Rising New Zealand/Canadian comedian Sophia Johnson will be the headliner for the next in the White Rock Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Night series at Oceana PARC Playhouse on Saturday, April 6.
Produced by Yuk Yuk’s Surrey, the performance will have shows at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Joining Sophia Johnson on stage will be a stellar lineup, including host Shane Clark, feature act Ryan Williams (recently named one of Just For Laughs’ “New Faces Canada” in Montreal), as well as comedians Melanie Rose and Ray Morrison.
Hailing from Auckland, Johnson is noted as not only a comedian, but also a versatile actor who made the leap to move to Vancouver in 2018, drawn by the opportunities in both fields.
“Vancouver’s dynamic comedy and acting scenes – as well its beautiful scenery – lured me here on a whim,” she said in promotional material for her White Rock debut.
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“Canada has significantly influenced my comedic style, pushing me to elevate my performances in a highly competitive, yet collaborative environment.”
Before making Vancouver her home, Johnson made waves in her homeland, on such prestigious stages as the New Zealand International Comedy Festival and the Dunedin Fringe Festival.
She also showcased her comedic acting chops on Netflix’s Ash vs. the Evil Dead and CW’s Legends of Tomorrow.
Since moving to Canada, her star has continued to rise, including being invited to participate in the renowned Just For Laughs Vancouver festival, where she also contributed to the Best of the West album recording in 2022.
In 2023, she made her TV debut with a stand-up taping for New Wave of Stand Up, now available ‘on demand’ with CBC Gem.
As Johnson’s career trajectory soars, she is also embarking on a multi-city tour, Queens of Comedy, alongside other prominent Canadian female comedians, and is set to record her debut comedy album in Victoria later this spring.
And she’s also contemplating new opportunities in New Zealand, she said.
“Performing comedy and acting in Vancouver has been transformative, opening doors I never thought possible. From sharing the stage with my idol Maria Bamford to exploring new recording opportunities, Vancouver has been instrumental in shaping my career,” she commented .
“Now, with the pandemic behind us, I’m eager to start exploring the world again.”
“We’ve had our eye on Sophia for some time now, captivated by her unique blend of humor and confident stage presence,” said Garry Yuill, CEO of Icarus Capital/Yuk Yuk’s Media.
“Her recent headlining successes at Yuk Yuk’s Surrey confirmed what we already knew: she’s a comedic force to be reckoned with,” he added.
“We’re thrilled to showcase her talent to a broader audience as part of our 2023-24 season lineup in White Rock.”
Featured comedian Williams has won a reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting comics with energetic performances coupled with sharp material. His debut album Manual Labour of Love was released by Comedy Records and went to number one on the iTunes Canada Comedy charts.
Some of his recent appearances have included Just for Laughs New Faces 2023, The New Wave of Comedy on CBC Gem, CBC Radio’s The Debaters and Laugh Out Loud, The Winnipeg Comedy Fest, Just for Laughs Vancouver, Just for Laughs Toronto, Grindstone Comedy Fest and the The Drew Mclean Comedy Festival.
Rose, known for her sharp wit and relatable stories, was born and raised in Richmond. Her journey into comedy began with open mic nights after attending comedy classes. With a unique perspective on life and a knack for crowd work, she is also a passionate advocate for mental health, using her humor to raise awareness and break stigma.
Morrison specializes in uncomfortably comfortable comedy with a twist of senior’s angst (in 2017, after clinching the title at Vancouver’s One Hitter Quitter comedy competition, triumphing over 130 competitors, he was hailed by the crowd with chants of “grandpa, grandpa.”) A comic for all ages, he has regularly performed at prestigious comedy clubs like Yuk Yuk’s across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, delivering funny, relatable, and delightfully clean humour.
And host Clark’s comedy style is paradoxical –addressing uncomfortable issues with a dose of warmth and likability, he takes his audience on a rollercoaster of emotions, from uproarious laughter to introspective contemplation, and all the emotions in between.
Ocean PARC Playhouse is located at 1532 Johnston Rd.
Ticket price is $30 per show (all taxes & fees included).