Calgary-based comedian Josh Dullard has built his act around sharp observations, careful wording, and a fondness for the humour found in everyday confusion. Influenced by the understated brilliance of Norm Macdonald as well as the clean, precise delivery styles of Brian Regan and Kevin Nealon, Dullard describes himself as a performer who overthinks life’s oddities and then works hard to distill them into quick, effective punchlines. Whether he’s testing new material at Calgary favourites like Ratboy Comedy at Vern’s or taking the stage at professional venues such as The Laughshop in Calgary, he values cadence, timing, and the electric unpredictability of live audiences.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I overthink things and then try to relay them as succinctly as possible. Misunderstandings are funny to me.
Who are some of your influences?
Norm Macdonald, Brian Regan, Kevin Nealon.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Norm no contest.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
James Donald Forbes McCann right now. His bit about “fool me once” kills me. He has immaculate cadence and timing.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Listening to “If 6 was 9” by Jimi Hendrix in the car on the way to the show and resisting the urge to shoehorn a joke I thought of earlier in the day into my set (that NEVER goes well).
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
The Laughshop in Calgary is my favourite place to perform. All around professionalism by the staff and great crowds. Ratboy Comedy at Verns on Wednesdays is my favourite open mic in Calgary, a great place to try new stuff.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
It changes, but my favourite ones are resurrected from my notebook from years ago that didn’t work. I like to try and get them to work later cause usually the core idea is funny, but I wasn’t good enough at the time to get the idea across in a digestible way.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Live shows – nothing beats live comedy. Don’t Tell Comedy also features some really funny acts.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I do not! If you go to live shows in Calgary, you’ll bump into me.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
All of them! Go to shows and open mics! You can witness people pursuing something they are passionate about in real time. There is nothing like it.
