Sundays Get Dangerous at the Biftek

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Comedian George Braithwaite – otherwise known as G. Hamilton Braithwaite – is something of an expert on Montreal’s alternative comedy scene. For the past 15 years, he’s been producing shows in a wide variety of offbeat venues, from a friend’s apartment (where audience members brought their own booze and the entire room was lit by a single shade-less lamp) to a fire escape (yes, you heard me right), the man is no stranger to unpredictable, no-holds-barred comedy.

When asked what about the appeal of less structured rooms in unconventional venues, Braithwaite explains that they allow comedians to be more organic with their routines, so it feels more like a one-on-one dialogue with everyone in the room. He adds that comedians take more risks when their commercial brand is not at stake, that they can “show negative aspects of their personality and simply be more honest”.

Sunday evenings at Bar Biftek are a fine example of this kind of unbridled comedy. Every week, the Danger Dulgar Comedy Crew – comprised of Ryan Bannon, Kris Dulgar, Habib Siam, Emma Wen and Braithwaite himself- put on an event known as “Danger Dulgar Sundays”. Starting promptly at 8:30 p.m. (if you’ve been to other comedy rooms in the city, you’ll know this is a rarity), the show allows comedians to perform their material in a less frantic environment. Comedians are encouraged to do at least 8 minutes and there is an emphasis on honing one’s craft, on trying things out to see what works and what doesn’t. As such, there is an emotional rawness to the room – a vibe of genuine vulnerability that makes a refreshing change from stand-up comedy’s usual bravado.

So if you’re kicking around St. Laurent this Sunday evening and have $5 to spare, then pop into Biftek. As an added bonus, this week’s line-up includes four time Canadian Comedy Award nominee Heidi Foss. Go on, it’s a kick-ass deal! Cap your weekend off with a beer and a laugh and start your week as a more interesting person.

The full line-up for Sunday, November 8th is:
Thanos Michailopoulos
Tatyana Läh
John Roger
Dion Owen
Heidi Foss
Emma Wen
Habib Siam
G. Hamilton Braithwaite

Host: Kris Dulgar

Danger Dulgar Sundays take place every Sunday at Bar Biftek (3702 St. Laurent Blvd). Doors at 8, Show at 8:30. The cost is $5. Fpr more info, check out their FB page: HERE