A short story about English stand-up comedy in Basel. - by Vanessa Lépine
The comedy scene in Switzerland is quite new. To give you an idea, I started myself doing stand-up comedy 5 years ago and I’m considered as one of the ‘’veteran’’. At first, most of the open mics were taking place in Zurich. Then Markus Seppala launch the first open mic in Basel. I decided to start producing my own open mics. As I tentatively stepped onto the production of events, little did I know that this journey would lead me to the heartwarming embrace of Heimat, a venue that has become synonymous with inclusivity and laughter.
As I was looking for a venue in Basel, I stumbled upon Heimat and was immediately charmed by the values exuded by the owner, Oliver, and the entire staff. Their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment became the cornerstone of what would later become a thriving hub for comedy enthusiasts. This is how in 2019 we started the bi-monthly English Open Mic at Heimat. For a year, we were able to gather a loyal following, some of which are still dear friends of mine.
As fate would have it, the comedy community at Heimat proved to be more than just a stage for laughs. The camaraderie formed during the hard times of the COVID-19 pandemic became a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Together, we supported one another, navigating the challenges that the global health crisis threw our way. It was in these moments of solidarity that the bonds between comedians, staff, and the audience strengthened, creating a family within the walls of Heimat.
With the easing of pandemic restrictions, I made a decision that symbolized the growth and evolution of Basel's comedy scene. Handing over the reins of the comedy night to local comedians was a natural progression. The decision marked a transition to a collective effort, emphasizing the vibrant talents that the European comedy scene had to offer. I couldn’t have had a better successor than Teddy Hall helped by Ablert Louw.
Today, Heimat stands tall as a hub for stand-up comedy, attracting comedians from all corners of the globe. The neon sign proclaiming 'Comedy' became a beacon, drawing in not just laughter-seekers but also fostering an environment where creativity flourishes. It has become a place where cultural differences are celebrated, and the universal language of laughter unites people.
It brings me immense joy to announce a significant milestone in my comedy journey. On the 27th of January, I will be presenting the work-in-progress of my first one-hour show at Heimat.
As I stand on the stage, delivering my first one-hour show, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey that Basel's comedy scene has taken.
