TOSketchFestBlog
It’s time for Part Three of our TOsketchfest Insiders’ Guide! TOsketchfest favourites and die-hard fans share what they’re most excited about seeing at TOsketchfest25. Grab a pass. Book some tix. Have some laughs.
Julianne Snepsts
Julianne is the co-founder of TOsketchfest and has been around the fest for 20 years! She knows a thing or two about sketch comedy.
Honestly, I think that this year’s festival lineup is the best I’ve seen in twenty years. So many rock-solid veterans and thrilling new acts. Here’s what I’m looking forward to:
The pairing of The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie with Cam Wyllie on March 7 is a match made in heaven. Their comedy styles are very different. Matt and Jacquie (from Philadelphia) offer slow building comedy that pays off big. While Toronto’s own Cam Wyllie is the epitome of ridiculousness (and last year’s Best of the Fest winner.) But the reason I love this pairing so much right now is because these goofs are cross-border best comedy pals. This is the North American camaraderie (comedy-raderie?) we need right now!!
I also want to shout out some of the comedians who have been around the Toronto comedy scene for a long time and who are guaranteed to put on a great show. The Understudies were part of the very first TOsketchfest back in 2005. Troupes and performers like Pete and Ian of Beggar’s Canyon (comedy for the nerd in all of us!), Templeton Philharmonic (theatrical, surreal, hilarious), Rapp Battlez (comedy + rap + characters), Vest of Friends (highest laugh-per-minute ratio in the Festival, maybe?) and masters of solo sketch Anders Yates, Jon Blair and Dave Barclay. …all of these people have been crushing sketch comedy since before Lady Gaga wore that meat dress to the MTV music awards.
Despite 20 years in the trenches with this festival, this old lady can still be taught new tricks. I’m really looking forward to some fresh new faces. If I’m picking one to recommend… Small Friend, Tall Friend. They burst onto the scene last year with super fun songs and sketches – catch a bit of them in the Firecracker Department Cafe on March 8 or in a full show on March 15.
Chase Jeffels
Catch Chase on March 6th at The Theatre Centre in West 2 West 3: Return of the 2.
Toronto has a rich comedy community, and coming from the clown world, I feel the need to highlight my clown-leaning friends—not just because I’m one of them, but because they create some of the most unique and unforgettable shows you’ll ever see.
If you haven’t seen Emily Jeffers, you need to catch one of her two upcoming shows! Sachin and I have seen some early versions of her new character, The Mathemagician, and my dear comedy fans, you are in for a treat. Her commitment to the outrageousness of her characters is truly inspiring and an absolute joy to watch. And if you haven’t seen her other character, Bitty-Bat, this might be your last chance—at least for a while! She’s a compelling performer, and you’d be silly to miss her shows.
Next up: Colonial Circus. I saw them at Fringe, directed by the master of chaos himself, Isaac Kessler. This duo will both charm your pants off and, at the same time, make you pee those very pants. If that doesn’t sell tickets, I don’t know what will. Beyond the comedy, they manage to convey a powerful message—without having to say much of a word. Their show is a unique, heartfelt journey into some of the darker parts of our humanity.
Santosh Santosh is absolutely worth the night out. A drag king comedian who has surprised me in so many ways. With Ken Hall at the director’s table, you know you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Every time Tika strikes the face of Santosh, I can’t look away.
Carson and Taylor are a hilarious duo. Honestly, I don’t need to say much about them because everyone already knows they’re masters of their craft. I don’t know them super well, but from what I’ve seen, their work is pure physical comedy mastery. They seamlessly blend sketch and clown in a way that feels effortless and perfectly executed.
Finally, I have to mention Summer Dad—one of the hardest-working and most dynamic sketch groups in the city. I’ve never been let down by one of their shows. My face always hurts from laughing and smiling so much. Their performances are packed with variety—there’s something for everyone. A VERY funny group. Plus, I hear this year’s
show is extra naughty. How do you not buy tickets to that?
Big Apartment
Big Apartment is a sketch troupe from NYC performing at TOsketchfest March 14th & 15th at The Theatre Centre.
Big Apartment is so excited to be back for our second year at Toronto Sketchfest. We can’t wait to see some of the groups again this year, but of course we also have to shout out some of our favorites from NYC! We’re sure you can tell, but we lean towards comedy that’s fun and dumb.
Dumptruck – These guys have performed at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade in NYC and they consistently put on some of the wackiest sketches we’ve seen.
Amanda Xeller – You probably know her from her many appearances at the Toronto Sketchfest, but she’s an absolute icon. She shows off her silly characters in silly situations at every theater in New York. Front row may get wet.
Woody Fu: One-man John Wick – Although he’s no longer in our hometown, Woody Fu weaves together a story with his character pieces, so we know you’re in for a thrill with him playing John Wick.
24 Double B – This duo was one of our favorites when we visited Toronto last year. They combine the absurd with just plain dumb. They have such good chemistry and we can’t wait to see what they do this year.
See you at TOsketchfest
Did you love that list of reccos? Want some more? Here are some links to Insiders’ Guide Part One, Insiders’ Guide Part Two, Insiders’ Guide Part Three and Insiders’ Guide Part Four.
Now that we’ve shared our Insiders Guides for 2025, you’ve had some very strong recommendations from TEN different sketch comedy experts! Still not enough? Well, if you aren’t one already, you can become a sketch comedy expert, too. With over 50 shows and 70 different troupes performing from March 5-16, you have the opportunity for a comprehensive education in comedy right at your fingertips.
Now go study the full festival schedule and get ready for 12 days of the best live comedy on earth!
Comedians’ recommendations may have been edited for length and clarity.
