28 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

Does the theatre need to justify anything? Can’t they refuse service for any reason they like?

 

I'm not sure you can accept the booking, sell the show out, then cancel just two weeks out.  They likely have to pay some type of penalty.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 07 March 2026 - 11:44 AM.

[Matt R.]

Sure, whatever the contract says.

[LJ]

Don't these venues do a cursory check of whatever entertainer is going to do before they rent the space to them?

 

It would seem prudent that if the Nazi Youth League wanted to rent the hall, you might take a peek at who they were before you rented to them.

[max.bravo]

I don’t think these venues are booked up 365 days of the year. They are probably very happy to have a booking and it genuinely surprises them when someone tries to cancel the performer

[Victoria Watcher]

Give everyone freedom to choose material

Censorship and the cancellation of a sold-out comedy show in Nanaimo raise important questions about freedom of expression in our communities.

Comedy has always pushed boundaries and challenged social norms by using humour to highlight uncomfortable truths and spark conversation.

When comedians are censored or prevented from performing because their material may offend some audiences, it risks limiting creative expression.

When a performance is cancelled due to concerns about content, that should raise fears in everyone. Who or what is next? Silencing comedians rather than engaging with their ideas can weaken the role that satire and humour play in a healthy society.

No group should be allowed to shut down a show because someone’s feelings might be hurt. Members of said groups had no intention of attending, thus shielding their sensitivities.

Instead of censorship, audiences should have the freedom to decide what they wish to watch, and open discussion should follow when material is controversial. Protecting the space for comedy ultimately helps protect the broader principle of free expression.

The adage about sticks and stones has never been more important. At 66 years young, I think I’m more than capable of choosing whom I want to see perform.

Bill Miles

Victoria

 

https://www.timescol...herapy-11973214

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 10 March 2026 - 01:36 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

 

Prospera Place urged to pull the plug on controversial comedian coming to Kelowna

https://globalnews.c...median-kelowna/

[Victoria Watcher]

[Victoria Watcher]

JOHN MULANEY ANNOUNCES NEW STAND-UP TOUR

JOHN MULANEY: MISTER WHATEVER

IS COMING TO SAVE-ON-FOODS MEMORIAL CENTRE ON NOVEMBER 12, 2026

 

General on sale starts Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM

 

John Mulaney: Mister Whatever

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 7:30pm

Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre - Victoria, BC

 

TICKET LINK

 

Emmy Award-winning comedian John Mulaney announced he is adding new dates to his highly anticipated new stand-up comedy tour, John Mulaney: Mister Whatever. Mulaney brings his new tour to Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (SOFMC) in Victoria on November 12, 2026.

 

John Mulaney is a four-time Emmy Award, Critics Choice award and WGA award-winning writer, comedian and actor. Most recently, Mulaney can be seen as the host, writer and executive producer of his Netflix talk show EVERYBODY'S LIVE WITH JOHN MULANEY. The show serves as the continuation of the series EVERYBODY'S IN LA. The series features monologues, guests, pre-taped sketches, musical segments and more.

[Victoria Watcher]

Ontario comedian Ben Bankas is continuing to pack venues across North America with his “I Said What I Said” tour, despite cancel culture mobsters recently causing the cancellation of two of his B.C. shows, including at an 800+ seat, sold-out venue in Nanaimo and another in Cranbrook.

 

In Kelowna, the local Pride society also attempted to have his show cancelled. That effort failed. Instead, Bankas pivoted.

 

Alongside two fellow comedians, he hosted pop-up performances at New Westminster’s House of Comedy on March 20 and 21, and sold those out too.

 

“To all the woke people who are mad at my show why don't you just come to a show and just relax,” Bankas said when I caught up to him for an interview after Friday night's show.

 

Known for viral clips and unapologetic stand-up that leans into “politically incorrect” humour, Bankas has built a growing audience even as critics try to silence him.

 

“People need to realize that comedy is like cilantro, it’s for some people but its not for others," said Armin Arbabi, a young Canadian comedian who helped with opening the show.

 

Harrison Marx, a New York-based comedian who also opened the show, said Bankas’ style resonates with audiences who feel they can’t speak freely, and he’s grateful for the opportunity to tour with him.

 

“He's the only person that's given me this opportunity and nobody does that, not at his level,” said Marx.

 

https://www.rebelnew...ver_comedy_show

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 24 March 2026 - 06:15 AM.