Although raised in Calgary, Liam Godson was born in Halifax and performs all around the area. He delivers well-crafted jokes punctuated by black humour, and he’s not afraid to tackle sensitive topics. He finds humour in tragic situations, epitomizing Twain’s quote from which this series got its title. Locals may know Liam as the host of Sunday Scaries, a monthly show at The Oxford Taproom. He also collaborates with other comedians in short sketch comedy videos for YouTube. We spoke with Liam to learn more about his career and why everyone should go to a comedy show.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Dark, well-written jokes that typically don’t punch up or down because I am hitting myself.
Who are some of your influences?
People with strong views and stronger writing. Feels corny to say George Carlin because my jokes are so far below his, but he will always be the king of delivering his message in a funny way.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Anthony Jeselnik, Bill Burr and Dave Chappelle back in the day.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Jeselnik is still number 1, but I recently got into Nick Mullen, and he is incredible.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I don’t really have one. Usually just grab a beer and sometimes go over my notes if it’s a longer set.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Molson Canadian Centre in Moncton. I got to open for Mark Normand in front of almost 2000 people, and it was incredible. I’ll be chasing that high for a long time and am super fortunate that the scene in Halifax is so great that an opportunity like that came my way.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I have a joke about Truth and Reconciliation Day that I’m proud of. I use it as my opener for most sets because, on top of being a really solid joke, it sets the tone for what my set is going to be like. I like to push the audience as far away as possible during the setup and then pull them back with the punchline (hopefully). Either way, it keeps them engaged the entire time, and that tension is really the key to all of it.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Nothing beats going to a show. We have so much fantastic local talent in the scene, and people from across Canada and the world come to Halifax to do comedy. I love watching a set from a person I’ve never seen before and seeing how they approach comedy.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I feel like people from Ontario discovering Halifax is a lot like when the British discovered North America. “Wow, look at all this beautiful land, and the locals have no idea what it’s worth!”
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Sunday Scaries is a monthly show I host at The Oxford Taproom, usually the first Sunday of the month. I hand-pick the lineup so every show is a banger.
Uncle Candy is a sketch/video project I work on with my good pal Braden Neville. We release sketches, shorts and just things we find funny every week, as well as work with other comics in the scene to film and produce their ideas.
COME TO A COMEDY SHOW. ANY SHOW. YOU WILL HAVE FUN.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Dan Hendricken and Sam Bartol are 2 of the best in the city right now. I could list another 20 that I love, though we have so much great talent in this scene.
