We sat down and discovered the comedic charm of Jeremy Furlong, the humour virtuoso based in Calgary. Jeremy’s comedic style is a delightful blend of funny narratives, with a special emphasis on the quirks of everyday life and the joys of indulging in delicious food. Steering clear of the political fray, Jeremy offers a refreshing take on the comedy stage, where the focus is on relatable stories rather than the latest controversies. If you’re in the mood for laughs inspired by the frustrations of waiting in line, accompanied by clever Golden Girl references, Jeremy Furlong is the comic who promises a night of laughter that feels like catching up with an old friend.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Funny stories with an emphasis on food and the frustrations of everyday life. If you are looking for a hot take on whatever the current political controversy is, I’m not your comic, if you want to hear a story about waiting in line with a golden girl reference, I’m your guy.
Who are some of your influences?
Matt Billon, Jim Gaffigan
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
I went through a lot of phases Dave Letterman, Jay Leno, Chris Rock, Mike Bullard, Conan, Cook, Gaffigan, Hedberg,
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Again that is a moving target James Acaster, Nate Bargatze, Shane Gillis
What is your pre-show ritual?
I take everything out of my pockets, take a deep breath, put my arms above my head and crack my back, then utter a mantra to myself and bum rush the stage.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
The HorseThief Creek Pub in Radium, B.C. Everything is great about it. Mike Grey (the owner) is deeply passionate about comedy and does an amazing job of producing a show. He turns that pub into an amazing little comedy club. There is a great vibe, the food is awesome, and the crowd that comes out wants to see a great show. The drive is also through one of the most beautiful parts of the entire world. You are nestled in the rocky mountains. Wildlife is everywhere running amuck, there are natural hot springs to in and the gig is even better than that. The gig has a special place in my heart.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
Right now, if I could only pick it’s my vindaloo bit. I was in the process of renovating my comedy act and it just hit harder. It was a bit that I could point to and see that it was impacting the crowd differently and it is still the joke that most audience people ask me about. My newer darlings are the Kinlay Hostel bit and my pro wrestling bit.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Podcasts, Breaking Down Bits, Good One, or Late Night TV spots, and live shows.
Tell us a joke about your city.
We invented ginger beef.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I am recording my 2nd comedy album live on Dec 1st at 10 pm at the Laughshop.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Sam Walker and the Danger Cats. Had the pleasure of watching Sam develop from the early early days and he is a great example of hard work with vision paying off. He wasn’t starting hot out of the gate, Sam started on the bottom but it’s not where you start it’s where you finish. Sam put in the work and pulled himself out of the open mics all the way to a European tour hard based on his brash and original style. Walker learned from his mistakes and made steady improvements and built a career without industry support. He amassed a fanbasing and created a passionate following (along with fellow Danger Cats Brett Forte and Uncle Hack) which in Canada is incredibly difficult. His album Barely Illegal is worth a stream if you like your comedy dark and dangerous and you can watch the Danger Cats currently touring in USA mid-takeover on their socials.
