Taylor Moorey is a rising star in the comedy scene, known for his unique blend of silliness, surrealism, and sardonic wit. His style, honed through performances at iconic venues like the Comedy Mix and the Biltmore, showcases a talent for both sharp observation and playful humour. Taylor’s work has earned him admiration from both peers and audiences, making him a notable name to watch in the world of stand-up comedy.
How would you describe your comedy style?
A combination of the three Essential Comedy S’s (a principle I made up just now): Silly, surreal, sardonic. It’s a lot of semi-autobiographical thoughts, but also broader ideas and concepts.
Who are some of your influences?
George Carlin was the comedian who made me want to perform. He’s informed who I want to be as a performer and artist, but also as a person. Besides him, Jim Norton, Kurt Metzger, Louis CK, Michelle Wolf, Doug Stanhope, Simon King, and Bo Burnham.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
When I was a kid, I watched a lot of Just for Laughs but never considered it was even a job until I saw Carlin. But until then, I really loved Jim Carrey, Brent Butt, Jeremy Hotz, and Kathleen Madigan. I also loved The Daily Show and Jon Stewart. I was a precocious 11-year-old.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Locally, Darcy Boon-Collins, K.C. Novak, Jake Spencer, Megan Milton, and Amber Harper-Young are not only among my favourite comics but my favourite people. But Blair Socci has been making me laugh a lot recently. I think she’s so original. Tina Friml, Jeff Arcuri, too. Marc Maron’s bleakness makes me feel not alone. I just discovered this Irish comedian, Marty Gleeson. She plays an Irish drum and tells jokes. Dry and understated, but so funny.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Rewrite my set in different ways with keywords, write out new bits so I can memorize them, go to the bathroom, and stretch my arms out to remind myself to be BIG on stage (thanks Jess Vaira!) then flop sweat as soon as I hear my name.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I love the dearly departed Comedy Mix; it feels like the truest, most authentic comedy club I’ve ever performed in. It was just such a joy to be there. Since then? Probably the Biltmore. I made a movie there! It’s called The Mixtape and you can find it on YouTube; it’s a stand-up concert film with some of my local favourites, mixed in with interviews. It’s real arty. That’s right, two plugs, one interview.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
Can I pick two? I’m hilarious. One about the loneliest thing you’ve ever done – Graham Clark (namedrop!) said he liked it. And a bit about recipes online. It’s got a half-decent impression of Henry Rollins, and it’s the joke I’ve received the most love for.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Lately, Instagram has been great. I’m not really a podcast guy, so a lot of it is word of mouth. Who do my friends like? I usually trust their taste.
Tell us a joke about your city.
How about a pithy observation about Richmond?
If you want to travel via transit from Richmond, it’s an hour away from anything. Metrotown? An hour. Downtown Vancouver? An hour. East Richmond? An hour. It’s your time, use it wisely.
Where can we follow you?
Go ahead and follow me on Instagram. I don’t post a lot of stand-up, it’s a hodgepodge of stuff I do, but it’s ~f~u~n~!
Also, I have a real professional website!
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Here are just a couple: Darcy Boon Collins, Jake Spencer, K.C. Novak, Megan Milton, Amber Harper-Young, An-Te Chu, Bradley Fung, Ola Dada, Darragh Bourke, Tim Williams, Ryan Williams, Sean McDonnell, Tyler Boissonnault, Alain Williams, Shane Clark, Aaron Read, Sydney Bosel, Rory Dunn, Sophia Johnson, Rachel Schaefer, Arash Narchi, Nancy Ho, Faris Hytiaa, Adam Jacobson, Jirair Garabedian, Cassidy Anhorn, Toben Spencer-Lang, Nicki Mohrdar, Amy Walsh, Danielle Florence, Justin Nichol, Dustin Searcy, Sam Tonning.
