Underground comedy show Barely Legal finds new home in East Vancouver

Barely Legal, a popular underground comedy show produced by local comedians Sophie Buddle and Gavin Matts, has moved venues.

The monthly standup show features a fresh lineup of local and international talent in every edition, and since its birth in 2016, has been operating from a secret venue in Chinatown that's revealed only to ticket holders. Guests entered a non-descript building, walked up a narrow hallway, and then inside a loft that sat about 60 people—you could miss it if you weren't paying attention.

It was a barebones operation but it worked perfectly for standup comedy, which is generally entertainment with very little flair. Showrunners and roommates Buddle and Matts are trying to recreate that vibe in their new spot on Commercial Drive.

Barely Legal was a "Best of the West" pick as part of the JFL NorthWest Festival in February. For the event, the show had heavy-hitters like Iliza Shlesinger and The Mindy Project’s Fortune Feimster drop in. Other big names that have performed at Barely Legal over the last year include Beth Stelling, Phil Hanley, Toronto’s Chris Locke, and Will Sasso of Mad TV fame.

As comedians themselves, Buddle and Matts understand the recipe for putting together a great show, so it’s no surprise that local comics and touring pros alike enjoy stopping by the pair's shows.

The next Barely Legal is this Friday (May 5) and I've got word that two big comedians from Hollywood will be performing drop-in sets. Due to the secretiveness of the show, I am unable to divulge who they are, but I can tell you that it's one you won’t want to miss.

The shows are known to sell out. Email barelylegalcomedyshow@gmail.com to reserve your spot and to receive the address.

Barely Legal happens on the first Friday of every month. You can like the group on Facebook or follow them on Twitter for updates.