Top 10 Up-and-Coming Rumor's Headliners
There have been so many incredible comedians that have come to Winnipeg since we opened for business all the way back in 1984 — 40 years ago!
Rumor’s has given Winnipeggers a sneak peak of some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy before they got famous, such as Jerry Seinfeld, Norm MacDonald, Chris Rock, and many more.
So, this week, we want to let you know about some of our favourite headliners that we expect will be blowing up in the very near future. Count yourself lucky if you saw them when they came through our club, and hopefully we’ll be able to have them through again, so you can see what we’re talking about.
The Top 10 Up-and-Coming Rumor’s Headliners
Here at Rumor’s, we pride ourselves on being on the cutting edge of comedy. We love bringing in acts that are juuuust about to become big names. In fact, you can read all about the household name comedians that have graced our stage before they were famous here.
But, this list is all the names that are on their way up.
Brian Simpson
You’d think that a Marine Corps veteran who grew up as a foster child might have some baggage, but Brian Simpson is chill as all get out and zen as F***! Combining sharp observations with mind-blowingly unique point-of-view, audiences love getting to know Brian.
We were lucky to have Brian in November of 2023, and those who saw him will agree.
Adrienne Iapalucci
Sardonic, sarcastic, and cynical, Adrienne Iapalucci has brought her brash Bronx sensibilities to Rumor’s back in 2022. Since then, she’s travelled the world opening for Louis CK. Her dark observations coupled with her matter-of-fact delivery make Adrienne one of the purest comedians around, and her album, Baby Skeletons is a must listen.
Paul Rabliauskas
From Poplar River First Nation all the way to your TV screen, Paul Rabliauskas cut his teeth in the Winnipeg comedy circuit, but is now gaining national attention for his CTV sitcom, Acting Good, of which he is the creator and star. The show is based on Paul’s experiences returning to his reserve after spending his formative years in the big city.
Paul headlined Rumor’s in early February of 2024, and we hope to have him back real soon… if he’s not playing theatres by then.
Mike Rita
A first generation Portuguese-Canadian, Mike Rita is multiculturalism in a pothead’s body. Caught in the crossfire between his immigrant parents and the English speaking, tech-savvy youth of Toronto, Mike navigates the absurdity of his life with love and laughter.
Nate Craig
Nate Craig is a cool head among the chaos, not unlike a surfer carving through the barrel of a wave in a suit with a scotch in his hand. And he doesn’t spill.
Nate recently appeared in the 2024 Bill Burr flick, Old Dads, and he’s a regular opener for Burr on his North American theatre tours.
Nate is beloved by Rumor’s audience and staff, and we’re holding out hope that we’ll see him on our stage once again.
Mark Little
Absurdity thy name is Little. Mark Little. Born in Halifax, NS, Mark is an original member of the cult-favourite sketch comedy group, Picnicface. His lightning quick wit and infectious smile make him one of the most lovable comedians you’ll ever see. Now living in New York City, we expect Mark’s lovability to bring him huge success in the US.
He was here last summer (June, 2023), but hopefully you’ll have another chance to catch him on our stage before he gets too big.
Ashley Gavin
Ashley Gavin is that rare breed of person that can hang with anyone — dudes, ladies, jocks, lesbians — ANYBODY. And that’s why she’s on this list of Rumor’s Headliners to watch out for. Ashley chats with the audience with ease, finding firm common ground that everybody can have fun on. It’s been almost a year since Ashley’s been to Rumor’s.
If we can get her back, be sure not to miss out.
Steph Tolev
Filthy, flirty, and full of energy, Steph Tolev is a cyclone of depravity in a jumpsuit and a mullet. There’s no such thing as too much information for this Toronto-born dynamo. Steph killed it when she headlined Rumor’s back in April of 2019. Since then, she’s made her Netflix debut on Bill Burr’s Friend’s Who Kill showcase special, and she’s toured all over the continent opening for Bill Burr in huge arenas, including her hometown Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
The Filth Queen is back in March of 2024, and who knows, she might jump to headlining arenas herself.
Ariel Elias
If someone threw a beer at you, what would you do?
Ariel Elias would drink it. She’s equal parts sweet and tough, and her comedy reflects that. Sharing personal stories with a wry smile in tow, Ariel reflects on life at large, and recently made her television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live. She’s showed no signs of slowing down since she was in Winnipeg back in the Fall of 2023, having been featured on Good Morning America, Rolling Stone, and performing on the set of the Marvellous Mrs. Maisel.
DJ Demers
He’s a Juno nominated stand up. His most recent comedy special, Interpreted, was picked up by Canadian streaming giant, Crave. And back in January 2024, his new sitcom, One More Time, premiered on CBC just as he took to the stage here at Rumor’s Comedy Club.
It’s safe to say that DJ is going places. We hope we’re one of those places again, real soon.
More: Comedians coming to Winnipeg in 2024
The best stand-up comedy in Winnipeg
If you’re looking for the best comedians in Winnipeg and around the world, you’ll find them right here at Rumor’s Comedy Club.
We’ve got an awesome dinner menu — try the new chicken burger — and our extensive drink list now includes a wide range of non-alcoholic options.
If you’re celebrating your birthday, why not join the Rumor’s Birthday Club, where you’ll get discounted entry for your party and a little gift from us to you.
Check out our up-coming events list and book your tickets today online or by calling 204-488-4520.
"Rumor's is always a good time. I love to see the variety of comedians, big and small, that come through Winnipeg and always stop here." - Owen L.