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Comedy night at Snow Castle brings laughs and low temperatures

The Snowking’s Winter Festival provided a bit of adult-oriented comedy on Saturday night with the most recent iteration of its event, Comedy Night at the Snow Castle.
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Hayden Playter, left, and Sam Playter enjoying their time out at the Comedy night in the Snow Castle. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo

The Snowking’s Winter Festival provided a bit of adult-oriented comedy on Saturday night with the most recent iteration of its event, Comedy Night at the Snow Castle.

Several performers made their way to the icy stage to entertain the chilled attendees, who braved the minus 30 weather just to enjoy in the stand-up segments.

Comedy at the Snow Castle took place on Saturday, March 12 at around 6:30 p.m. In or around 50 people showed up to the event, with some enjoying the provided laughs and others exploring the other end of the castle. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo
Comedy at the Snow Castle took place on Saturday, March 12 at around 6:30 p.m. In or around 50 people showed up to the event, with some enjoying the provided laughs and others exploring the other end of the castle. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo

“It was great being part of the team bringing comedy back to the snow castle,” said Skye Plowman, one of the comedians. “The castle has always been such a unique venue for folks who might not have much experience a chance to try it out on stage, as well as being a cool opportunity for seasoned performers.”

Plowman, who was the opening act for the show, also spoke to the dedication of the 50 plus crowd of Yellowknifers who made their way out.

Skye Plowman doing an opening skit to kick off the show. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo
Skye Plowman doing an opening skit to kick off the show. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo

“(It) really speaks to how excited Yellowknife (is) to get back out and take in a show.”

For Jay Bulckhart, co-director at the aRTLeSS Collective and founder of the Dead North Film Festival, it was his first time performing at the event, which is something that did bring out a few nerves. However, his performance was part of another initiative he was taking on in his own life.

“One of the courses that I’m taking was to do something that scares you,” he said. “Well, to do three things that scare you.”

”’(Stand-up comedy) was one of things that really sort of scared me,” he continued. “Unlike any other art form, comedy is the one where you go up and the crowd is welcome to hate you. You would never go to a cello concert and heckle someone, but with comedy, that’s the expectation on some level.”

Jay Bulckaert helping to warm up the crowd with some suggestive humour. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo
Jay Bulckaert helping to warm up the crowd with some suggestive humour. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo

Despite Bulckhart’s aforementioned nerves, he felt his adult-oriented routine went well.

“I wanted to tackle something that scared me, and it certainly scared me, but I also had a weird peace about it,” he said.

Overall, according to program coordinator Taylor Shephard, who goes by Sir Slush on the Snowking’s crew, the event in its entirety went fairly well, with only a minor hiccup occurring due to the chilly temperatures.

Anthony Foliot, the Snowking, addressing all the folks that made their way out to see the show. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo
Anthony Foliot, the Snowking, addressing all the folks that made their way out to see the show. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo

“As we gave the (wireless) mic to Skye, it just decided to not work anymore,” chuckled Shephard. “(But with) quick troubleshooting, we’re able to get things solved in time for all the performances.”

On top of Comedy at the Snow Castle, Shephard also drew attention to some other events folks can look forward to.

“This week we’re hosting an evening event called ‘A Regal Affair’ which will feature Crook the Kid, Dyln, and fire dancer, Josiane Lanmoreaux,” he said.

The event will take place on Saturday, March 19 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Other upcoming events can be found on the event page on the Snowking’s website.

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Jessica Bos, left, Grace Chambers, and Ryan Bachynski all made their way out to the Snow castle to have a few laughs in some chilly weather. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo
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A large crowd gathering and bracing what would end up being minus 30 temperatures just before the start of the show. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo
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The crowd was lively at the Snow Castle, taking in the different pieces of art that were on display while waiting for the show to begin. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo
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Members of the crowd filed in to witness the comedy in store at the Snow Castle. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo