40 Years of Laughter: A Night to Remember

Last month, the legendary Canadian comedy troupe, Kids in the Hall, marked an impressive 40 years of hilarious performances at Toronto's Rivoli club—a beloved venue on Queen Street West. In true Kids in the Hall style, the anniversary celebration was a riotous affair, eschewing formality and opting for an irreverent evening that delved into sometimes controversial territory.

Bruce McCulloch, a member of the troupe, humorously noted to the audience, "The dressing room is exactly the same. They still have the couch the Parachute Club had orgies on." This sets the tone for a night filled with laughter, nostalgia, and unfiltered humor, as the group revisited a selection of sketches that had previously been deemed too outrageous for their hit TV show, which aired from 1989 to 1995 and saw a revival on Amazon Prime in 2022.

Bold Humor and Controversy

Throughout the evening, various sensitive yet thought-provoking topics were addressed, ranging from Adolf Hitler to uncomfortable comparisons of bodily orifices, along with a comedic take on the "birthday of AIDS." This blend of audacity and satire showcases the group’s unyielding spirit and their commitment to challenging societal norms through comedy.

In a playful interruption before one of the first sketches, Scott Thompson, clad in a white wedding veil, marched into the audience to confront a plaque honoring the troupe. “We’re not dead yet,” he quipped, humorously draping his veil over the display. This moment plays on the recurring theme of mortality that has intertwined with their legacy—particularly given that the opening sketch of their 2022 reboot featured the members "excavated" from a mass grave.

Hopes for the Future

Often likened to the British comedy powerhouse Monty Python, the Kids had initially aspired to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors—who transitioned from television to feature films with great success. They envisioned a future filled with cinematic projects after their show ended, but the reality proved different. Their 1996 film, *Brain Candy*, a surreal comedy, flopped critically and commercially, quashing any immediate plans for follow-up films.

Reflecting on this disheartening experience, McDonald remarked, “Just my bad instincts, to go to Los Angeles to start a solo career after *Brain Candy* bombed.” Despite the challenges, he credits the time in California for personal growth, including learning to drive and navigating the audition circuit, landing guest spots on various shows, including *Seinfeld*, where he fondly remembers Jerry Seinfeld's endearingly frequent mix-up of names.

A Hopeful Return

After years in Hollywood, McDonald eventually found happiness amidst the laugh-filled chaos of the Winnipeg comedy festival, where he met someone special. Currently, he plans to perform at Edmonton’s Grindstone Theatre on December 20 and 21, sharing stories from his days with Kids in the Hall.

Legacy and Influence

As McDonald reflects on the troupe’s cult status, he likens their influence to that of the venerable alt-rock band Pixies—often overshadowed by Nirvana. “A small portion of the world loves us. We’re weird, I guess,” he admits, highlighting the unique flavor of the Kids in the Hall's comedic legacy.

As they continue to push boundaries and entertain old and new fans alike, the Kids in the Hall remain a beacon of creativity in the landscape of comedic legends. Here’s to many more years of unexpected laughs and audacious humor!