Get the best of Vancouver in your inbox, every Tuesday and Thursday. Sign up for our free newsletter.
What’s In Your Fridge is where the Straight asks interesting Vancouverites about their life-changing concerts, favourite albums, and, most importantly, what’s sitting beside the Heinz ketchup in their custom-made Big Chill Retropolitan 20.6-cubic-foot refrigerators.
Mark Thomson
I’m a gay ex-evangelical who loves a cream-filled pastry. I’m currently based in Vancouver. I got my comedy start in Chicago the way most people do there — by performing at improv theaters for free almost every night of the week. Now I charge $10k a night, and that’s just the retainer fee. So believe it y’all, “Faith really can move mountains!”
I’ll be featured on Season 2 of Killjoy Comedy, streaming July 25 on OUTtv.com. Killjoy Comedy is a docuseries created by Shana Myara. The title is a tongue in cheek reference to the idea that you’re a killjoy if your comedy doesn’t ‘punch down’. Each episode features one comedian and includes a stand-up set, interviews, and BTS footage. Everyone on it is very funny, very interesting, and very gorgeous.
Counting Crows when I was 14. I was surrounded by bohemian bi-curious men who were experiencing mild to moderate ennui and eager to wallow in it. I felt I had found my people.
Two years ago a friend hosted a ‘jazz night’ in his basement but didn’t tell me what was happening. I don’t play an instrument so I ended up being one of two unsuspecting audience members. I was seated in between a guitarist and a guy with a saxophone and the music was played with only mandatory applause breaks from the two audience members for over two hours. I’m telling this story to raise awareness. It could happen to you.
I’ll do comedy specials I love…
Jacqueline Novak Get On Your Knees I had tickets to this show in Chicago in 2020 but it was canceled because of the pandy and I had to wait two years to see it there. It was worth the wait. GOYK is so smart, so funny, and so fast-paced you kind of want to watch it twice to catch it all.
Chris Fleming HELL I think Chris Fleming might be the most entertaining person in the world. There’s no one like him. His shows are a tornado of energy and honestly, and, now that I’m thinking about it, I might watch this again tonight.
Cole Escola Oh, Mary! This is a play, not a special, but I forgive myself. I love big energy, big emotions, and a bit of dark humour, and this play is exactly that. It’s so, so, so, funny, and everyone should see it.
I’ll go back to music. This is easily “Tonight, Tonight” by the Smashing Pumpkins. I was obsessed with this music video in high school. I got it in my head that I wouldn’t go to prom unless I could wear Billy Corgan’s whole suit and top hat, and then I couldn’t get Billy Corgan’s whole suit and top hat, so I didn’t go to prom. That’s probably for the best, though, because it would’ve been kind of gay to show up in that outfit and I was closeted at a Christian high school. so the whole situation could’ve turned Carrie.
Grapes. These are always on deck. I feel like I’m Cleopatra living in the lap of luxury when I eat them. Sometimes frozen. Always cold. And when I’m done eating I imagine I’ll go get a massage from 12 handsome men all at once.
Homemade turmeric ginger shot. Okay, I’m a bit embarrassed about this one, but truth be told I’ve been getting into blending (I love the vibrations), and it’s healthy, and for whatever reason I genuinely like the taste so this is my current kick.
Shameful Tiki Room Falernum Syrup. I make cocktails at home and falernum is really fun for summery drinks. A cheeky rum and falernum drink with a muddled strawberry in a cool glass I stole from a bar? Say less.
Read more on The Georgia Straight
