Earlier this summer, June 29 to be exact, something interesting happened on Conan.
It was nearing the end of the program when the host, Conan O’Brien, explained to the audience that the show had accidentally booked two comedians to perform the same timeslot. Rather than rescheduling their appearance, says O’Brien, both comics graciously agreed to share their time.
Upon introduction, comedians Jon Dore and Rory Scovel entered the stage, about four or five feet apart from one another. Dore and Scovel then dove right into their stand-up acts, both completely overlapping the other, making it almost impossible to discern more than a few random words at a time. In fact, the two actually never even acknowledge each other’s existence on stage; the audience must simply accept the fact that two men, oblivious of each other, are both speaking into microphones at the exact same time. Short of a more eloquent explanation, it was hilarious.
It’s also just one example of the kinds of comedy that make Jon Dore laugh.
“It’s an idea that’s been kicking around inside my head for a while,” says Dore.
“I first performed it with the hilarious James Adomian at the Portland comedy festival a few years ago. Ever since, it’s been a fun piece to perform with a variety of friends. Rory and I love writing and performing together, more than we like eating pasta or making love to large breasted women, so we decided to bring it to Conan and he said, ‘OK’.”
Many will recognize Dore from his Comedy Network program, The Jon Dore Television Show, a mockumentary-style comedy that follows the investigative journeys of one Jon Dore. The show ran for two seasons in Canada (2007-09) with reruns currently airing Friday nights on the Comedy Network.
Fans of the show are sure to see many similarities in terms of comedic style in Dore’s stand-up act, although it may depend on whether you ask Jon Dore the comedian or Jon Dore the television character.
“If you are asking Jon Dore then I would have to say, ‘There are definite similarities in tone when writing my stand up and The Jon Dore Television Show. However, they are very different processes.’ If you are asking the character of Jon Dore, I would have to say, ‘Go fuck your mother!’”
Fair enough.
Apart from filming comedy specials for CTV and the Comedy Central, Dore was recently named host of HBO’s Funny as Hell, a late night series showcasing some of the fastest rising comedians in both Canada and the U.S..
When asked which Canadian star Dore would most like to work with next in his career, the Ontario native certainly had Winnipeg on his mind.
“If I had to choose a Canadian co-star, for every project, for the rest of my life, the answer is genuine and simple . . . Dancing Gabe.”
Dore will be making his way to Winnipeg for a five-date engagement at Rumours Comedy Club, Oct. 4-8. Tickets run from $17,Tuesday to Thursday, to $20 for the weekend dates.
