Ottawa is home to a genuine epicentre of laughter: Absolute Comedy. The club is a recognized hub for North America’s top stand-up comics and a dynamic launchpad for emerging talent. Want to know more about the city’s hottest comedy spot? Ottawaski has the full story about the best spots in the city.
The Origin Story
Established in Ottawa in 2004, Absolute Comedy quickly became the premier stand-up comedy venue in the nation’s capital. In 2024, Absolute Comedy marked its 20th anniversary with owner Jason Laurans on stage. Located at 412 Preston St., right in the heart of Little Italy, the club actively provides opportunities for amateur comics to hone their craft. Performing on its stage helps them understand exactly what it takes to put on a great show.
This commitment to development is what sparked the idea to create a space where amateur comedians could workshop their sets and connect post-show. Experienced comics frequently provide constructive criticism after performances, nurturing the next generation of talent.
This led to the inception of Open Mic Mondays, the place “where comedy is born.” Rookies test out new material, while veteran comics aren’t afraid to experiment. As always, the quality can be unpredictable—an act can be a phenomenal hit or an absolute train wreck. Either way, audiences are always in for a surprise!
Ottawa Comics Championing New Talent
Adrian Brown, who started his comedy journey in Ottawa, vividly recalls feeling stage fright and being nervous. Yet, he personally experienced the immense support from the local comedy community, which has only continued to grow stronger with each passing decade.
Today’s amateur comics don’t face the same struggles their predecessors did. There’s ample room and plenty of venues to work on their jokes. Josh Williams, a comedian and host for Absolute Comedy’s Open Mic Mondays, noted that comedians in Ottawa enjoy a sense of freedom and independence.
Asim Baluch is a perfect example. By day, he works as a structural engineer, but by night, he dreams of transforming his stand-up material about parenting into a full-fledged project. This is a story of an amateur comic who, against the odds, is taking concrete steps toward his goal. He shared that he plans to perform at the prestigious Just for Laughs festival in Montreal within the next four to five years.
In fact, Ottawa is full of similar stories, all united by the desire to build a career in comedy. Amateur comics consistently state that this is a job you have to live and breathe, remaining absolutely committed, just like some Ottawa natives who became world-famous.
Planning Your Visit
To fully enjoy the lively atmosphere of this Ottawa comedy club, you should check the schedule and ticket prices (typically ranging from $10 to $25) in advance. Absolute Comedy offers a packed daily program with something for every taste and budget.
- Every Monday features “Open Mic Mondays,” where you can discover fresh talent or even brave the stage yourself! If you plan to perform, all you need is the desire and courage to share your humour with the crowd. Monday night tickets are the most affordable. The evening starts with a known host, followed by amateur comics, and is capped off by a feature comic. These Monday events take place downstairs, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere away from the club’s main stage.
- Tuesday through Thursday, the club hosts high-quality stand-up comedy shows.
- Ottawa residents and visitors to Canada’s capital especially look forward to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. These nights feature special guests and headliners, making tickets for these weekend shows the most expensive.
A Great Date Night Idea
Absolute Comedy can guarantee an unforgettable evening filled with laughs and delicious food. It currently has two locations, one in Ottawa and another in Toronto. If you’re looking for a great date idea, this is a fantastic option. A comedy club visit is a shared, positive experience that will give you plenty to chat about afterward.
To avoid any surprises, it’s best to check who is performing on your chosen date ahead of time. On a first date, you might want to sit as far back as possible from the front rows to avoid getting pulled into a joke by the comic—unless, of course, you’re looking for that kind of attention!
Based on reviews, the food and drinks are tasty, and the service is consistently top-notch.
Time for Laughter and Improv
Every evening, as the city settles down, the comedy club doors swing open. The venue invites patrons to immerse themselves in a world of wit, improvisation, and unrestrained jokes. New stars are born at Absolute Comedy, where they hone their skills and cultivate a culture of quality comedy. This spot is absolutely worth visiting at least once, but booking ahead is essential, especially for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
The lineup (headliner and MC) changes weekly, so you should keep an eye on the club’s official website and social media for updates.
When planning your visit, remember that tickets for headliner shows often sell out well in advance. The club also enforces a strict 19+ age limit, so patrons must bring valid photo ID.
There is no strict dress code, but the club requires respect for the performers and other audience members. Absolute Comedy is the place in Ottawa where everyone can have a great time in a comfortable atmosphere.
