Toronto’s comedy scene is coming back to life, with many comedy clubs in the city attracting new audiences and rebuilding Toronto’s reputation as a place for live entertainment.
After facing difficult times due to the pandemic, high rents, and changes in what people like to watch, new and refreshed venues are bringing excitement back to stand-up and improv comedy.
One of the key players in this revival is The Corner Comedy Club, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Located in a small alley on Queen Street West, this cosy 50-seat club has become a place for both new and experienced comedians to shine.
“We’ve seen a strong desire for live comedy come back,” said club manager Sarah Klein in a recent interview. “People want the real connection that you can’t get from a screen.”
The Corner showcases performers who have appeared in big festivals like Just For Laughs and on Netflix, with weekend shows selling out, indicating strong interest.
Another important venue is Comedy Bar, a well-known spot in Bloorcourt. They are expanding by opening a second location on Danforth Avenue, which will double their capacity to host various comedy acts, including sketch, improv, and stand-up.
Since opening in 2008, Comedy Bar has been a starting point for many Canadian comedians, like Russell Peters and Samantha Bee. They now offer new experimental shows in the Cabaret Room, aiming to attract a younger audience looking for unique content.
The revival is not just about well-known places. Key’s Comedy Club, located in a home in Roncesvalles Village, has gained attention for its special and grassroots style.
With a homey setup that fits only 10 to 15 people, this club, founded by comedian Kivork Kidanian, has built a dedicated following. Kidanian plans to move to a larger 100-seat bar on the Danforth by mid-2025 due to high demand. “Toronto is ready for independent comedy to shine,” he shared with reporters.
This revival comes as the entertainment district in the city sees new investments. Yuk Yuk’s Toronto, part of a well-known Canadian comedy chain, continues to attract crowds with acts from around North America.
The Second City Toronto, which has been at its Harbourfront location for 52 years, remains famous for improv and sketch comedy. Both places report that ticket sales have been increasing since early 2024, driven by a desire for live shows after the pandemic.
Experts believe this revival is happening for several reasons: a younger audience interested in comedy drawn in by social media stars, low ticket prices—sometimes just $5 for open mic nights—and a focus on diverse voices.
Clubs like Comedy Lab in The Annex, Toronto’s only Black-owned comedy spot, highlight minority performers with themed shows like “Femme Fatale Comedy,” adding new views to the scene.
However, not everyone thinks the revival is perfect. Rising costs and new buildings threaten smaller venues, with some, like the former Underground Cafe, shutting down due to gentrification.
Despite this, local comedian Natalie Norman sees hope. “Toronto’s diversity creates a comedy explosion like nowhere else,” she said. “You have voices here that you won’t find on any streaming service.”
As spring arrives, the city’s comedy clubs are optimistic about this energy. From the cosy feel of Backroom Comedy Club to the well-known stages of Absolute Comedy, Toronto’s comedy scene is lively and thriving, showing that the city’s humour is very much alive.
In just a few days, we're back at @comedybar with some of Toronto's favourite improvisers.https://t.co/QoT1xvBsQb pic.twitter.com/8Le6lv5zTO
— Rob Norman (@RobTheNorman) March 28, 2025
