About Us
About Don Gaylord Bryan (and friends)
The need for laughter and entertainment is probably more prevalent today than at any other time in history. So many industries are finding themselves in a state of constant change and confusion that they forget the important of the camaraderie of laughter. If you’re ready for some new entertainment this year, there’s some light and laughter at the end of the comedy tunnel.
Don Bryan, Canada’s premier ventriloquist/humorist has been a well-kept secret in North America for the past 30 years. As one of the most highly-acclaimed ventriloquists in the world, his fast-paced, hysterically funny and completely customized presentations combine to delight even the most jaded audiences.
With an exceptional talent for researching and tailoring his performance to an audience’s specific requirements, Don Bryan is a rare talent in an industry of “can openers”! Each performance is peppered with regional, political and industry humor and the outrageous situations his characters can drag the audience into will leave them howling in the aisles and, sometimes … falling out of their chairs.
Don and cast of characters help audiences find the joy of the “belly laugh” again. We can’t help but laugh at ourselves and the trials of everyday life.
After all … didn’t someone say, “To err is human, to laugh hysterically is utterly divine”!
This is a photo taken by the ship’s photographer on board the Greek ocean Liner, the Arkadia, in 1963, of Don performing in a passenger talent show. He was in transit from Halifax with some buddies, heading for South Hampton UK, the jumping off place for a world hitchhiking tour. This was actually his first “cruise” ship show – little did he know this was a precursor to his future as a Cruise ship performer 32 years later!
Don’s professional career as a local ventriloquist in Vancouver took many twists and turns, starts and stops. The local agents in town, and there were several, who booked artists for everything from bars, strip clubs, concerts, festivals, corporate events, exhibitions… The most coveted spot for Don was the Cave Supper Club and Izzy’s Night Club on Georgia, where eventually he did perform as an opening act for Kenny Rogers and other greats.
“I think the most fun I had was touring around the coffee house circuit that was so popular in the late 60s. Vancouver had several in the downtown area, where you could see and hear great performers, from comedy improv to blues and jazz; it was an amazing time for me. It would be interesting to see a revival of this casual, non alcoholic venue with live variety entertainment once again in Vancouver.“
Feature Video
Don’s Puppet Creations
