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Montreal Gazette
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Montreal Gazette
Just for Laughs pillar Nick Brazao eyes ‘next generation of great standups'
By Nick Brazao has all the necessary comedy bona fides for his role as head of programming and talent at Just for Laughs. Prior to working in the JFL programming department 16 years ago, the Montrealer paid dues on the other side of the stage for 15 years as a much-sought-after standup on the local scene. After leaving the stage, much of Brazao's time in programming was spent under the tutelage of one of the best comedy trackers in the business, Robbie Praw, who went on to head Netflix's live comedy division. 'I gave up the standup to get on to the production side, to get a closer connection to the world-class comedy scene, and that satisfies a lot of the reasoning I got into comedy in the first place,' Brazao, 44, says. One of the few employees of the previous JFL regime still with the festival, Brazao helped put together talent for last year's last-minute inaugural event under the leadership of Sylvain Parent-Bédard, the JFL president and CEO who took over the fest a year ago amid much turmoil. But whereas Brazao had a few weeks to book talent last year, he's had nearly a year to put together anglo programming for this year's fest as well as others in Toronto, Vancouver, Bermuda and Sydney, plus travelling shows and one-nighters across this country. 'About 15 months ago, there was concern that Just for Laughs could disappear, but the opportunity to bring everything back has been so uplifting,' Brazao says. 'So many great memories have been made over the four decades the festival has been around. Now, we have the opportunity to make many more.' Parent-Bédard doesn't mince words in crediting Brazao's contributions: 'Nick has been our organization's cornerstone.' Brazao's programming goals have changed over time. 'One of our guiding principles is try to provide something, both international and local, for all comedy tastes, which are so very widespread,' notes Brazao. 'That applies to fans as well as to other comics and industry players. 'There have been so many great comics to come out of here and the challenge is always to find new voices. Just as I was blown away by Bill Burr nearly 20 years ago, I'm on the lookout for the next generation of great standups.' On that note, Brazao offers eight picks he's sure will click with audiences: 1) Che Durena, host of the Nasty Show series, July 16-25, mostly at Club Soda: 'A viral Canadian comedy sensation with over eight million followers on social media platforms, he's done galas and shows with us over the years. But this year will be his first at the helm of one of our legacy events and he won't disappoint with his spin on nasty. The subject matter may have changed over the years, but he will let loose with the best of them.' 2) Asif Ali, host of the Culture Show, July 16-23, mostly at Club Soda: 'Coming off acclaimed performances in the streaming series Deli Boys and The Mandalorian, Ali, an L.A.-based comic, has been a hit on gala shows in past festivals. Like the Nasty Show, the plan is also to keep another of our most popular series, the ex-Ethnic Show, continuously evolving.' 3) Nick Mohammed, solo show Nick Mohammed is Mr. Swallow: Show-Pony, July 23-26 at Le Gesù: 'Best known for his role as a rival soccer manager in one of TV's most acclaimed series, Ted Lasso — for which he netted two Emmy nominations — this outstanding comedian/writer will be seen in an entirely different and hilarious light in a 75-minute revue. There will be roller skates, there will be musical numbers, and, above all, many laughs.' 4) Mary Beth Barone, solo show, July 26 at Club Soda: 'One of the stars and writers of the hit series Overcompensating and a repeat guest on Jimmy Fallon's late-night talk show, her first standup special, Thought Provoking, was just that. Currently on an extended and sold-out U.S./Canada tour, this American standup is on a roll, having headlined at the New York Comedy Fest, the Netflix Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe and is co-host of the podcast Ride with Benito Skinner. This will mark her first performance in Montreal, but definitely not her last.' 5) Stamptown, July 23-25 at Club Soda: 'A full-on fevered show hosted by the unforgettable Zach Zucker and featuring some of the most energetic, over-the-top comics from around the world, it is totally bananas, raunchy and chaotic; 90 minutes of pure spectacle and has sold out rooms everywhere it has played. Past shows have included the likes of Neil Patrick Harris, Richard Kind, Mae Martin, David Cross and Sarah Sherman.' 6) Rhys Darby, The Legend Returns, July 24 at MTelus: 'A legend indeed is this comic from New Zealand, who cracked up audiences big time in the Flight of the Conchords series. An unbelievable talent, he's so unique and such a delight. Every time he's done JFL, he's left audiences in stitches.' 7) Cat Cohen, July 23 at Le Studio TD: 'U.S.-based, but well known around the world for festival and TV appearances as well as her two Netflix specials. A comedian, actress and songwriter, she appears in Season 4 of Only Murders in the Building and in the Sirens series with Julianne Moore and stars opposite Elle Fanning in the film Sentimental Value. Her career got off to a roaring start in 2019 having won the coveted title of Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her show is music, comedy and incredibly entertaining.' 8) Andrea Jin, featured performer in the Culture Show, July 16-23, mostly at Club Soda: 'Originally from Shanghai, she grew up in Vancouver, and is now based in L.A. She has a huge following online and is a former New Face of Comedy. She'll also be doing a gala and our Roast Battle as well as an Off-JFL solo show July 25 at Café Cléopâtre. Sky is the limit here. Could well be the breakout star at this year's fest.'
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The unique 'Banksy-like' castle where graffiti has taken over in the heart of Scotland
Kelburn Castle in North Ayrshire is one of the most unique in the world and is often compared to graffiti artist Banksy for its colourful walls which are adorned with Brazilian graffiti. Scotland's castles, with their old stone structures and towering turrets, are a major draw for tourists. However, one historic castle stands out from the rest due to its vibrantly colourful walls, earning it comparisons to world renowned graffiti artist Banksy. Kelburn Estate, located in Largs, in North Ayrshire, is already famous for its stunning woodlands, often ranked among Scotland's most picturesque. The estate's castle, constructed in the 13th century, holds the distinction of being the oldest in Scotland to have been continuously inhabited by the same family - the Boyle family, whose head of the family is otherwise known as the Earl of Glasgow. What sets this castle apart is its unique adornment of Brazilian graffiti, which has led to the mural being named as one of the world's top 10 examples of street art by author and designer Tristan Manco. This places it in the same league as Banksy's work in Los Angeles and the Favela Morro Da Providencia in Rio de Janeiro. In 2007, experts advised the Boyle family that the castle's concrete facing would eventually need replacement to prevent further damage to the stonework. Inspired by his children, the Earl of Glasgow invited four Brazilian artists - Nunca, Nina and the Os Gemeos twins - to paint the castle walls, reports the Scottish Daily Express. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) had approved the project with the caveat that the graffiti would be removed when Kelburn Castle underwent re-harling. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. However, thanks to its feature on BBC's Culture Show and the documentary 'Crisis at the Castle', which highlighted the financial burdens of maintaining the castle, the graffiti gained significant attention. Upon completion, it became a sensation across the nation, leading to Lord Glasgow being granted permission to retain the mural permanently. The castle's south side is now a canvas of vibrant colours enveloping its walls and turrets, the result of collaborating artists living within the castle for a month to conceive their plan. During his appeal to Historic Environment Scotland, The Earl of Glasgow pressed his case: "In the three years that the mural has been on the castle it has attracted enormous interest from around the world and it is loved by everyone who sees it. It has become a landmark and a talking point and it has given the castle and the estate a whole new character." The mural showcases a series of intertwined cartoons in vivid, surreal colours showcasing urban cultural icons and fantastical scenes. Yet this unique castle is not the sole draw to Kelburn, located merely 50 minutes from Glasgow by car or about two hours from Edinburgh. Kelburn is accessible from Easter until October, promising visitors more than just impressive and imaginative wall art. Additionally, there's a picturesque woodland glen next to the Waterfall Pool, nestled within a sandstone grotto. A hike to the top of the glen rewards you with breathtaking views across the Firth of Clyde and towards the Isle of Arran.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC presenter steps down after Alzheimer's diagnosis
BBC Radio Scotland presenter Janice Forsyth has stepped down after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The broadcaster has worked for the BBC for more than 30 years, presenting shows on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Four and BBC Radio Three. She also co-founded a podcast production company five years ago, a role she will continue. Ms Forsyth, 65, said the diagnosis came as a "huge blow" but also provided her with some relief. In a statement, she explained that since 2022 she had been finding some tasks such as navigation difficult, and had experienced anxiety. "I'd hoped that I was simply worn out by my many years as a freelance broadcaster and perhaps exhausted following the loss of our dear Mother, Patricia, the previous Christmas, but sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's disease," she said. "It's been a huge blow, but I'm also feeling some relief that I finally have an explanation for lapses I'd been experiencing, and I'm managing to remain buoyant most of the time." During her career, Janice Forsyth interviewed stars such as Leonard Cohen, David Bowie and Billy Connolly. She presented the Culture Show on BBC Radio Scotland, which then became the Janice Forsyth Show and then the Afternoon Show, a role which she undertook from 2013 until early 2024. She has also appeared on BBC titles such as Radio Café, Authors Live and the Hogmanay Show. Away from the airwaves, she has worked as a columnist and is also the chair of the Rothesay Pavilion charity, a group set up to restore the arts venue on the Isle of Bute. She continued: "Much as I have loved seeking out and sharing the best of music/literature/theatre/cinema with you, I'm happy now to have the time and freedom to enjoy all of these simply for my own pleasure," she continued. "Call it living in the moment, and you won't be far off!" "I never took my role lightly and hope I always gave my best, both for your sake and that of my interviewees "It's been a blast, and I send a high five to everyone who tuned in on Saturday mornings or on more recent weekday afternoons and heard something interesting." Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: "Janice has been a hugely popular personality on our airwaves for many years. "The many production teams she has collaborated with have appreciated her outstanding skill as a presenter on radio and television. "Her warmth, relaxed interviewing style, and peerless knowledge of arts, music, and culture in Scotland and beyond, have made her a firm favourite with audiences over the decades. "Everyone at BBC Scotland wishes Janice all the very best and we'll be pleased to continue to explore suitable opportunities where we can work together."
BBC News
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC broadcaster steps down after Alzheimer diagnosis
BBC Radio Scotland presenter Janice Forsyth has stepped down after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's broadcaster has worked for the BBC for more than 30 years, presenting shows on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Four and BBC Radio also co-founded a podcast production company five years ago, a role she will Forsyth said the diagnosis came as a "huge blow" but also provided her with some relief. In a statement, she explained that since 2022 she had been finding some tasks such as navigation difficult, and had experienced anxiety. "I'd hoped that I was simply worn out by my many years as a freelance broadcaster and perhaps exhausted following the loss of our dear Mother, Patricia, the previous Christmas, but sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's disease," she said. "It's been a huge blow, but I'm also feeling some relief that I finally have an explanation for lapses I'd been experiencing, and I'm managing to remain buoyant most of the time."During her career, Janice Forsyth interviewed stars such as Leonard Cohen, David Bowie and Billy presented the Culture Show on BBC Radio Scotland, which then became the Janice Forsyth Show and then the Afternoon Show, a role which she undertook from 2013 until early has also appeared on BBC titles such as Radio Café, Authors Live and the Hogmanay Show. Away from the airwaves, she has worked as a columnist and is also the chair of the Rothesay Pavilion charity, a group set up to restore the arts venue on the Isle of continued: "Much as I have loved seeking out and sharing the best of music/literature/theatre/cinema with you, I'm happy now to have the time and freedom to enjoy all of these simply for my own pleasure," she continued."Call it living in the moment, and you won't be far off!""I never took my role lightly and hope I always gave my best, both for your sake and that of my interviewees"It's been a blast, and I send a high five to everyone who tuned in on Saturday mornings or on more recent weekday afternoons and heard something interesting." Hugely popular Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: "Janice has been a hugely popular personality on our airwaves for many years."The many production teams she has collaborated with have appreciated her outstanding skill as a presenter on radio and television."Her warmth, relaxed interviewing style, and peerless knowledge of arts, music, and culture in Scotland and beyond, have made her a firm favourite with audiences over the decades."Everyone at BBC Scotland wishes Janice all the very best and we'll be pleased to continue to explore suitable opportunities where we can work together."
