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Tragedy Plus Time takes us into the world of comedy in Toronto. With reviews of venues and shows as well as interviews and profiles with some of Toronto’s comics. Follow @TIAComedy |
Skin of My Nuts
Sonic Espresso Bar
Tuesdays, 10-ish
A lot of open mics are depressing places full of nothing but comics impatiently waiting their turn to try out new material. One of very few exceptions is Skin of My Nuts, hosted by Vandad Kardar at Sonic Espresso Bar. Kardar’s alternative name for it – the Anne Frank’s Attic of Comedy – is more a reference to how small the room is and that it’s above the actual bar area.
The room started just under a year ago and was extremely disorganized. The name “Skin of My Nuts” is meant to capture the show’s ethos. It has stayed true to that, except these days the audience sticks around. This is in contrast to the old days when Kardar would clear the room multiple times with ten minute rants about how God hates women and his idea for marketing “17 year old” scotch (“it’ll be our little secret”).
The show has built a following who often stay till the very end, which can be late. Karder will put everyone on even if this means the last act is at 2 am. Comics will often show up at 1 to cap off their night with a set where they know anything goes and they can feel comfortable taking any risk. I’ve seen comics have full meltdowns, berate an overly sexually suggestive audience member to the point of nearly getting in a fight with her boyfriend who was tripping on acid, defend white nationalism, use the unique space to experiment with sharing their most intimate and painful stories, and bash the industry where they know there won’t be consequences. I have also seen countless traditionally great sets.
If seats are scarce in the cramped room, drinks are inexpensive and there’s a nice patio area. The audience is constantly moving in and out so hold tight and eventually you’ll be able to sit down.
April 30th will be the one year anniversary show and to celebrate Kardar is hosting a roast of himself. Many of the regular comics will be participating.
