John Achkar's "Tryin' / 3am Jarrib"
Presented by INNOVENT

Comedian John Achkar takes you on a heartfelt and hilarious journey through the chaos of life in his thirties. While the world seems to have it all figured out (HA!), John is still just Tryin’.

From navigating life's absurdities to giving marriage another shot, he’s here to remind us that being a little lost is perfectly okay. With candid observations and relatable stories, John’s special will leave you laughing, nodding, and feeling a little less alone in this wonderfully crazy thing called life.

Wednesday, December 10
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

VIP (Rows A-D / Main Floor) $100+ s/c
Tier 1 (Rows E-I / Main Floor) $80+ s/c
Tier 2 (Rows J-O / Main Floor) $65+ s/c

*Please note: This performance is in Arabic.

Artist Bio:

John Achkar is a Lebanese stand-up comedian, actor, and entrepreneur renowned across the Middle East for his sharp humor and relatable storytelling. Known for blending wit with insightful social commentary, Achkar has become a household name in the comedy scene, performing sold-out shows in Lebanon, the GCC, Europe, North America, and Australia.

Achkar rose to prominence in 2020 after a viral skit on TikTok and Instagram catapulted him into the public eye. Since then, he has performed multiple one-hour comedy specials, including No Worries(2022), Wein 3ayish?(2023), Shou Zakeh?!(2024), and his latest hit AAM JARRIB(2025) : a bold exploration of trial, error, and embracing life’s constant experiments. The special dives into the humor and chaos of pushing boundaries, trying new things, and learning to keep moving forward.

In addition to comedy, Achkar co-founded Everythink, a small business aimed at creating interactive experiences through play. His entrepreneurial spirit and comedic talents have also led him to host Tar El Waet(2024), a Lebanese TV show blending satire with cultural and political critique.

Achkar’s achievements include touring in more than 60 cities for his world tour special in 2024, as well as opening for renowned comedian Gad El Maleh in Dubai and Paris , a career milestone that fulfilled a lifelong dream. Through his work, Achkar continues to inspire laughter and introspection, proving that comedy can be a powerful tool for connection and change.

Connect on Instagram: @johnachr

Join award winning host DANDY as he haunts legendary miser Ebenezer "Humbug" Scrooge (Jordy Matheson) in a jaunty tale of the true meaning of Christmas: SCARY GHOSTS and CONFRONTING TOXIC BEHAVIOUR. In this immersive drag cabaret we wretch the meaning of the holidays from the clasping clutches of Capitalists. Don't miss the gay of Christmas past, drag king Tiny Tim, and an assortment of burlesque GHOSTS! Will this troupe of Vancouver's best in drag save the spirit of the holidays with a bevy of spirits? Find out December, 12th at the iconic Rio Theatre at DANDY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL!

Friday, December 12
Doors 7:00 PM | Show 8:00 PM *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

EARLY BIRD, Save $10 off tickets until November 15, midnight.

Main Floor Assigned $30+ s/c in advance |  $35+ s/c at the door
VIP (Priority Seating & Prop Bag) $40+ s/c
Dandy's Figgy Foursome  – Save $20! (Available online only)

Hosted by the social media sensation and award winning master of ceremonies: 

DANDY

Featuring:
Phoenix Hellfire
Gnarleigh
Dusty Crops
Princess Fluffy Butt
Ms Heart
Sophia Diamonds
plus
The Dancing Dandies!

About your Host:

Dandy (he/him) is the award-winning host made popular on TikTok for his viral videos promoting queer joy! Winner of Host of the Year 2024 for Vancouver International Burlesque Festival and awarded runner up in the Georgia Straight’s BEST OF VANCOUVER for his show Drag Attack! – you can catch him regularly on stage in his shows at the iconic Rio Theatre in Vancouver, or touring this Fall between LA and New York City. His all new series Dandyland, which highlights businesses, organizations, and artists in the lower-mainland’s LGBT Community, premiered this Summer on Optik TV and was nominated by the Costume Designers Guild Awards for Excellence in Short Form Design 2024, and WON a CAFTCAD Award for Excellence in Webseries 2024 thanks to already award winning, multi-talented Costume Designer, Rafaella Rabinovich.

@dandyandfriends

Jake Lambert—one of the UK’s most exciting new comedians—is heading to the Rio Theatre with his smash-hit show The Sunshine Kid.

Fresh from sell-out shows across the UK, Europe, and Australia, Jake Lambert brings his worldwide tour The Sunshine Kid to Canada in 2025.

Described by The Telegraph as “a joke machine,” Jake has firmly established himself as one of the UK’s rising stand-ups. Known for his fast-paced, gag-packed storytelling, his online videos have attracted more than half a billion views, earning him a loyal global following.

The Sunshine Kid is Jake’s debut tour, and has been an international success that continues to grow with new dates around the world, now including Canada. Alongside his touring success, Jake has performed on Live at the Apollo and joined Michael McIntyre on his world tour.

★★★★★ "...pure brilliance from start to finish" - London Theatre 1
★★★★★ “An absolute must-see” - RGM
★★★★- "A joke machine" - The Telegraph
★★★★ "A great storyteller" - The Arts Desk
★★★★ "Winningly self-deprecating" – Chortle
★★★★ “All the ingredients are there to make Jake Lambert a household name” - ITalkTelly
★★★★ "Catalyses laughter that cannot be contained" - Fest Magazine

Friday, December 19
Doors 6:00 pm | Sow 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets selling fast! Over 50% sold in the first 48 hours. Don't delay Vancouver, reserve your tickets today!

This Rio Theatre gift certificate is good for entry to any single regular screening and includes one medium popcorn, one medium fountain beverage, and one small candy. If you prefer a physical card, this gift certificate is also available for purchase from our conession stand during open business hours.

Join us at the Rio Theatre on Friday, March 20 for the second annual H Cupcake Productions Foundation's THE COSPLAY SWIMSUIT CONTEST, a charity variety show mixing comedy and sex appeal - for a good cause!

H Cupcake Productions was founded with the goals of bringing laughter and smiles to adults, while supporting the needs of children. While the world hasn't been the kindest place these past few years, the organization's mission is event-driven, with the goal of bringing as much joy as possible to as many people as possible. The group has been the main event for adult entertainment at Anime Revolution since 2012, with an average current attendance of 3,400 people.

We have a fabulous lineup of performers to excite and entertain you! Many of your favorites from our annual show at Anime Revolution will be joining us: Cookie._.Rush, JMRohCreations, Vancity_Ranger, Gothish.Rain, Milkiway.Cosplay, BadSheepCosplay, Brystak, Kamistry, Gavin, Sharkiekitty, Angora.Phobia and Im.JuneMonsoon.

Friday, March 20
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Adult Entry $15+ s/c (Until August 11) | $20+ s/c
VIP (Rows A-C) $30+ s/c (Until August 11) | $40+ s/c

This Cosplay Swimsuit Contest will benefit BC Children's Hospital, with proceeds going towards purchasing a soft stuffed animal for a child in need at BC Children's. (When else are you going to get to see Burlesque, Singing, Dancing, Feats of Athletics and get to feel good about funding a charity!)

Come view our past events at our website at: www.hcupcakeproductions.org