Yuk Yuk’s Summer Comedy Competition and The Enduring Legacy of Mike MacDonald

 At the Rotters Club in Ottawa in 1977, a Canadian comedian sensation was born. Mike MacDonald performed his routine perfectly depicting a teenager's rock ‘n’ roll dreams, complete with an “air guitar” before it was popularized. This was the start of his road to fame and reputation as one of

Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club Opens New Location at Biagio’s on Richmond Road

 Photo: jdrf_ottawa Yuk Yuk's, the renowned comedy club chain, has opened its second location at Biagio's Italian Kitchen, creating a buzz of excitement among comedy enthusiasts in the community. Situated in a vibrant part of town, this new venue promises to be a premier destination for stand-up comedy. Located on Richmond Road,

More ‘laffs’ coming your way as Yuk Yuks Ottawa expands

 If you’ve ever watched Norm Macdonald on SNL, taken in a Tom Green movie or standup special, or laughed out loud at Mike MacDonald’s hilarious standup, you best thank Yuk-Yuks Ottawa. Very few places in Canada have impacted Canadian and international standup comedy as much as Yuk Yuks Ottawa. For

Jesse Reynolds is back on-air

 Photo: Derek Hille Photography One of Ottawa’s favourite stand-up comedians, Jesse Reynolds, is back on-air and following his dreams to Kingston, where he will be Fresh 104.3’s new morning show co-host. The opportunity in Kingston came out of the blue for Reynolds. It was the end of summer 2021, and

Who knew it was so easy to laugh in Ottawa?

 ABOVE: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) Mark Breslin with Howard and Tammy Wagman; Mike MacDonald with Howard Wagman and Mike Wilmot; Russell Peters, Howard Wagman, Dave Martin, Derek Supple and Dean; Mitch Muirhead and Howard Wagman; A young Howard Wagman; Jason Rouse, Dave Martin, Bill MacInstosh, Howard Wagman, and Jon Dore. Whether it’s

Jesse Reynolds making a splash on the Ottawa comedy scene

 Local personality Jesse Reynolds is making a name for himself as a stand-up comedian. Reynolds says he has wanted to be in entertainment for as long as he can remember. As a 17-year-old just out of high school he was determined to be an actor on Broadway, despite advice from

Mike MacDonald: Canadian Comic Legend and a Damn Fine Fellow

 In 1986, I tried out new talent night at Ottawa’s Yuk Yuks. That first time on stage I cracked it so club owner Howard (Howie) Wagman asked me to come out again. A week later, I did and I bombed — like really bombed in front of over 230 people.

Yuk Yuks Gets X-Rated for January Comedy Showcase

 Images supplied by YukYuks.com. The Pterodactyl laughs as the Drag Queen comic flashes the audience. Yup, it was going to be that kind of night at Yuk Yuks.   Okay, so it was a hairdresser – one of many populating a crowd that night with perfectly coifed manes – but

Joking around for over 30 years

 As a mainstay in the Canadian comedy scene, Yuk Yuk’s entertains audiences with laughter across the country. This past year marked the franchise’s 30th anniversary. A lot has happened in the last three decades. Formed with the intention of providing an outlet to local comics in Toronto, Yuk Yuk’s performances