Who’s laughing now?
After filing for bankruptcy and canceling its latest edition earlier in 2024, the revered international comedy festival Just for Laughs is making a comeback.
The fest returns in Sydney, Australia, from Nov. 18-28, 2024, under its new owner ComediHa!, which acquired Just for Laughs in June after it was forced to slash its staff and sell select assets. Trevor Noah, Eric Idle and Brad Williams are among the performers in Sydney, as well as Melanie Bracewell, who will host the All-Star Gala.
JFL then moves to its 17th edition in Bermuda, from Jan. 22-24, 2025, followed by a stint in Vancouver from Feb. 13-22.
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Of course, Just for Laughs will return to Montreal, where it originated in 1983, from July 16-27. In a press release, new owner ComediHa! stressed that maintaining JFL’s presence in Montreal is one of its “top priorities,” adding, “With an eye towards the future, the new leadership promises to blend the festival’s rich traditions with the evolving landscape of comedy.”
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The return of Just for Laughs is welcome news for comedy fans, as the future of the festival was unclear following the cancellation of its 2024 dates. In a statement sent to press, the festival organizers credited the pandemic and inflation for “exerting unprecedented financial strains” on the company, which, according to some reports, was in more than $22.5 million in debt.
Responsible for boosting the careers of countless comedians, from Kevin Hart to Ronny Chieng, Just for Laughs is a landmark event in the entertainment industry. For decades, Hollywood executives have flocked to Montreal to schmooze and discover the next best voice in comedy. To cite just one example of its lasting legacy, Just for Laughs was recently the setting of a Season 3 episode of Max’s “Hacks,” which follows a veteran stand-up comic (Jean Smart) and her ambitious young writer (Hannah Einbinder).
“We couldn’t be more excited to present these incredible festivals under the new leadership of ComediHa!. Each of these festivals holds a long and significant history that we deeply respect and cherish,” said Sylvain Parent-Bédard, president of ComediHa!. “Working with our festival partners, we are bringing a new breath and vision into these events, which we believe will resonate with both long-time fans and new audiences alike. I’d also like to acknowledge our exceptional programming team, some returning and some new programmers, who are working swiftly and diligently to put together some truly remarkable lineups. Their dedication and creativity are at the heart of what will make these festivals a resounding success.”
Added Nick Brazao, head of programming at Just for Laughs: “Programming these festivals is an exciting opportunity to innovate while staying true to the core of what has made Just for Laughs so special for over four decades. We’re focused on curating a diverse mix of established names and emerging talent to platform and celebrate comedy’s best. We’re embracing the industry’s dynamic future, and we can’t wait for audiences around the world to experience what we’re putting together.”
