Grant Brooks fell into comedy the way a lot of people do: raised on great television, shaped by Russell Peters, and eventually finding his way to the stage with a self-deprecating style that turns his own life into the punchline. He’s built a following in Montreal’s comedy scene, performing at Montreal Improv, a room he loves for its genuine sense of community, and has since expanded into producing, launching Bits to Blockbusters, a hybrid stand-up and improv show where improvisers turn comics’ jokes into full-blown movies on the spot.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I’ve always had trouble answering this question because I’ve never been sure. I have a lot of jokes that make fun of myself, so I guess I would describe my comedy style as self-deprecating.
Who are some of your influences?
Curb Your Enthusiasm was my favourite show growing up. Some of my greatest memories are watching Curb Your Enthusiasm with my family when I was younger. I guess I would say Larry David is my greatest comedic influence.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
I would say that Russell Peters was my favourite stand-up comedian growing up.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Some of my favourites are Gina Yashere, Daniel Simonsen, Debra DiGiovanni, and Taylor Tomlinson
What is your pre-show ritual?
Pacing back and forth while trying to memorize my routine, and talking to some of the other comics in the greenroom.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I love performing at Montreal Improv. There’s a great sense of community there, and the audience is always great.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
My most popular bit is a joke about a street fight I saw when I first moved to Montreal, where one of the guys asks the other guy his language preferences first before fighting. It gets a great laugh every time.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I started using Instagram when I first started doing stand-up comedy. I’m really addicted to it now and constantly doomscroll. Even though I hate what Instagram has done to me, I do like discovering new comics. I’ve discovered a lot of new favourite comics through Instagram.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I don’t have any jokes about my home city yet. I’m still working on writing some.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I started producing a show called Bits to Blockbusters. It’s a stand-up and improv hybrid show where improvisers turn comics’ jokes into improvised movies. I also co-produce a show at Montreal Improv called Off The Rails. The future dates for these shows haven’t been confirmed yet, but I will announce them on my Instagram account.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
