New Big Fun comedy festival breaks up the November blahs with laughs a-plenty

Big Fun is a new week of comedy and drag. (The media release also promises music, art and food, though details are scarce). The inaugural event takes place Nov. 20-24 with over 15 events at various Vancouver venues.

Headliners include Eugene Mirman and Jena Friedman. Other performers include Trixie Mattel, Zack Fox, Puppyteeh, Claude von Stroke, Mixed Gems, and more. Special events include a “flipped script” show in which drag performers read the script for an episode of the TV series Friends. For more info, see below.

Jena Friedman—The comedian brings her new show, an hour of political comedy that was a hit at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival to town. (Nov. 24, 7:30-10 p.m. at Venue, 881 Granville St.)

Eugene Mirman—The comedian and actor is known for his voicework, comedy albums and Netflix specials. Among his credits: Gene on the animated series Bob’s Burgers and Flight of the Conchords. With guests Andrea Jin and Kevin Lee. (Nov. 22, 7:30-10 p.m. at Venue)

Trixie Mattel—The stage name of American singer/actor/drag queen Brian Michael Firkus, Trixie is the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars season 3. He is also a Billboard Heatseekers #1 charting recording artist (One Stone, 2018), a successful theatre touring act, and one half of a comic duo on Viceland (“The Trixie and Katya Show”) and on YouTube (“UNHhhh”). (Nov. 20, 7- 10 p.m., Celebrities, 1022 Davie St.)

Zach Fox—The Atlanta-raised rapper/comedian’s work includes the mental health awareness anthem “Jesus Is The One (I Got Depression).” He has performed stand-up across the U.S. and was named, in GQ’s June 2019 issue, as one of the 7 Funny People Reshaping Comedy Right Now. (Nov. 22, 8-10 p.m., Fortune Sound Club, 147 E. Pender St.)

Alicia Tobin—The local comic and podcaster launches her new collection of essays, So You’re a Little Sad, So What? (Nov. 20, 8-10 p.m., Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Dr.)

For a full lineup and ticket info visit bigfunvancouver.com.