How It All Started

Comedy on Mackay began with a simple idea. I wanted to create a comedy show where my friends and I could get better at comedy. When I brought the project to the owner and manager at N sur Mackay, my goal was clear from the start. I wanted to build a space where people felt comfortable taking risks, trying new material, and experimenting in a genuinely safe and supportive environment.

Our first show took place in November 2024 as a soft launch. We did not charge for tickets because the focus was not profit. It was about building value, trust, and buzz around the room. At that stage, Comedy on Mackay was very much a leap of faith.

Early on, I was the sole original founder. Not everyone believed in the project. Some people stepped away because they were worried about being associated with a show that might not succeed, especially if it could not consistently fill a room. I was even told that starting this show would hurt my chances of being booked elsewhere. What I learned very quickly, though, is that building a room and a brand does not happen overnight. It takes patience, strategy, and resilience.

Thankfully, I did not do it alone for long. Alan Fregtman and Saba Jakeman soon came on board as co-producers. More recently, Erik Intrevado joined the team. Working with smart, committed people has been one of the biggest reasons Comedy on Mackay has continued to grow.

Reproducing the energy and momentum of the soft launch did not happen instantly. It took months to build trust within the comedy community. Saba and I now host the pro-am shows alongside rotating guest hosts, including Rose-Ingrid Benjamin. This structure allows us to showcase a range of voices and perspectives while intentionally creating space for femme energy, experimentation, and meaningful risk-taking on stage.
Comedy on Mackay truly became what it is because of the people who showed up consistently, generously, and often behind the scenes. Our team grew to include Anil Ramcharand, who helps with set-up and tear-down and makes sure people get home safely after the show. Aloe Azimov supports community outreach and books our drop-in acts. Adriana Sgambetterra helps manage communications with artists, and Claudio Capri has been a steady presence helping with set-up as well.

Some of our best shows, honestly, had only five people in the audience. By industry standards, that might look like failure, but those five people wanted to be there. They listened. They laughed. They stayed. Friends and family passed through the room, supported us, and believed in what we were building. Over time, that foundation allowed us to grow, experiment, and expand into themed shows and new formats.

Comedy on Mackay did not happen because everything went smoothly. It happened because a group of people believed that comedy and community are worth building, even when the room is small.

Follow us on Instagram and participate in our Friday Funny Giveaway for a chance to win free tickets to any Tuesday show of your choice. Comedy on Mackay runs every Tuesday at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.