Review: Fresh Meat (The Second City and The Tim Sims Encouragement Fund)

Toronto’s The Second City’s Fresh Meat pits 20 up and coming local comedians against each other in competition for the Tim Sims Award of Recognition

Monday evening seems like a strange time to go see 20 comedy acts – stand-up and sketch – but that’s what I did on September 16th at The Second City. Each act is hoping to be one of the five finalists that go on to Cream Of Comedy on October 28th. One of them will win the $5000 Tim Sims Award of Recognition.

The 20 acts are picked by a jury and by members of Toronto’s comedy community. They are outstanding up and coming performers in the early stages of their careers. Monday night’s performers were:

Andrew Barr
Azfar Ali
Ben Bankas
Blayne Smith
Brandon Ash Mohammed
Brian Ward
Christopher Allin
Claire Stolley
Danz Altvater
Darren Springer
Diana Bailey
Franco Nguyen
Ghost Girls
Hoodo Hersi
Katharine Ferns
Nick Martinello
Nigel Grinstead
Ryan Dillon
Weaker Vessels
The Whisky Dicks

They were all very talented and very funny. I don’t envy the judges having to choose just five to go on to Cream of Comedy.  I managed to pick three but still can’t settle on the other two that I would choose.

The thing that impressed me the most is how young most of them are – the majority are 21 or younger. Their talent is so impressive.

None of the websites have 2013 Cream of Comedy information but mark the date – Monday October 28th – and plan to go. Prepare to laugh. A lot. Buy tickets now so that you aren’t disappointed.

The best place for up to date information seems to be the Facebook Group – Tim Sims Encouragement Award.

Details:

  • Cream of Comedy 2013 is on Monday October 28th at The Second City (51 Mercer Street)
  • Tickets are available at the box office or by phone at 416-343-0011 and will be available online at www.secondcity.com
  • No information yet about ticket prices.