In a world where comedy often defies expectations, Rory Dunn stands out with a style that’s both energetic and unpredictable. Known for blending fast-paced, self-deprecating humour with a surprising edge of darkness, Rory delights in playing with audience expectations. Influenced by a mix of personal experiences, family lore, and keen observations, his unique sense of comedy draws inspiration from legendary figures like John Mulaney, Mitch Hedberg, and Conan O’Brien.
How would you describe your comedy style?
My comedy is highly energetic, fast-paced, self-deprecating, silly, while maintaining an unexpected edge of darkness. I tend to lull audiences into thinking all the jokes will be in a certain tone, only to switch to a darker one, and back again. I like playing with people’s expectations of what kind of comedy I do.
Who are some of your influences?
Influences can range from true things that have happened to me, family or personal lore that plays with the truth, and simple observations that I feel people aren’t always actively making. The goal is to be influenced by anything and everything, and not deny any opportunity for a good story. Comedic influences specifically include John Mulaney, Mitch Hedberg, Conan O’Brien, and Jeremy Hotz.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Growing up I would watch Just for Laughs and Club 54 early in the morning before the bus would pick me up, and remember repeating (i.e. stealing) the jokes I heard on the playground, even if I didn’t understand them. I remember watching Emo Phillips, Mitch Hedberg, Jeremy Hotz, John Pinette, I loved a comedian who you could know their jokes if you repeated the first few words in the proper cadence.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
It’s almost shameful how little comedy I actually watch, I love being in the room so specials rarely work for me. But some greats in the Canadian comedy scene I love to see include Kyle Patan, Angie St. Mars, and Sam Burns out of Toronto, and Brad Semotiuk out of Edmonton.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I’m not much for pre-show rituals, my only guarantee is writing out my setlist, even if it’s the exact same one I had done an hour before. If it’s a bigger show or I find I; ‘m distracted by things outside the show, strangely enough reading up on Wikipedia pages for historical figures seems to calm me down. Or bores me enough to ignore everything else.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I’ve had the opportunity to perform at so many great places. Locally it’s always a pleasure to do Jokes Please, but my heart will always belong to Pass the Hat, the monthly comedy showcase in Regina. It’s the scene I began in and the show that allowed me to develop into the comedian I am, for better or worse.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I could never choose a specific bit, and I’m equally proud and ashamed of everything I’ve ever said and done. A recent bit that I’ve been having a lot of fun with is getting someone (usually a guy) to fist bump me after talking about a girl I’ve had a crush on forever finally getting out of a long-term relationship, only to say she’s a widow. It’s fun because the joke is about this insane thing I’ve gotten a guy to endorse without his knowledge.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Again, I don’t tend to search out comedy. There’s a magic to being in the room with it. It’s like being in a theatre compared to watching a movie at home. You can still enjoy something, but why do that when you can truly experience it. Go watch comedy, that’s my advice.
Tell us a joke about your city.
They call Vancouver Hollywood North, mostly because it’s where people from flyover provinces come to have their dreams destroyed (that’s me, I am from the flyover province).
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I run two monthly shows currently, MeetCuties and Your Music Video Sucks. MeetCuties happens at Chill X Studio and features comedians going on blind dates with audience members. Your Music Video Sucks features myself and a panel of comedians roasting a random selection of music videos, and takes place at Little Mountain Gallery. This month, Your Music Video Sucks will take place on September 6th and MeetCuties on September 21st.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
There are a ton of great local comedians who deserve more attention, including Josh Fleming, Niki Mohrdor, Kelsey Hamilton, and Cory Lupovici.
