B.C. Adventures: Things to Do in January

This is your guide to local things to to in January, including comedy shows, circus and more.

1. THE HEAT: An International Improv Comedy Showcase – Tuesday, January 28 to Saturday, February 1
Vancouver

The Improv Centre is bringing its second annual improv comedy festival to Granville Island. This festival gathers comedians from around the world to perform nightly for Vancouverites. Audiences can expect to see improv teams like Second Breakfast (New Zealand), Ruutu10 (Estonia), The Impro Show (Zimbabwe) and SPIT Manila (Manila) on their local stage. Each day will feature a different show, so be sure to check out all the offerings for five days of laughs!

The Improv Centre
1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets from $15
Details online

2. The bomb: Smriti Keshari & Eric Schlosser – Thursday, January 16
Vancouver

The Phil Land Initiative’s 2025 series features discussions revolving around the theme What It Means to Be “American”: Navigating Identity in a Changing Nation. Writer and director duo Smriti Keshari and Eric Schlosser are opening this series with their multimedia exhibition, the bomb. This exhibition combines archival footage with animation and an electronic score by The Acid to explore humanity’s (and America’s) connection with nuclear weapons. By recreating the claustrophobic feeling of being in missile silos and command centres, the exhibit invokes reflection on the existence of these weapons in the modern world.

Chan Centre, RBC Theatre
6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver
Free entry
Details online

3. I remember… – Wednesday, January 15 to Saturday, January 18

Presented by Firehall Arts Centre, this full-length dance performance was created by award-winning dancer and choreographer Joe Laughlin. The story recounts this senior Canadian artist’s 40-year tenure in the dance industry.  The 63-year-old reflects on the nuances of aging, as well as his experience in dance, competitive gymnastics and working in South Africa. His message to audiences is to “ remember… you are never too old to do what you love.”

Firehall Arts Centre
280 East Cordova Street, Vancouver
Tickets from $25
Details online

4. Someone Like You – Thursday, January 9 to Sunday, February 9
Vancouver

Get ready for some giggles and laughs, coming to a theatre near you! This comedy show presented by The Arts Club Theatre Company is touring around the Lower Mainland, from West Vancouver all the way to Maple Ridge. This story is set in 21st century Vancouver, where two best friends explore their millennial manifestos, dating apps and embark on a quest for self-love.

Various locations
Tickets from $19
Details online

5. Circa’s Duck Pond – Wednesday, January 22 to Saturday, January 25
Vancouver

DanceHouse is presenting this full-length contemporary dance-circus hybrid as a reinterpretation of the world-famous ballet Swan Lake. Acrobatics, burlesque and slapstick comedy is sprinkled into the show to create refreshing choreography to the classic story. Australian contemporary circus company Circa will tour Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City after they complete their Vancouver leg. Be sure to catch them while they’re in town!

Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets from $35
Details online

6. The Three Musketeers – Thursday, January 16 to Sunday, February 16
Vancouver

This Catherine Bush adaptation of the classic story by Alexandre Dumas is a balance between comedy and historic flair. Follow an aspiring swordsman and warrior as he sets off on a venture to join the famous musketeer trio.

12-2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets from $29
Details online

7. Three Way Mirror – Until Friday, January 24
Kelowna

This exhibition was created by the Three Way Mirror queer collective. The three members of the trio, Daniel Barrow, Glenn Gear and Paige Gratland, collaborated on a variety of mediums to create the works in this showcase. These art forms are linked to each artist’s personal and political beliefs, and are rooted in craft traditions.

Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art
103-421 Cawston Avenue, Kelowna
Free entry
Details online

8. Femme Fatale: BODY LANGUAGE – Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18
Kelowna

This student showcase explores human anatomy through dance. Each act pays tribute to a different body part, and transforms body curvatures into alluring visuals that tell a story. You can choose from three different ticketing options. Tier one features a dinner at Revelry Food and Music Hub before the show, tier two guarantees floor seats and tier three is general admission. Please note this event is only suitable for those aged 19+.

Revelry Food + Music Hub
1383 Ellis Street, Kelowna
Prices vary
Details online