Canadian-born comedian Maddy Kelly will be making her return to Toronto this weekend! Still buzzing from her recent late-night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the next stop on Kelly’s tour will be at Comedy Bar Danforth on July 27. But before she takes the stage for Toronto audiences, she will be honoured with the Rising Star Award and deliver the keynote address at the Future of Film Showcase this weekend, alongside actress Nina Kiri. 

Since her first standup set at 19 years old, Kelly has been charming audiences with her sharp wit, offbeat humour, and her unique perspective growing up with an Irish father and an Indian mother. She honed her skills in the Canadian comedy scene—writing for This Hour Has 22 Minutes, CBC Gem’s The Slowest Show, and appearing on CBC’s New Wave of Standup. 

Now based in New York City, she’s gone on to headline clubs around the U.S., win a Webby Award, be featured in The New Yorker and The New York Times, and garner hundreds of thousands of followers online. 

We love to see Canadian comics like Kelly getting the recognition they deserve—and coming back to share the love with Canadian audiences. Kelly and Kiri (who starred in Out Standing, a gripping portrait of Canada’s first female infantry officer) will be honoured with the Rising Star Award this weekend, celebrating emerging artists who innovate, champion inclusive storytelling, and inspire the next generation—past recipients include Sara Waisglass, Devery Jacobs, and Humberly Gonzalez.

We had a chance to ask Kelly a few questions before arriving in Toronto. Read on to hear about her funniest audience interaction, memories from her very first set, and her favourite pre and post-show rituals. 

How would you describe the vibe that audiences can expect from a Maddy Kelly show?

I’m shooting for it to feel like a dinner party that’s so fun everyone stays at the table for hours.

What does it mean to you to be receiving the Rising Star Award at the Future of Film Showcase?

It’s such a sweet and incredible honour. I’m excited to get in a room with other people who care about making art and supporting each other as Canadians.

You started standup when you were 19 years old—what do you remember about your very first set?

I had jeans with rips in them.

How has your comedy or performance style evolved since then?

I mean, I hope it’s evolved a lot. That first set I was mostly talking about man buns.

What is something that might surprise people about your experience growing up with an Indian mother and an Irish father?

I had my first sunburn at 25.


You recently had your late-night debut on The Tonight Show—how did you feel after that performance?

I felt happy and exhausted. I remember eating banana pudding from Magnolia Street Bakery in the dark with my boyfriend because we were too tired to turn the lights on.

Do you have any pre or post-show rituals?

Pre-show Red Bull (oops) and listening to my Spotify Wrapped number 2 artist  (Lil Wayne), and post-show I’ll hang out with the other comics and walk home listening to my Spotify Wrapped number 1 artist, Henry Hall. 

What is a memorable audience reaction or interaction that has stuck with you?

In San Diego I talked to a woman who had had a boyfriend for 17 years but hadn’t married him. They said they were getting to it. Made me laugh so hard. They already had 3 kids. The boyfriend was there and said I shouldn’t worry. But after 17 years and 3 kids I did feel the need to put some pressure on him.

What do you wish more people knew about the realities of being a standup comedian?

Telling me I’m much better in person than online is not the compliment you think it is.

What is making you laugh these days?

My amazing loved ones.

Maddy Kelly will be honoured with the Rising Star Award at the Future of Film Showcase on July 26. The festival runs from July 23-26—see the full schedule here. Kelly will also perform at Comedy Bar Danforth on July 27.