‘Tis the season to enjoy some live theatre, and The Improv Centre is bringing to stage a show never before seen on screens big or small. ‘Tis the Sitcom is an improvised version of a never-before-seen sitcom that fuses classic television with seasonal touches and festive flair. Each performance is created anew, featuring a group of characters living in the big city who have to navigate hilarious holiday dilemmas. We talked to Jacki Gunn, the creator of ‘Tis the Sitcom, to learn more about their comedy style, why Seth Rogen’s voice is so haunting, and which Vancouver spot feels like a warm hug from a hipster.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Logistically: my medium is improv and writing. Stylistically: cinematic, sensitive, surreal, silly, smart, dumb, people pleasing. Is this an okay answer, or no?
Who are some of your influences?
I was born in Oxford, UK (so Monty Python, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Teletubbies). Raised in the U.S. in Silicon Valley, CA (so Amy Poehler, Julio Torres, Maria Bamford, Carol Burnette, the Homebrew Computer Club). And have been in Canada, specifically Vancouver, since high school (so the SCTV folks, Colin Mochrie and brunch).
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Mr. Bean almost for sure.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Chris Fleming hard stop.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I like to look everyone I’m about to do improv with in the eyeballs at least once pre-show. Partly to establish trust and partly to establish dominance.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I adore performing in the China Cloud on Main. It’s magical, intimate, there are couches, candles and warm glowing lamps. The walls are adorned with beautiful local art. The whole experience (for performers and audiences) makes you feel like you’re getting a warm hug from a friendly hipster.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I did a sketch drag character named “Male Man”, who is just a hyper-masculine sex pot mail man. I love niche comedy; he’ll for sure be back in my rotation at some point. Also, I am a fan of both mail people and male people. (Shoutout to the Hero Comedy Show, which is a solo sketch show in the city you should check out!)
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Reelz baby! Comedians are easier to find than ever.
Tell us a joke about your city.
Remember when Seth Rogan did the voiceovers and PSA’s for BC Transit, and at first it was cute, and then it went on for way too long, like 4 or 5 months, and then it started to send us all into a sort of psychosis where we heard his laugh echoing in both our sleeping and waking minds, and sometimes even to this day we wake up in the night shaking and sweating, and then we can’t get back to sleep, so we go outside and wander the Vancouver streets until first light, trying to rid our heads of the Rogan laugh, wondering if we’ll ever be free of this torment?……….. Remember that?
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Need some funny holiday plans? Come see “Tis the Sitcom” at The Improv Centre. It’s the holiday episode of a sitcom improvised on the spot. We’ll use your suggestions to generate a brand-new sitcom every night! I created and co-directed/produced the show, and it’s ridiculous and nostalgic, and you should please come.
Also, come check out one of the most unique and wonderful shows in town, Puff the Magic Improv show, the 3rd Friday of each month at its new location, The Revue theatre on Granville Island!
Where can we follow you?
Follow me on Instagram, let’s be pals.
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Go watch Camille Legg. Everything they do is hilarious, and they’re going to be a star. They currently perform at Tightrope Theatre.
