Toronto’s comedy scene is about to get a serious injection of sharp-witted hilarity as comedy powerhouse Nikki Glaser prepares to bring her “Alive and Unwell” tour to Meridian Hall on September 24, 2024. If you’ve been craving an evening of unfiltered laughs, mark your calendars now.
The renowned comedian, podcast host, and television personality has built her reputation on brutally honest observations about relationships, sex, and the general absurdity of modern life. Her no-holds-barred approach to comedy has earned her a dedicated following that continues to grow with each special and tour.
“Glaser has this remarkable ability to make you laugh at things you probably shouldn’t be laughing at,” says Jason Rosen, program director at Comedy TO, a local comedy promotion company. “Her Toronto shows consistently sell out because audiences know they’re getting something authentic and fearlessly funny.”
Tickets for the Meridian Hall show go on sale this Friday through Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from $49.50 to $89.50 for premium seating. Based on previous tour stops, comedy fans should move quickly as Glaser’s recent shows in Montreal and Vancouver sold out within days.
The “Alive and Unwell” tour arrives at an interesting moment in Glaser’s career. Fresh off her Netflix special “Good Clean Filth” and her hosting duties on HBO’s reality dating series “FBOY Island,” Glaser has solidified her position as one of comedy’s most versatile and in-demand talents.
Toronto comedy scene veteran Melissa Chen, who runs the weekly showcase at Comedy Bar, told me she’s noticed a surge in interest around female comedians who refuse to soften their material. “Nikki represents this wave of women in comedy who aren’t apologizing for their perspectives. Her previous Toronto shows have been conversation starters for weeks afterward.”
The city’s comedy landscape has been particularly vibrant post-pandemic, with ticket sales for major comedy events up nearly 30% compared to 2019 figures, according to Toronto Entertainment District Association data. Glaser’s appearance continues this upward trend of high-profile comedy acts choosing Toronto as a key tour destination.
For those unfamiliar with Glaser’s style, be prepared for razor-sharp commentary delivered with disarming cheerfulness. Her podcast “The Nikki Glaser Podcast” offers a good primer, though her live shows typically feature her most current and cutting material.
“What makes Nikki special is her ability to connect with audiences regardless of their background,” explains David Powell, comedy critic for Toronto Arts Weekly. “She talks about deeply personal experiences in a way that somehow feels universal. That’s rare in comedy.”
Meridian Hall, with its 3,000-seat capacity, provides an intimate-yet-substantial venue for Glaser’s performance style, which benefits from both the energy of a large crowd and the connection of a more personal setting.
While the show is strictly 19+, comedy fans across generations have found something to appreciate in Glaser’s perspective. Her last Toronto appearance in 2022 drew a surprisingly diverse age range, with attendees spanning from college students to comedy enthusiasts in their sixties.
For those planning to attend, the venue recommends arriving early as security measures have been enhanced for all performances. Parking is available at nearby lots, though public transit offers a more hassle-free option with Queen subway station just a short walk away.
If previous tour stops are any indication, Toronto audiences can expect approximately 90 minutes of new material covering everything from dating app disasters to pandemic revelations and Glaser’s characteristically unfiltered takes on relationships and self-image.
Local comedy enthusiasts looking for a pre-show experience might consider stopping by nearby Beech Street Comedy, where several local comics who have opened for Glaser in previous tours frequently perform weekend sets.
The “Alive and Unwell” tour represents another milestone in Toronto’s robust post-pandemic entertainment recovery, with major comedy events helping drive downtown revitalization efforts.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or newcomer to Glaser’s comedy, September’s show promises to deliver the kind of evening Toronto’s comedy scene has been eagerly anticipating. Just don’t bring easily offended friends – Glaser’s comedy thrives in discomfort zones where most comedians fear to tread.
