Andrew Iwanyk is a Calgary-based comedian whose style is experimental performance art, shaped by influences like Steve Martin, Andy Kaufman, and Banksy. He’s performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Madison Square Garden and is currently getting ready to debut his new hour-long show, Andrew Iwanyk Fulfils Your Dreams. Whether he’s on stage or practicing Krav Maga with his sister, Andrew brings the unexpected
How would you describe your comedy style?
Experimental performance art.
Who are some of your influences?
Steve Martin, Andy Kaufman, Banksy, my dad.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Carrot Top and the cast of Saved by the Bell.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Leif Oleson-Cormack is about to explode onto the world stage and become a superstar. He is a combination of the breathtaking artistry of the late musician Prince and amazing jokes as skilful as Dave Chappelle.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I practice Krav Maga with my sister.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
A tie between Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall, both in New York City. They both provided peanut butter-stuffed pretzels in their green rooms, which were greatly appreciated.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I wrote a long bit on the civil wars in Africa that got me shortlisted for a Nobel Peace Prize. Such an honour!
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Cassette tapes from the library are my preference.
Tell us a joke about your city.
Two salamanders walk into the Walmart on Macleod Trail. They need a new tea kettle as their old kettle doesn’t have specific settings for green tea, and they are so sick of well-done green tea. They approach the customer service desk to first return a rotten head of iceberg lettuce they purchased the last time they were there, but forgot to eat. The lady at the desk refuses to refund their money but instead offers store credit. This angers them both, but it will have to suffice; they mumble softly to themselves.
As they meander through the downtrodden department store, they notice ladies’ athletic tube socks are on sale for a great price. While neither of them are ladies, they recently discovered their dainty, feminine features allow them to ignore “Big Socks” gender labels and get the socks their souls crave. They retrieve a pallet jack from the back of the store and start loading the entire inventory of sale tube socks into the back of their motorhome.
They start driving home in their motorhome full of ladies’ socks when they remember oh no…we forgot to get the tea kettle, and our store credit expires at midnight.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I have a brand new, hour-long show that will be debuting in The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival this August, called Andrew Iwanyk Fulfils Your Dreams.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
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