Meet Tarah Buchanan, a Calgary-based comedian, producer, and founder of Top Shelf Comedy, who brings sharp wit, raw honesty, and personal storytelling to the stage. Her comedy style? “Curious, gregarious, and autobiographical,” she says — a perfect match for someone who grew up immersed in chaotic dinner table banter and late-night SNL reruns. Though she’s performed at top venues like Yuk Yuk’s and The Laugh Shop, Tarah believes that the real magic happens in the dive bars and local joints, where emerging voices take root. “Every city has its own comedy scene pipeline — and Calgary is full of hidden gems.” Catch Tarah every Sunday night at The King’s Head Pub (Calgary) or follow her to keep up with future shows.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I would describe my comedy style as curious, gregarious and autobiographical.
Who are some of your influences?
This may not be a popular opinion, but some of my biggest influences are Louis CK, Chris D’elia and Dave Chappelle. Louis is a dad with two daughters, and I come from a similar family dynamic. His observations and matter-of-fact descriptions of his experiences in raising them make me harken back fondly to a time when I was growing up with my Dad and sister.
Chris D’elia grew up in an Italian family in New Jersey with neurotic parents and a younger brother. His sharp wit and joke style remind me of how quick and pointed you have to be in a verbal battle of insults with brothers, as I have 3 of my own.
I got really into Dave Chappelle when I was in high school. My friends and I would memorize and recite his bits on “purple drink” and that “baby he saw selling weed in the projects”. Dave is likely the reason I wanted to become a standup in the first place, and Louis and Chris came after I entered the industry.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
That’s a really good question, it was likely Robyn Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire, Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura and Mike Myers in Austin Powers that laid the foundation for “funny” in my family. My parents would also let us stay up late to catch Saturday Night Live on TV. We were a very comedy-oriented family and loved to laugh, especially at get-togethers and family gatherings. Everyone struggling to get their joke in at the dinner table or trying to not crack up and laugh after my parents had had enough.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Probably Louis CK. He’s constantly coming out with new creative projects, movies and television series that can all be found on his website. After his cancellation in 2017, he started releasing all of his content independently, which I think is the best way to do it. Being signed to a club, network or agency can be incredibly limiting and is likely what led to his downfall in the first place. I have tried to emulate his independent production style and have seen quite a lot of success in my own career through it.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I like to have at least 10 mins of quiet thought and looking over my notes before getting on stage. I don’t like to have conversations right before I go on, but alas, as a producer, you end up wearing a lot of hats on show night. Whether I’m hosting, watching the door, taking photos or writing the lineup, I’ve adapted to smiling, being polite and answering people’s questions right up until they call my name.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
It used to be the Laugh Shop, but for aesthetic reasons, I’ve changed my mind! Since they painted their backdrop from “graffiti” to just plain “purple”, I’ve started to enjoy performing more elsewhere. The energy and atmosphere of a room isn’t everything, but has a lot to do with the success of a show. Sliding into 1st place is likely Yuk Yuk’s as they are set in a casino, have a professional comedy club setup and friendly ownership. Don’t worry, Laugh Shop, you’re still taking home Silver.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
My favourite bit is likely a collaboration that Scoot Laird helped me write about my mom. I love it when comedians help each other and lift one another up. A rising tide lifts all boats, and I’ve seen the people with this mentality grow the furthest in their careers. If you wanna know what the bit is, you gotta come see my show!
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Honestly, the best comics that are new and up and coming right now are likely the ones in our very city. Every city across Canada and the US has a similar pipeline of new and up-and-comers. You never know who is going to pop off, you gotta visit that dingy dive bar downtown on a Monday night to see who’s next. The most successful podcast for releasing and rocketing new comedians to stardom is likely Kill Tony.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I love Calgary because of its diversity. You’ll meet Cowboys who demand you use their pronouns and trans people who use the N-word. *Chef’s Kiss*
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Comedy Night at the King’s Head is every Sunday at 7:30 PM, followed by the True Confessions Late Show (open mic) at 9 PM. The early show is a mixture of up-and-comers and professionals, and the Late Show is for anyone who would like to try standup for their first time. All you have to do is last 60s and you could win a FREE drink from the bar!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Someone else whom I think you would enjoy is my favourite Calgary Comedian, Ben Cannon! Two other comics I really enjoy are Gina Lorene Loitz and Mitch MacFarlane.
