Lai Lai Liu is a Vancouver-based comedian whose comedy she describes as silly, awkward, and self-deprecating — or, in her own words, “complaining with pizzazz.” Though she didn’t grow up watching stand-up, she found her earliest laughs in 小品 (xiao pin), the beloved Chinese sketch comedy tradition broadcast during the annual Spring Festival variety show — a foundation that taught her comedy could be both slapstick and deeply felt.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Silly and awkward, a touch self-deprecating, subverts expectations, and reflective. Mostly, I think I just complain with pizzazz.
Who are some of your influences?
Taylor Tomlinson and Ali Wong made me fall in love with stand-up and want to try it. Seeing other comedians like Sabrina Wu and Ayo Edebiri really encouraged me to lean into my personality, the things I know and the things I don’t.
There’s also so much great talent in Vancouver! I learn a lot just by going to open mics and shows in this city, watching how comics work on jokes over time, trying new things, and connecting with audiences every night.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
I didn’t really know about stand-up comedy growing up, but I watched a lot of 小品 (xiao pin), which is a type of Chinese sketch comedy, on TV during the annual spring festival variety show. There was a lot of slapstick humour, but also satire and emotion. I guess that was my first exposure to live comedy – I just remember doubling over with laughter every year and thinking it was the coolest kind of performance ever.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
At the moment, I’m rewatching a lot of Cat Cohen! I love how she takes things in the most unexpected directions. She can make one relatable feeling seem like the funniest and saddest thing in the world at the same time. She also just reminds me to be playful and try new things on stage!
What is your pre-show ritual?
Plan my route to the show, underestimate the time it takes to leave my house, become slightly late, tell everyone who will listen, “omg I ran here cus I thought I’d be late, so I haven’t even eaten dinner.”
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I was a part of the See Lai shows at VS Creative Lab this winter, which was a crazy experience because we did three shows in one night!! I figured I would do the same set 3 times, but once we were all there, I felt super energized (and a lot of good FOMO) to make some changes every time, and really stay engaged with each audience. It ended up being a night of 3 totally different and awesome shows.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
My favourite bit right now is about a weird tradition we had at my school growing up. Every year on Pi Day (3/14), the 8th grade had a competition to see who could memorize the most digits of Pi. It’s so weird that I just thought there had to be something funny in there, but I also felt like it was too specific for other people to care about. I love weaving in that story so it somehow works with the rest of my set, and like before, you know it we’re talking about Pi? It’s really fun taking a super niche experience that you’ve had and figuring out how to make it relevant and engaging for everyone else.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
YouTube – there are some incredible specials out there!
Tell us a joke about your city.
Beijing(r) is(r) the(r) best(r) city(r) ever.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I’m a part of Community Clowns, which hosts a monthly open mic for underrepresented voices at Little Mountain Gallery. More info on my Instagram!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Amy Cornish & Carmen Lee are not only amazing comics, but also produce some of the coolest shows in the city!
