Sometimes success is borne from failure.
Abby Roberge couldn’t imagine anything worse than re-taking three courses he failed his Grade 10 year. He wasn’t interested in any of the subjects, so to keep himself busy, he started entertaining his classmates.
Although his teachers were likely less than impressed that he used school as a comedy proving ground, his fellow students were suitably entertained.
“That was the first time I thought I could do stand up,” he said.
Roberge takes the stage at the Queen’s as part of the Wrecking Crew comedy tour with Alex Phillips, Matt Siegan and Nick Callas on Saturday (Aug. 18).
The quartet met on the comedy circuit in Los Angeles, where Roberge said he performs about 15 times per week.
He can’t get enough of the buzz from an entire crowd laughing at his social commentary.
“It’s really addicting,” Roberge said.
It’ll be Roberge’s second show in Nanaimo since leaving the city as a 20-year-old for New York to pursue stand-up comedy. He was last here as part of Bob Saget’s tour.
Having the chance to meet comedians like Saget also offered the chance to learn from those who came before. What they told Roberge was what great comedians like Richard Pryor told them – let go of all your reservations and leave it all on stage.
Roberge is confident that this show is the chance to see comedians before they hit the big time.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Roberge said. “We’ve got four comedians from all over America.
“It’s going to be a party.”
The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets $5/advance; $10/door. Please call 250-754-6751.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com