On Tuesday, February 26, Johnny Daley’s Comedy Bar live series returns for a second season. This time around, the stand-up show will be held at The Blue Room at the Phoenix Theatre on Haining Road instead of its initial 100 Hope Road home.
Each week, the show features presentations from local comedy heavyweights, along with newbies, who get the benefit of practice and exposure.
According to Daley, comedians booked as opening acts or main acts generally earn a stipend on the night whether from the gate or through other arrangements.
“The comedians who perform are unified in understanding that the numbers at the Comedy Bar wouldn’t be able to pay them at the same rate as a corporate job or a hired job for a wedding or other special occasion,” he toldThe Gleaner.
To encourage industry growth, Daley says he will continue offering the stage to newcomers through the open mic concept.
Initially, the segment was a free-for-all, but this year, there will be measures in place to ensure that the open mic is organised.
Daley describes witnessing Comedy Bar’s evolution as a magical experience.
“We Jamaicanise everything, and this is nothing different. We’re doing comedy our way. It’s an exciting affair.
You are entertained right through with all the elements of comedy or entertainment. We have a variety of comedians headlining the show each week, and they provide rib-tickling, gut-busting material . We also have some newbies trying out the show, so there’s dynamism.”
Next month, there will be even more in store. “We’ll try to mix things up with an Improv Night, and we’re also adding a Skit Night for this season. So we’re also encouraging comedic acting talent to put skits together. There are some who do well on Instagram with skit comedy. We’d like to encourage that, but on the live stage,” Daley said.