A Port Moody Secondary graduate will make his début with the Vancouver Fringe Festival in a one-man comedy show this month.
Tyson Bradley will share his experiences about living in London, England, in a 30-minute improv piece called Stiff Upper Lip.
The 18+ performance runs Sept. 7 to 17 at Ballet BC’s venue in Vancouver (1286 Cartwright St.).
In an interview with the Tri-City News Thursday, Aug. 31, Bradley said his show will have “multimedia tricks” that aren’t typically used in comedic acts.
"I love to experiment and try new things," he said.
"I want the audience to get to know me a little bit and I want to get to know them as well. It will be sure to be a hilarious conversation, full of funny stories from my time as a Port Moody lad in London, UK. It’s high energy, quick-wit and a bit absurd."
Bradley fell in love with the historical English city after a holiday in 2012.
Until recently, he worked with a charity that provided assistance to the homeless in London — much like the outreach he was doing previously with Potters Place Mission on the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.
Now, he works full-time as a comedian and actor in England.
"I love to show the Brits photos of Rocky Point in Port Moody and they always respond, 'Why would you leave that beautiful place?'"
Bradley said growing up in the City of the Arts shaped him as an artist, and living in another country helped to cement his Canadian identity.
One day, he hopes to have a solo act at the Inlet Theatre in Port Moody; however, until then, Bradley will be calling London his home base.
Meanwhile, also playing at the Vancouver Fringe Festival with Tri-Cities cast members are:
- Magic Dropout, a magic cal featuring Fringe veteran Rob Teszka
- Peaceful Blips, a new musical comedy
- Outside, a Theatre Terrific show that focuses on making the arts accessible to performers and audiences with a range of accessibility needs
For tickets and more information about the 2023 Vancouver Fringe Festival from Sept. 7 to 17, you can visit the event's website.