Citizen Chen The Island Tour 2026 (Live in Cumberland) | Heading to Edinburgh Fringe

🇨🇦 CITIZEN CHEN: THE ISLAND TOUR

“Where is your furniture?”

When a Canadian border officer interrogated Scarlet about her couch, she didn’t see a threat—she saw a Feng Shui consultation.

In her hit solo show Citizen Chen, local Island comedian Scarlet Chen turns the high-stakes stress of immigration into a laugh-packed hour of cultural whiplash. From suspicious customs agents to the absurd lengths we go to “fit in,” come find out why the path to citizenship is paved with paperwork, bureaucracy, and poorly placed armchairs.

🌟 THE ROAD TO EDINBURGH

Before she takes the ferry all the way to the Edinburgh Fringe this August for a 24-show run, see the show where it all began. Expect razor-sharp observations, language mishaps, and that "laugh-out-loud" recognition of life between two worlds.

No small talk. Just punchlines, heart, and a lot of stamps.

🏆 PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CANCOM

This tour is a CANCOM-funded project, supporting original Canadian comedy intellectual property.

🎤 ABOUT YOUR HEADLINER

Originally from China, Gabriola based Scarlet Chen, an award-winning screenwriter, accidentally found herself on stage in Canada after years behind the scenes in film. Since her stand-up debut in 2022, she has opened for comedy icons Maria Bamford and Julie Kim, become a word-of-mouth hit at the Nanaimo Fringe, and performed at international comedy festivals while expanding into theatre.

In August 2026, Scarlet brings her solo show Citizen Chen from Vancouver Island to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Scarlet continues to speak funny—and the world is starting to listen.

🎤 ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Mary Wisforden is sweet, sticky, thick and pretty. Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Mary Wisforden is a woman with talents and jobs spanning multitudes. A tree planter turned farmer turned stand-up comedian, Mary is bringing you feral Housewife crossed with deadly Auntie vibes. Bringing a new take on race, relationships, and navigating your thirties in this pre-apocalyptic world we call home. Catch Mary on featured on season 1 of CTV's hit reality show Traitors Canada now on Crave or Streaming on ctv.ca.

🎤 ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL GUEST:

A seasoned veteran of the Vancouver Island comedy trenches, Talon Peters has spent years perfecting the art of making audiences laugh at his own expense. A Comox Valley mainstay, Talon has graced stages ranging from the prestigious Sid Williams Theatre to the rowdy late nights at the High Tide Public House. He brings a relatable, down-to-earth energy to the stage that only comes from years of trial-and-error and a truly impressive lack of self-esteem. When he isn’t dodging hecklers, you can find him with the Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Club, where his legendary BBQ skills far outweigh his actual athletic ability.