Hot Snack Comedy is satiating local hunger for laughs in Vancouver. The four-person group consists of Tiffany Anderson, Helen Camisa, Della Haddock, and Kirsten Wiltshire, who work expertly to whip through hilarious, fast-moving, long-form improv performances together. Whether serving up live comedy at independent improv shows or performing at prominent festivals such as the Vancouver Fringe Festival and the Vancouver International Improv Festival, Hot Snack Comedy is always cooking up something fresh that’ll leave you craving more.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Fast-paced, eccentric, character-driven long-form improv that often takes place in off-kilter versions of the world we live in. We focus on a narrative style, with a handle on it – for example, our Fringe 2024 show (‘The Ripple Effect’) focused on the butterfly effect and revisited a single decision through the lens of one character. We each took a turn playing the same character across the course of the show and did not explain this to the audience from the outset – they got it (we think).
Who are some of your influences?
Della remains influenced by the late ’90s casts of MadTV and In Living Colour. Locally, we’ve found inspiration from groups like The Sunday Service and Nasty Women Comedy (RIP).
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Helen loved the UK-based duo ‘French and Saunders’. Della was obsessed with Debra Wilson, David Alan Grier and Jim Carrey. Kirsten wanted to live among the characters Kristen Wiig created. Tiffany has always loved and been influenced by Molly Shannon and – in her own words – “farts and ghosts, preferably at the same time”. So, I guess you could say it’s a mixed bag.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Helen’s vibing with Ali Wong and Aidy Bryant. Della’s been digging Rose Matefeo and Jacqueline Novak while revisiting Carol Burnett.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Eye contact, goals for the show, Fisherman’s Friends (featuring a debate over cherry versus original flavour), dancing, and an unhinged performance warm-up that usually devolves into us scream-singing Celine Dion.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
The Vancouver Fringe Festival: we got to explore a full hour-long format and introduce it to new audiences. We also loved our little home at the former Havana Theatre on the Drive – somewhere our names are still scribbled on the green room wall.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
‘The Ripple Effect’ – it pushed us out of our comfort zone and took us to some crazy places. Della and Kirsten once wrote a sketch called ‘Cannibal Pilots’ that will go down in infamy mostly because the rehearsals were, respectfully, unhinged.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Helen is a podcaster, so she loves that medium. Della is on that Reels vein hard, but also loves recommendations from pals. Kirsten is offline, so we can only assume every bit of information she receives is from a carrier pigeon, osmosis, or CBC early morning edition.
Tell us a joke about your city.
Everyone says the best comedians always leave Vancouver for Toronto, which is crazy, cuz we’re still here, right? RIGHT?!
Do you have anything to promote right now?
We’re gearing up for a show for the holiday season.
Where can we follow you?
You can keep an eye on our website and our Instagram!
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Diversity Hires improv, Indig-E Girl Comedy. Arya Afshar M. is a standup to watch out for, for real.
