West End act takes comedy very seriously.

At this week’s Montreal Sketch Comedy Festival, dozens of acts take to the stage at Theatre Ste. Catherine to generate some serious laughter. This marks the third year for the festival, which began as a weekend event, now spanning over six nights. “We’ve had to expand the festival because it’s become so popular,” says Eric Amber, operator of Theatre Ste. Catherine and Festival organizer, “we’re even looking to add extra venues next year.”

Looking to the future is a major part of this year’s event. Many acts in the roster have developed their comedy on the internet, through websites like YouTube. Amber believes that the web has become a great way for comedians to promote themselves. “Like Jean Lajoie this year,” whom Amber says will make his first live appearance after lots of buzz through his own website. “That’s new for us.”

But not every act appearing at the fest cut their comedy chops via computer. Uncalled For, the West End’s most prolific young improv and sketch troupe, have performed live for nine years. They came together as students at John Abbott and are definitely on the hilarious road to glory.

Speaking of roads, people frequenting Sherbrooke Street West may have seen their most unusual vehicle. “Our bus is awesome!” exclaims founding member Anders Yates. Bought for “around a grand”, Uncalled For converted an old short school bus into their official set of wheels. “When we got it, it wouldn’t start, I mean nothing,” explains co-founder Dan Jeannotte, “but we got it fixed, painted it black, and put our name on it.” The bus has served them well, taking them across Canada, hosting several parties, and soliciting many double-takes from local onlookers.

This Thursday, they will park that bus at Theatre Ste. Catherine to perform in this year’s festival. Alongside a stellar lineup that includes acts from Montreal, Toronto and beyond, Uncalled For will present “Blastback Babyzap”, a wild set of new and original material.

When asked about a theme for their show, Yates points to the supernatural. “There are a lot of ghosts in our comedy for some reason,” he says. “Everybody loves ghosts.”

It’s not just the bus that gets attention, though. The group performs a style of comedy that member Nic Wright describes as “viciously aristocratic”. They do not go for punchlines so much as funny situations that infuse intelligence with belly laughs. “We’re not pandering to the audience”, states member Will Ward, “and we have a thing for circular logic.” Although they credit Monty Python among others as influences, they are definite that growing up in the West Island had the greatest impact on their sense of humour. “I think we see things through a whimsical, childlike lens,” says Jeannotte, “and that’s why we’re against negativity.”

This philosophy has carried them to success time and again. They are an institution at Montreal Fringe, as hosts of the 13th Hour and Fringe For All, and their unique blend of improvisation and sketch comedy has taken them to festivals all over.

Of course, they are thrilled to be a part of the Montreal Sketch Comedy Festival for the third year running, and they have a warning for those who will attend. “If you go,” says Yates, “you will see the funniest dream you you’ve ever had.”

As for the future, “A game show in Japan would be great!” exclaims Jeannotte. “We’d call it the ‘Super Happy Punch Fest For To Make Rich Time Friends’'

Way before that happens, you can catch them at the festival. For showtimes, schedules, and information, go to www.theatrestecatherine.com.