Genevieve Robinson has a theory about bad experiences — if you have to live through them, you might as well get a joke out of it. Part dark comedian, part silly goose, and entirely Irish about the whole thing, Genevieve has built a style that swings between stupid puns and jokes about death without missing a beat, keeping audiences laughing at things they probably shouldn’t be laughing at. Shaped by the fearless range of Sarah Silverman and the unflinching honesty of Taylor Tomlinson, she has developed into one of Saskatchewan’s most distinctive voices — a comic equally at home performing a Just for Laughs showcase and the back of a flatbed truck in a regional park with children on one side and drunk fraternity brothers on the other.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Dark comedy mixed a little bit of silly goose. I find humour in all things dark and depressing, like a divorced dad trying to connect with his emo child. A lot of my jokes come from my life experiences. I think if you have to go through bad things in life, you might as well take the opportunity to make a joke out of it. It’s fitting because I’m Irish, so we love tragedy and sadness.
Who are some of your influences?
When I was younger, I really liked Sarah Silverman. I loved the way she’s able to go from a fun, silly joke to something super dark. I love to make a stupid pun or dumb joke right after I make a joke about death. Keeps the audience on their toes. Taylor Tomlinson has also inspired me to not shy away from the topic of grief and death. Her new special is also top-tier, and I would recommend listening to it.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Dave Chappell, Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais, and Sacha Baron Cohen in Da Ali G Show. Also, the SNL legends Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Kristen Wiig.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
I mean, Dave Chappelle is my all-time favourite. But recently, I’ve been liking Will Burkart, Katie Boyle, Alec Flynn, and Rory Scovel. There’s so many talented comics out there that it’s hard to compile them all.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Order a Coke— full sugar because I like to live my life on the diabetic side. Write out my set list, shadow box in the green room, and pray that I don’t see any of my coworkers in the crowd.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
My favourite was probably on the back of a flatbed truck in the middle of a regional park in small town Saskatchewan. I had a group of children on one side and drunk frat bros on the other. So basically, my prime demographic. Being a comic in Saskatchewan means you get to perform in some very weird places. Lots of small venues that aren’t designed for comedy at all. I’m talking house lighting, no working mic, no stage, right in front of the door with people walking in and out. Basically, the opposite of a Netflix special. But those shows/venues turn out to be the most memorable. And of course, when I did a Just for Laughs Showcase. That was a very surreal moment.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
Some of my favourite jokes have come out of my failed relationships. I have a good one about engineers and the profession as a whole. I don’t shy away from making fun of people in my life, including exes. This bit just starts off very silly and then gets dark at the end. When I was first writing it, I was worried that it wouldn’t be relatable, but I’ve had a lot of women come up to me after shows and tell me about their ex who’s an engineer. Apparently, engineers aren’t the best in relationships. I think I told the guy about the joke years later and he seemed chill. I haven’t gotten a cease and desist yet, so that’s a good sign.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Instagram Reels is my main source to watch stand-up clips. But if I’m wanting longer videos, I go to back to the classics—YouTube in 320fps.
Tell us a joke about your city.
It’s not so much of a joke as it is a fact. The city of Regina came out with a new tourism campaign a few years ago based on the idea of “Experiencing Regina,” and the tag line was “Show us your Regina”. That one made international news, which makes me very proud.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I’m planning a tour later on in the year, so keep an eye on my socials for that announcement.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Paula Dott | Nicholas Fuzesy | Anna Linassi | Josh Fleming | Jane Buenavista
