Slut Parade is going down at The Royal Cinema this Sunday, March 8, and it we’re certain it will be the International Women’s Day event in Toronto with the most laughs.
 
The all-star lineup includes some of the city’s most talented women in comedy; get ready to howl as they share their dirtiest, most awkward and downright bizarre stories about sex and relationships. There’s only one rule: no slut shaming. 
 
Leading up the big night, we’re chatting with some of the stand-up comics on the bill. When Carol Zoccoli performed at Shedoesthecity’s 10th anniversary celebration, the room erupted in cheers, laughter, and squeals of delight. Here’s what she has to say about dating in this town. 
 
What does IWD mean to you? 
IWD means I’ll be invited to do more comedy shows than usual. Hehe. And at those shows audiences are very open to celebrate women. 
 
What excites you about a show focused on sex and dating?
Our relationships are messy, we expect them to be perfect, all of our insecurities come out—what better subject for comedy?
 
When it comes to dating & relationships, what issues are irking you these days?
It amazes me that even after years in a relationship, people still have gaps in communication.
 
What’s the weirdest date you ever went on?
I’ll talk about it onstage! An encounter with the ugliest penis ever.
 
What’s something you will not tolerate in a relationship? 
Selfishness or narcissism. When we’re dating someone narcissistic abuse will follow, there’s no way around it. We gotta learn to read the signals and jump out fast!
 
If you imagine a Slut Parade, what part do you picture yourself playing? Are you a float? Carrying a sign? Paint a picture for us.
I’ll be choreographing a “slut dance” and making everyone dance. The “slut dance” is a mix of hip shaking and breast-throwing, of course.
 
What women are especially inspiring you these days? 
There’s a group of congresswomen from the PSOL party in Brazil that are fighting hard against Bolsonaro’s politics. What’s going on down there is insanity and I can’t even imagine having to be there every day for that. And they are. The strength of these women will make history.
 
How has humour, and stand-up, helped you the most?
It was the first time in my life that I felt that I was doing something well. It changed my perception of myself and made me more confident. The fact that I’m not scared to speak to any kind of audiences is huge. 
 
How do you deal with rage?
I’m learning to turn my rage into comedy and not jail time. It’s like magic: you talk about something that bothers you, the audience laughs and you’re free from that burden (says the comedian who has a whole new bit about her husband).
 
What’s your elevator pitch to coming to Slut Parade on IWD?

Do you know that energy when you meet your girlfriends and you’re wearing the sluttiest dress? That’s what you’re going to experience in this show!  

 
Sounds like the perfect way to cap off International Women’s Day.  Rally your crew and listen to Toronto’s top comedians share their best and worst dating stories at the iconic Royal Cinema, Sunday, March 8th, 8pm.