Sarah Jane Martin is a comedian who has always felt more puzzled by the “normal” world than by the things that make her stand out. Her comedy leans into the absurdity of everyday life — the mundane things nobody else seems to question and the minor inconveniences people treat like catastrophes — delivered with the dry, rambling energy of someone who has been quietly clocking the bizarre details of human behaviour for years. Shaped by early exposure to Norm MacDonald and the golden era of ’90s SNL, and now inspired by performers like Meg Stalter, Sarah Jane has carved out a voice that is distinctly her own: sharp, self-aware, and refreshingly unfiltered.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I think I’ve always felt a bit alien and found it strange to be labelled as a weirdo when so many aspects of normalcy seem bizarre to me. So I tend to ramble about common things that give me the ick — or things that I think are incredible that no one is noticing.
Who are some of your influences?
I always dread answering this question because so many of my most influential comedy role models turned out to be huge creeps. And that’s a hard thing to reckon with as an artist! Much of the reason I went into comedy is that it was a mode of expression that felt so much more free from the confines of expectations of women. But then you enter that world, and it’s like navigating a field of landmines.
I guess in terms of my delivery, I’m just influenced by affluent Suburban boomer moms whose lives have become too small — so these mundane little things get blown out of proportion. I love watching them call a brunch “horrible” and treat minor inconveniences like human rights violations. So many of us were raised in this purity culture where deviance from the norm is bad — and it teaches us to be upset about things that don’t matter at all. And that’s hilarious to me.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
I was exposed to some pretty dark comedy really early. Like, I was watching Dirty Work by Norm MacDonald on repeat in Kindergarten. I was also really big into sketch comedy. Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, Dana Carvey — early ’90s SNL glory days.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Right now, I’d say I love seeing what Meg Stalter is doing — she breaks open expectations of women in the most hilarious ways by presenting herself “presenting herself” — self-obsessed, ultra-femme, Hollywood icon.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I like recording my set into my phone and then listening to myself deliver it while I walk to the venue. It helps me experience it on the other side and find ways to make it tighter.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I performed in Stony Mountain Penitentiary when I was seven months pregnant. Obviously the novelty of rolling through a men’s prison while pregnant in a tank top was hilarious to me — and I’m eager to tell my daughter about it someday — but I was blown away by how kind the audience was. Every person there got up and stood in line to shake my hand and thank me after the show.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I love my material surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. Most people find the whole idea some combination of disgusting and terrifying — or on the flip side, this divine, sacred, pure act. I think it can somehow be all of those things and none of those things at the same time.
I had an older comic tell me recently that he likes that material because it sounds like pregnancy from the perspective of a man. Which, in a strange way, feels accurate. Because, if you look at the way men are encouraged to get excited about things like UFC or watching mob movies where people get blown to bits? That’s how I feel about childbirth.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Admittedly, I love that reels on social media can introduce me to one of the best jokes I’ve ever heard when I’m just going about my day.
Tell us a joke about your city.
If your social has a Jeanne Cake, I’m not coming, but I’ll still buy a ticket bcuz you must really need the money <3
Where can we follow you?
Find me on Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Rollin Penner is a real gem. I have a soft spot for woke, traumatized Mennonites — but a woke Menno Grandpa? Get outta here! He’s an absolute breath of fresh air after growing up and seeing so much of that hacky “I hate my wife”-type comedy from his peers. He’s got this amazing blend of gallows humour, social commentary, and this enduring spirit of the cheeky little sh*t-disturber that loves ruffling the feathers of buttoned-up grownups.
