the 41ste This year’s edition of the Just for Laughs Festival offers a program that is as rich as it is varied, including indoor shows and hundreds of free outdoor shows.
To help you find your way, here are the seven essentials that are likely to turn heads, according to Patrick Rozon, CEO of the world’s biggest comedy festival.
1. Just to relax
Humor mixes with rap, directed by Rachid Badouri, who will lead this opening night. Lost, Sarahmée, Koriass, Eddy King, Oussama Fares and Rachelle Elie will also be there.
Pierre-Paul Poulin / Le Journal de Montreal / QMI Agency
July 20, 9:15 p.m., on the Beneva stage
2. The Loto-Québec Stage
Five free shows will be performed on the Loto Quebec stage every night for ten days. A total of 250 comedians will be on the stages. The shows offered there are just as diverse, presenting both show events and casts, such as those found at comedy evenings.
“One person could line up there at 6 p.m. and stay there until 10:30 p.m.,” said Patrick Rozon, adding that it was a first for Just for Laughs to have so many shows on the same stage.
On the Loto Quebec stage from July 20th to 29th
3. People’s Crossroads
The People’s Crossroads is laid out like a real little neighborhood and features the Chez Raymond snack bar, karaoke and the famous Skidoo. In addition, the lyrics by François Pérusse were first adapted for the stage in the show Les 20 Minutes du Peuple, directed by Guillaume Lambert. This show is presented three times per evening during the 10 days of the festival.
Pierre-Paul Poulin / Le Journal de Montreal / QMI Agency
“I think if you like François Pérusse, staying in this universe and living it is definitely a must,” said the festival’s director.
Pierre-Paul Poulin / Le Journal de Montreal / QMI Agency
From July 20th to 29th, Loto Québec Stage, on the Esplanade des Place des Arts
4. Micro macro
Inspired by the board game of the same name, this interactive investigation game begins in the Family Zone and takes place throughout the Spectacle’s Quarters.
“It’s a real treasure hunt for the whole family. It brings a new experience, is interactive and encourages walking around and discovering shops,” described Patrick Rozon.
Pierre-Paul Poulin / Le Journal de Montreal / QMI Agency
From July 20th to 29th in the Quartier des spectacles
5. Mega Party Skirt
PA Méthot and his group Les Pas Propres will revisit the greatest rock hits from the 70s to the present day with Jonas Tomalty, Brigitte Boisjoli, Ludovick Bourgeois, Martine St-Clair and Martin Deschamps.
July 22, 9:15 p.m., on the Beneva stage
6. Mother
“Mom, we don’t talk about this enough! It is a masterful creation from Quebec with incredible precision. 12 Egyptian women, one man, a wake; “You cry with laughter and you just cry,” argued Patrick Rozon.
The play by Nathalie Doummar and directed by Marie-Ève Milot, which was a huge success when it first opened in cinemas in autumn 2022, will be revisited fifteen times as part of the festival. Some dates are already fully booked.
From July 14th to 29th at the Jean Duceppe Theater on Place des Arts
7. The big improvised concert
For this evening full of successes that have not yet existed, Arnaud Soly, Virginie Fortin and Richardson Zéphir will build up their show concert in the truest sense of the word according to the suggestions of the 1,800 spectators.
“It’s the new kind of show experience we’re creating. “The goal is to give the artists carte blanche to treat themselves to a trip and do something that we’ll only see at the festival,” said Patrick Rozon, explaining the comedian trio’s great talent for improvisation.
July 22, 7:30 p.m., at the Maison symphonique, Place des Arts
The Just for Laughs festival will be held indoors from July 14th to 29th and on the outdoor stages from July 20th to 29th.