Stand-up comedians Darcy & Jer chatted about “The No Refunds Tour.”
They opened up about what inspires their comedy routines, and being artists in the digital age.
How has “The No Refunds Tour” been so far?
Jer: It’s been a dream come true! Traveling North America with my husband meeting our fans face to face has been so much fun.
Darcy: It’s been an absolute nightmare. We’re in a new city every night, I miss retirement.
Jer: He’s just cranky because we keep adding dates and all he wants to do is garden.
Darcy: I’m actually having such a blast, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be performing alongside my husband. And yet here we are, dragging my ass from city to city just so I can watch him be awkward on stage beside me.
Jer: Darcy’s the real star of the show, I only go out on stage to make sure he works.
Darcy: Ha! If that isn’t the truth!!
What inspires your comedic routine?
Darcy: I think I’ve always been inspired by comedians that draw on real life, ones that when you watch them it almost feels like you’re sitting around their living room having a drink or smoking a joint with.
Jer: We’ve both been really drawn to feel good comedy, stuff that punches up and brings people together.
Darcy: Now we sound like an after school special.
Jer: You literally just said smoking a joint.
Darcy: Ya, where’d that start for me? AFTER SCHOOL JEREMY!
Jer: Next question.
How does it feel to be stand-up comedians in the digital age (now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
Jer: Great, I think after 18 years of watching Darcy tour Canada trying to make a name for himself through traditional means, by turning to social media we were able to find a fanbase that we couldn’t reach before. And now here we are selling out theatres across North America!
Darcy: And soon beyond that as we’re expanding the tour to Europe later in 2024
Jer: Are we allowed to say that yet?
Darcy: I have no idea, I don’t read emails.
What do your plans for the future include?
Darcy: Ha! Well, Europe is next !
Jer: I’m sure we’re going to get yelled at for spilling that part but sure, why not, let’s just pretend we’re allowed to say that.
Darcy: Besides the current tour, we’re also filming a stand up special in BC in April.
Jer: Darcy’s also writing two books right now that he’s only 12 months behind on his deadline
Darcy: Don’t ask someone with ADHD to write a book
Jer: Let alone two books.
What is your advice for young and aspiring comedians?
Darcy: Don’t.
Jer: Darcy!
Darcy: Honestly my advice is the same advice I got years and years ago that really helped me: don’t take advice from anyone, just do what feels right to you. The audience will always tell you if it’s going to work – they’re the only ones you should listen to.
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
Darcy: I was really fortunate to have so many cool things before social media, like a sitcom with Dave Foley from kids in the hall, and so many appearances at Just for Laughs in Montreal but really, yeah I think that first clip on TikTok.
It was from my 2018 stand up special “Darcy Michael Goes to Church” and overnight it got a couple million views… it just solidified to me that all those years struggling was actually worth it.
Jer: Mine was probably agreeing to let Darcy film me and then eventually me filming Darcy pretty much nonstop.
Darcy: translation: he used me for clout.
What does the word success mean to you?
Darcy: Time in my garden.
Jer: Notice he didn’t say time with family?
Darcy: Fine, you can come sit in the garden too, but be quiet.
What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?
Jer: Whether you come to our live shows or watch our content online, Thank you!
Darcy: Tolerate you!
To learn more about Darcy & Jer, check out their official website.
