Espanola’s own Lesley Lynn is taking to several stages this weekend … A Northern Ontario entrepreneur is turning her stand-up comedy hobby into a lucrative production company called Laugh Local North. Lesley Lynn, who for the past eight years has been performing at open mics and shows in Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay are now bringing live comedy to several new venues.
This weekend, June 1st to the 4th, back-to-back shows are happening in four different Northern Ontario communities. Laugh Local North is bringing professional stand-up comedians from Ottawa to Dunlop Lake Lodge in Elliot Lake, The Pier in Blind River, and Shooters Downstairs Lounge in Sault Ste. Marie, and Twiggs Coffee Roasters in Sturgeon Falls.
Since October 2022 Laugh Local North has been working with businesses along the Highway 17 corridor to develop a stand-up comedy circuit. This collaboration is creating a vibrant scene that will operate year-round. The challenge of producing entertainment during the summer months is being met head-on with enthusiastic optimism. Lynn stated, “Some folks say ‘good weather kills comedy’ but I know many of our communities come alive at this time of year. Beautiful venues in stunning locations that are offering great hospitality to entertainers and audiences alike? That is a winning combination. I believe these elements combine to offer great opportunities for everyone.”
Comedians on the June 1st to 4th lineup include Lewis Hill, originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Clint Gibbons, originally from Sudbury, and Dan Allaire from Cornwall. These comics have performed in several major cities, participated in multiple festivals, and have been featured on many of Yuk Yuk’s stages.
Commenting on her role in bringing live entertainment to Northern Ontario, Lynn said, “There is a lot of pressure but at the end of the day bringing laughter to the places I love really is an honour. A room full of smiling faces is its own reward.”
Details for current shows can be found by searching “Laugh Local North” on Eventbrite or by texting Lesley at 705-862-2214.
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