Talkies Comedy Blends Film and Stand-Up

By Jancey Marty 

Talkies Comedy Show at Whammy Analog in Silverlake, Calif. Oct. 16. Jancey Marty/LMU 

LOS ANGELES, CA, Nov. 3, 2025 – The lights dimmed inside Whammy Analog, a small film-lover's venue in Silver Lake. The screen flashed a rainbow tie-dye overlay titled, “Talkies,” and the crowd cheered. Four photos flashed; they seemed to represent the upcoming acts. There was a woman dressed as Dracula with a red bowl cut, a man flashing his camera, Mario and Luigi, and a waitress holding an accordion. Talkies Comedy is not your typical stand-up night; it’s a mash-up of sketches, short films, or multimedia performances. 

The show was created by comedians in San Francisco in 2012. Producer George Chen says he was inspired by variety shows in Los Angeles, such as Tomorrow! With Ron Lynch. “Through the years, most of our producers moved to Los Angeles, so it made sense to move the show down south,” stated Chen. They wanted to show people that comedy isn’t just stand-up. It’s a place where comedians can experiment with pre-recorded videos, live sketches, PowerPoints, and alternative humor. 

Greg Edwards presented a PowerPoint titled, “What Your Mario Kart Character Says About You.” He shared how this idea originated when someone asked him who he voted for in the last presidential election. “After that, I went down the rabbit hole,” Edwards said, “I feel like voting doesn’t really clarify what kind of person you are, but seeing who someone picks for Mario Kart, that’s more descriptive, and I made a whole joke about that.”  

For his first performance at Talkies, the comedian slid through and analyzed pictures of Nintendo characters. “No one is choosing Mario,” Edwards stated, earning a wave of laughter. “If you are, you’re probably a straight, CIS, white man.” His further observations included that men who play with Princess Peach are performative, and Shy Guy should be investigated for looking awfully like a KKK member.  “If you play with Toad, you definitely do mushrooms – I mean, he literally has a mushroom head,” joked Edwards.  

The next comedian, Jack Brown, performed his “Paparazzo” sketch. Brown emerged from the back, boasted a goatee, and flashed his camera to the audience as he sprinted to the stage. He introduced himself as a paparazzo, who has captured some of the most iconic pap photos – such as Nicole Kidman ecstatically skipping after her divorce with Tom Cruise was finalized. However, he was arrested for stalking and given his own paparazzi. A taste of his own medicine. "I wanted to flip the script,” said Brown. “What happens when the guy who’s obsessed becomes the one being watched?” The sketch included Law and Order sound effects, chaotic editing, and countless flashes from paparazzi cameras. It ended with a comedic twist of him and his stalker falling in love. 

As the night went on, it became clear that shows like Talkies represent the multifaceted world of comedy. The lines between film, stand-up, and performance art are blurring. Comedians can experiment with their delivery formats. Instead of relying on traditional punch lines, performers utilize irony, technology, and cinematic editing to keep audiences engaged. 

In the post-cancel-culture and politically polarized state of the world, comedians are adapting – not by censoring themselves but by changing their delivery. “There’s a fine line. At the end of the day, you have to be funny, witty, and smart about it,” said Edwards. “Everyone’s tired, everyone’s going through the same life you are, everyone’s seeing the same news you do, so try to make some light of it.” 

The evolution doesn’t come without tension. Comedy lovers frequently discuss what is “too far” and possible backlash. Brown shared that it’s incredibly frustrating to balance being a free comedian with the current administration, referencing Jimmy Kimmel’s recent suspension. “It was ridiculous and both politically and financially motivated. It sets a dangerous precedent. I fear for the country as a whole!” 

If Talkies proved anything, it’s that comedy is always evolving and getting weirder. Between fake paparazzi, Mario Kart PowerPoints, and comments on cancel culture, the show felt like both a joke and a statement. In an industry that’s constantly rewriting its own rules, Talkies proves that laughter will always find ways to connect people. 

Sources 

George Chen, Producer of Talkies 

Email: talkiesshow@gmail.com 

Greg Edwards, Comedian 

Email: grege54@gmail.com 

Jack Brown, Comedian 

Email: brown7790jjb@gmail.com