Kendall Clark practices what he calls “uncomfortably revealing” comedy—conventional set-up-punchline structure applied to deeply bizarre personal experiences he’s unafraid to dissect onstage. Influenced early by Judy Blume and Bill Watterson alongside George Carlin’s sprawling career evolution, Clark now counts Maria Bamford as his favourite for her unflinching honesty about suicidal ideations and disordered eating, material that made him feel as seen as any media he’s consumed.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Uncomfortably revealing. I’ve lived through some pretty bizarre stuff, and I’m not afraid to talk about it. It’s delivered pretty conventionally, though. Set-up-punchline, slight misdirections. I’m not exactly re-inventing the wheel on-stage.
Who are some of your influences?
Apart from the stand-ups I like, I’d like to mention Judy Blume and Bill Watterson as some huge early comedic influences. Their respective works were huge in my formative years.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
George Carlin. He has such a body of work to comb through, and to see the various eras of his career was fascinating to a Young Kendall.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Maria Bamford. She’s so unflinchingly real about her overall state of affairs, the bits she has about suicidal ideations and disordered eating honestly made me feel as seen as any media I’ve ever consumed. Plus, she’s just as good now as she was 15 years ago, incredibly rare for a LOT of comics.
What is your pre-show ritual?
These days, just getting to the venue on time and actually writing what I’m going to do. On special nights, I’ll go to Subway and get the sandwich my brother (RIP) and I used to get growing up (steak and cheese). Maybe listen to some pump-up music and shadow box in the green room.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Comedy After Dark is something of a second home to me. I’ve met some fantastic people there over the years. I also need to mention Logan’s Pub in Victoria, a punk venue that did comedy was so important to 20-year-old me.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I had this bit about being indigenous on Grindr that I used to close with ALL the time. It was so uncomfortable, but it was GOOD. One time, I got invited to do comedy on the steps of The Provincial Legislature Building in Victoria during a protest, and for whatever reason, I closed with THAT. I don’t do it very often. It’s uncomfortable as hell.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Sirius/XM Radio was pretty fantastic for finding new comics when I had it! New comics is a pretty relative term here, but it was also fantastic for finding incredibly OLD comedy as well. Not to mention you can’t scroll to the next thing. You gotta sit there and listen to a bit until it’s finished.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I created Prince Rupert, BC’s first-ever rainbow crosswalk, and I threw up taquitos and Pabst Blue Ribbon in a four-way intersection.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Comedy After Dark is running a fundraiser for its preservation and expansion. I don’t have two dimes to rub together at the moment, but if anyone can donate, that would warm my heart.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Arya Afshar is one of the kindest, smartest humans I’ve ever met. They’re so freaking sharp and not at all afraid to take some massive swings on stage. Follow them on Instagram!
