Canadian comedian to visit

A new TV show doesn’t make things easier, says a Canadian stand-up comedian.

Ron James began his career in comedy 30 years ago and says he looks for more laughs with his new nation-wide tour called Mental As Anything. James, who wrote for shows such as This Hour Has 22 Minutes and starred in Blackfly said going on tour is what he enjoys doing and how he makes his living.

"It doesn’t get any easier," James said. "You think after 11 years playing at theatres you’d be able to kick back and relax. Now with me writing monologues for the series it is constant work."

The Ron James Show premiered on the CBC this September. He said it is constant work but a satisfying accomplishment.

The comedian said the last time he came to Thunder Bay was two years ago. He remembers back in 1996 coming to town to perform and touring around the Lake Superior by himself.

"I’m familiar with this area," He said. "On Silver Island I lost the biggest trout of my life. The tour started that desire to embrace the iconic country of the big wide open and find some comedic mileage. It is an interesting region and a beautiful theatre to play."

James took this region’s quirks and put them into his first comedy tour that came to this area. He told the audience how lumber trucks often came onto his side of the road on his way through Northern Ontario. He joked that each turn he made on the highway was a near death experience.

The comedian’s style has evolved since then. He said it has become more national in scope but still includes something regional for each place he visits.

James uses strong descriptions to lend to his comedy style. He said he likes to paint pictures with words.

"Every comedian wants to find his or her particular voice," he said. "Maybe it is just a sign that I’m a frustrated author and I should be on the printed page."

Growing up in Glace Bay, NS, James said story telling was a big part of his childhood. People used colourful language as part of an oral culture, he said.

James said it isn’t easy being a Canadian comedian. He said half of his material is lost south of the boarder.

"Because there is 30 million people in the country compared to 330 million people, which is the case in the states, your market is much smaller," he said. "So you have to work harder I think. I think Canadian comedians have to work harder here."

James performs at the Community Auditorium on March 4 at 8 p.m.