The Arts Club Theatre and the Revue Stage (located next door) are my choices for live entertainment in Vancouver. The former has hosted a number of hit productions such as "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Angry Housewives". It's a wonderful place to see some truly talented local performers.
The Revue Stage is home to the Vancouver TheatreSports League. Why it seems like only yesterday but, good god, it was nearly 16 years ago that I would drive downtown with my friends every Friday or Saturday to watch the TheatreSports gang. With talent like Colin Mocharie and Ryan Stiles though, it was worth the effort - yes, they got their start here. The group has grown now and they even have their own theatre (they used to cram into a small stage on Thurlow St. after the evening performance was over) but they will still make you laugh until you pee your pants. If you've seen "Whose Line is it Anyway?" then you know how it works; audience suggestions are the basis for improved routines. There are also semi-scripted performances that incorporate a theme. The last show I went to see was "Improviver" which was a hysterical spoof on the hit reality show. One by one, improvisers were "voted off the stage" complete with mock tiki torches.
Tickets for Arts Club Productions range from about $27-50 CDN and Theatresports shows are around $10 CDN. Personally I think you'll get a lot of value for you're money. Make a day of it and spend the day at Granville Island, go for a nice dinner then take in a show.
Note: I prefer weekend shows for Theatresports because the crowds are bigger and there's a better energy for improv comedy - however July & August will probably be busy most nights. Some productions are not suitable for kids (TheatreSports can get a little raunchy - it's not on TV = no editors)
Ph# 604-687-1644 Website:
Arts Club Theatre