SURREY — For just a tad cheaper rent and some reasonably-priced groceries, swathes of people are living out in the suburbs to enjoy bigger yards and fewer organic grocers.
Unfortunately, much of the time that also includes far fewer cultural spaces, like theatres and clubs where one might get a little entertainment.
But Ian Imrie from Comics on the Run is hoping to change that - even if just once a month - so burb-dwellers can enjoy the culture and entertainment that their innercity neighbours do.
Comics on the Run is a monthly comedy show that picks the cream of the comic crop for a night of laughs in the Fraser Valley.
Its next venue is Surrey's The Barrel Public House, where a Comics on the Run show will be taking place on Thursday (Aug. 21).
"It's kind of hard for a lot of people to make it downtown so we thought we'd bring the show to everyone else, so we decided to go with Comics on the Run," Imrie, a Vancouver-based comedian, actor and writer, told the Now.
The idea was to bring in seasoned comedians for a show that would typically take place in Vancouver, instead catering to their south of the Fraser neighbours.
"There's a lot of people who just don't want to cross that Port Mann but they lovecomedy - well, we'll bring it to you!" Imrie exclaimed.
Comic heavyweights Greg Kettner and Jared Borland headline this Thursday's event, with Imrie himself acting as host and MC.
For those needing a little liquidencouragement, the Barrel Public House serves $3 drinks from 4 to 6 p.m. before the show.
As an overall rule, Imrie says the monthly show will invite seasoned comics so that audiences really have something to laugh at.
"All of us have been in the industry for some time," Imrie said.
"We're not bringing amateurs into the shows. It's established comedians who have some sort of credibility so that you do have some opportunity to see some talented people come to a show."
Eventually, Comics on the Run hopes to see its audience grow to other areas in Metro Vancouver, besides central Vancouver.
"We decided to bring it out to the greater Vancouver areas, so we'll probably find as many pubs or public houses as possible and grow it into maybe theatre shows," Imrie said.
"(The Barrel Public House) is our home base right now but I see in the next year or so we're going to do theatre shows and bring guys like Brent Butt or Darcy Michael."
Comics on the Run will host a new comedy show every third Thursday of the month.
Check Comicsontherun.com for updates on the latest shows.
The Barrel Public House is located at 7115 138 St., in Newton. For the Aug. 21 event, doors open at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are $10 at the door.