Jenny Davidson is a Vancouver-based comedian who got her start after a friend convinced her to take a comedy class, thinking it would be a fun way to joke around with new people. What started as a casual experiment quickly became a passion after her first live performance, leading her to dive headfirst into the stand-up scene.
With a comedy style that’s anecdotal, personal, and delightfully silly, Jenny has made a name for herself in the Vancouver comedy community. A career highlight was opening for the legendary Mike MacDonald, who gave her a serious handshake of approval at the end of the night. Up next, will be recording her very first comedy album with an incredible lineup of local talent.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Anecdotal, personal and slightly observational. Silly!
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Stand up: Jerry Seinfeld. Funniest person I’d ever seen: Jim Carrey.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
A local comedian, Charlie Demers. You’ve probably heard of him; he’s not only a comedian, but a novelist as well. His jokes are so smart and so original (he has a 5-minute bit about countries’ flags); no one else is doing anything like him. Also he’s so silly and delightful to watch perform. If he reads this, I’ll feel like a dork, but whatever!
What is your pre-show ritual?
I talk to myself a LOT. And sometimes I will do the Superman stance (wide, with my hands in fists on my hips).
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I loved performing at the Comedy Mix in Vancouver. It was my first comedy club ever, and my first time performing there went very well, despite me being so nervous I couldn’t eat before! It isn’t around anymore, and I miss it. Also, the Kino Cafe on Cambie Street, which is also gone. It was a fantastic and supportive smaller room to work on new jokes.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I have a bit about watching nature documentaries, which I told for a while before I came up with the punchline I ended up writing for it. I’m proud of it because I stuck with a joke that I liked, that wasn’t super strong, and eventually it became my strongest joke and closer. Also, I get to do silly voices and a pretty dumb accent.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Besides going to live shows, I was really into listening to old comedy albums for a while, because there was so much that I didn’t know. Now I like to watch comedians on Netflix or Crave.
Tell us a joke about your city.
New Westminster is a major railway junction, a wedding dress shopping destination, and home for comedians who say they’re from Vancouver.
Where can we follow you?
Who is another local comedian we should know about?
