takes a back seat to the right comedic impulse. This ranges from the many times I have seen her get caught up in a sidewalk sandwich board for the amusement of a few or do an interpretive dance to Rihanna on stage for the amusement of many.
Originally from Montreal, Tobin’s act at first focused on her alienated feelings brought on by living in Vancouver. This has since developed into an act less focused on who she feels alienated from to who she feels kinship with; namely the world’s animals.
To see Alicia read her letter written to a shark brings back feelings of being a kid and writing to your idol, hoping for some insight.
Her stage presence is shy but unafraid to interact with the audience. You kind of feel like rooting for her and as she becomes a favorite on alternative stages all over town, the rooting seems to be working.
Tobin has plans to expand her online writing presence, but if you would like a peek into the world of a lady who will take your laughs over praise and would trade jobs with Dr. Doolittle in a second, follow your own comedic impulse and check her out on Twitter.
To see more you can go to: https://twitter.com/AliciaATobin
Alicia was kind enough to answer some questions for Vancouver Is Awesome.
When was the last time you laughed until you cried?
I was laughing at this little dogs paw- he was holding it up like he was saying hello, and the moment was so perfect and ridiculous and I laughed and then cried. Is this what you mean? I am not depressed, I just really like dog paws.
What is one myth about live comedy you’d like to dispel?
That it is a dying art form- it is and incredibly persuasive way of conveying change, socio-political issues, progress, and last but not least -new and innovative wiener jokes.
What would be your idea of a perfect venue?
Well, for stand up- anywhere the Laugh Gallery has been or will be. What makes the Laugh Gallery special is the effort, which everyone makes, to participate in a great show. Now that the show runs independently and only a few times a year there is a combination of freedom and respect that is really special- to know that the whole system is operating on a basis of equality and quality. Oh, and the audiences are great. Thanks audiences.
How did you decide that the world of comedy was for you?
When I was very young I liked the idea of becoming a stand up comic, but I also really liked the idea of helping animals. It was more impressive at the age of 4 or 5 to tell people that I wanted to be a veterinarian, and was having good results working on my stuffed animals at home. Soon, I realized that being a vet wasn’t about brushing dogs and whispering in their ears that they were very nice and that their fur smelled like wood smoke- but being a vet is terrifying -it smells awful and the animals hate you. So, I guess I was about six when I finally decided the world of comedy was for me.
Is there anything you can get away with in comedy by being a woman that a man can’t?
I often perform in a dress and it isn’t distracting at all.
You’ve done comedy in Vancouver and Montreal, what were the big differences between the two?
You will never have to climb over a 5-foot snow bank surrounded by a frozen moat of black ice to get to your show in Vancouver.
Why is Vancouver a good place for comedy?
These questions are hard. I am going to go get a snack. Chomp chomp chomp slurp, aaaaaaaaaah! Okay I am back. There are two reasons that I think performing in Vancouver is great- there are some very inspiring and talented comedians here. The second reason is that Vancouver sort of epitomizes the phrase “first world problems” – and I think a lot of us are willing to laugh at ourselves. The third reason is that sometimes you get two free drink tickets. TWO FREE DRINK TICKETS. Sometimes, I trade my drink tickets with other comics for things like pretty beads, erasers, and stickers.
Who is one performer/group of performers you think everyone should see at least once?
Tig Notaro!
What is your favorite joke (street of otherwise)?
“I believe in two things in this world - one is the healing power of magnets. The other is the crushing power of refrigerators”- Dave Shumka
Every article about comedy has to have a pun in the title. What would you like yours to be?
Alicia Tobin’s comedy is as fun as a bin filled with toes (AKA kinda stinky but super fun)!
