![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nexusnewspaper.com\/newsite\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/Ryan-Bangma.jpg\")
<\/a>Isfeld is one of the local comedy scene\u2019s strongest proponents. Starting his own standup act about 18 months ago, he\u2019s still fresh to the scene, but when the opportunity to take over the Temple Comedy nights came up he jumped at the chance. He recently added a co-producer and moved the show to the Stone\u2019s Throw.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a booked show, not open mic,\u201d says Isfeld. \u201cComics get seven minutes, which allows them to stretch their legs, and one of the things I set out to do was make it one of the premier shows in the city that comedians want to work at, and audience members want to see.\u201d<\/p>\n
And it seems to be working, with each show featuring a headlining act rounded out by a strong lineup of local talent. Recent headliners have included local comedians Myles Anderson and Morgan Crannie, and Vancouver\u2019s Katie-Ellen Humphries, while the January show features local comedy vet Wes Borg.<\/p>\n
Formerly known as Back Alley, Stone\u2019s Throw Comedy is still known for its edgy content, something that local comics recognize and appreciate.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe humour tends to be edgier because the crowd tends to be younger,\u201d explains recent headliner Anderson, who recently won a spot at the Northwest Comedy Fest during the local Blue Bridge Comedy Festival. \u201cIt was already inferred with the previous name that, being in a back alley, you can say whatever you want. That culture of edgy humour has carried over for the new shows.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anderson says the comedy scene in Victoria is really picking up due to the availability of stage time, an important factor for any strong comedy town.<\/p>\n
An appearance by Yuk Yuks founder Mark Breslin at a recent open mic show at a different venue is another good sign that Victoria might be a place where comedians can make a go of it, says Anderson.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact that we attracted a guy like Mark Breslin here to see our scene, he probably never would have come before,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s amazing how many shows you can do here now. Whenever I\u2019ve talked to pro comedians they always say, \u2018Live where you can get the stage time,\u2019 and here you can get several shows a week.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anderson points to weekly shows like Cenote and Ratfish (a show Isfeld calls \u201cthe granddaddy of all Victoria comedy shows\u201d), as well as monthly shows like the Felicitas show at UVic and the downtown comedy show at the Stone\u2019s Throw.<\/p>\n