Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2023

County Stage Presents Haymaker Comedy Festival

Picton, ON. – Experience unforgettable laughter at the highly anticipated Haymaker Comedy Festival, featuring Colin Mochrie, this Canada Day Long weekend. Get ready to be blown away by County Stage as they transform the Base31 Sergeants Mess Hall into an intimate, lively comedy club. A must-attend for all comedy fans!

Curated by County Stage's own Anjelica Scannura, this weekend festival guarantees knockout performances by a carefully selected lineup of renowned Canadian comedians. From established veterans to rising stars, our stand-up comics are ready to make you laugh.

Running for three nights from June 29th to July 1st, 2023, headliners include Danny Martinello, Elvira Kurt, Colin Mochrie & Debra McGrath.

Danny Martinello
June 29, 2023 • 7:00pm
Sergeants Mess Hall, Base31

Often described as a high-energy act with machine gun-like delivery, Danny’s no off-limits, hi-octane style of comedy is making him one of Canada’s freshest acts to watch recently winning the 2021 Seattle International Comedy Competition. He has performed at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, headlining shows in Australia and has made several appearances at the world-famous Los Angeles Comedy Store.

Featuring special guests: Faraz Niafttah, Cameron Phoenix and Anjelica Scannura

Elvira Kurt
June 30, 2023 • 7:00pm
Sergeants Mess Hall, Base31

Brace yourself for a night of uproarious laughter with the incomparable Elvira Kurt. With her hilarious off-the-cuff observations on life, pop culture, aging, everything she saw on the way to the club, Kurt's comedic force will leave you in stitches.

Kurt is a comedy legend, gay icon and trail-blazing national treasure. She’s won all the accolades from the Toronto Fringe Festival Patron’s Pick & NOW Magazine Top 5, to winning both a Canadian Screen Award & Canadian Comedy Award and, with a Cannes Film Festival Award for ‘Women Seen’. A Second City veteran whose credits as star, host, guest, writer and or talent director are simply far too many to mention. Except for these: Baroness Von Sketch Show, Iron Chef Canada, The Great Canadian Baking Show, Master Chef Canada, The Debaters, Degrassi, Tonight, Popcultured with Elvira Kurt, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Ellen DeGeneres’ HBO special, Just For Laughs Comedy Festivals.

Featuring special guests: Faraz Niafttah, Cameron Phoenix and Anjelica Scannura

Colin Mochrie & Deb McGrath
July 1, 2023: • 7:00pm and 9:00pm
Sergeants Mess Hall, Base31

Experience an evening of comedy brilliance as the acclaimed improv duo, Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath, take the stage. With their quick wit, unmatched chemistry, and hilarious improv skills they are guaranteed to leave you roaring with laughter as an audience member, or possibly as a participant onstage!

Colin Mochrie, the celebrated Canadian comedian and improv actor, has captured the hearts of audiences far and wide with his unparalleled wit and comedic genius. Best known for his role as a regular cast member on the improv comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway? He has showcased his talents on both the British and American versions of the show, becoming a beloved and iconic figure in the world of improv. Colin spent two seasons as a cast member on popular CBC satirical television series This Hour Has 22 Minutes and has been involved in numerous other television shows, both in North America and beyond, including Supertown Challenge and CBC’s Blackfly.

While she started her career as a member of the Toronto Second City, Deb has become a familiar name in Canadian film and television due to her numerous appearances in various TV shows and movies. McGrath is the creator of the Women Fully Clothed comedy troupe.

Featuring special guests Jesse Singh, Cameron Phoenix, and Anjelica Scannura