What better way to kick off the holiday season than with some humour? Comedians Colin Hollett, Michael Lynch and Brian Aylward wrapped up their second annual Best Kind Comedy Tour across Canada in the fall. They recently took time out of their busy schedule to answer questions via email for Yuletide Preparations.
Q: What’s your favourite holiday tradition?
Hollett: Tibb’s Eve on December 23, when people drink and eat at kitchen parties and bars with all the people they want to celebrate with before spending time with those they have to. I have no idea how that isn’t huge everywhere else.
Lynch: Slamming a 2-4 for Groundhog Day.
Q: What's it like touring with the other two?
Aylward: We laugh our way across Canada. Last year, we drove 15,000 kilometres in nine weeks! We do give each other time and space or use headphones or pretend to be asleep.
Hollett: The guys won’t say it, but they love touring with me. I’m the heartbeat of our group — without me, it falls apart. But with me around to constantly pick on, it keeps the whole ship happy.
Lynch: Colin and Brian are savages, so I need my daily meditation. But they’re two of the most hilarious people I know and also have to put up with me saying “keep it down,” “get outta dat” or “remind me to take me pill, will ya.”
Q: How does selling out shows feel?
Aylward: I’ve been in comedy for 14 years and have done 2,700 shows in 20 countries. I’m constantly grateful for it and for everyone coming to our shows. Only a small number of Canadian comics get a run like this.
Hollett: It’s just another day for me, but I’m sure the guys are grateful and loving it. For me, the question is what’s it like to not constantly sellout massive venues worldwide? It must be harsh.
Lynch: Selling out shows feels amazing. Shout out to Brent Mac, Brian, Colin, Justin Hawco from The Outhouse and to all the people from Newfoundland and Labrador [for] making it possible across Canada.
Q: What’s the best thing about a Newfoundland Christmas?
Aylward: Family and friends and getting smashed.
Hollett: The fact that the province doubles in population and is full of everyone that wants to be home and should be home. For a week it actually feels prosperous.
Lynch: Just eating and drinking with good friends, especially at our annual Secret Santa with my old high school buds. We’ve been going 11 years strong now and sit on each other’s laps, exchanging gifts and running around like youngsters.
Q: Newfoundland and comedy — is there something in the water?
Aylward: Newfoundland and Labrador is full of undiagnosed funny people. Storytelling and humour are part of our history and even survival. I don’t know if it’s the water or the turnip, but it’s something.
Hollett: We’ve got misery, struggle and absolute ridiculousness everywhere you turn that forces us to be half burnt and humorous so we can get through this life. Only other Newfies get it and it’s what created Newfoundland pride and unites us all.
Lynch: Of course great comedians come out of Newfoundland. There is endless inspiration from who you meet and what you get into. Being from here sometimes makes it hard for my ego to keep doing comedy, because I grew up with and know so many people I think are way funnier than me.
Q: What makes you laugh at Christmas?
Hollett: Watching Dad trying to enjoy Christmas before going on some ridiculous rant that he promises all year long that he won’t go on.
Lynch: Mom trying to drag mine and my brother’s hungover arses out of bed Christmas Day. “Time for a mass — yee reeks of booze!” Brings me back to when she’d get us out of bed for school: “Time for school — yee reeks of booze!”
Q: Why should people support comedy?
Aylward: We all just need to laugh. Life isn’t easy for many people and comedy is ultimately the release they need, whether they know it or not. You might even walk away with a fresh perspective and learn to not take life so seriously.
Lynch: I won’t tell anyone to come out to a comedy show just to support us — that’s a bit selfish. But if you do, what a ... time you’ll have. There is no better time than seeing good live comedy in a good venue, packed with people, there is no better time.
This content originally appeared in YULETIDE PREPARATIONS, a SaltWire custom publishing title.
