It really is true, the couple who laughs together, does indeed stay together. And we now have the research to prove it.
But more than simply finding someone with a sense of humour, University of Kansas associate professor, Jeffrey Hall, concluded the humour couples create together is better than just appreciating humor overall.
According to Hall’s research then, real-life couple Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher are a match made in comedy heaven.
Stand-up comics in their own right, Esposito and Butcher also have a comedy history together. Stars of their sitcom Take My Wife, on the now defunct comedy streaming service Seeso, the couple also recently released their comedy album, Back to Back.
Set to play a combined show at Vancouver’s Rio Theatre at this year’s JFL NorthWest, in this Q&A, we find out more about their upcoming performance, plus details on their comedy highs and lows.
This interview has been edited.
How would you describe your act?
Esposito: It’s your standard two hilarious talented wives doing standup together and separately.
Butcher: Blue collar cool, with a dash of yelling.
What is the best part of being on the road?
Esposito: Meeting so many people and seeing so many places.
Butcher: Meeting people and seeing new, and revisiting, places. I just love to travel and see new things and have all kinds of experiences. I have had so many amazing conversations with people on the road, anywhere from a fan after a show to a Lyft driver in Dallas, to an owner of a diner in Pontiac, Michigan.
What has been a career highlight so far?
Esposito: The most recent was our number-one album right before Christmas. Rhea and I have had separate number-one albums, and this was our first one together.
Butcher: I honestly would say the career is the highlight. I’ve gotten to meet so many heroes, and amazing and wonderful people all thanks to comedy.
What was a ‘hell gig’ for you?
Esposito: I recently blew my knee out in Oklahoma City. Show was great; ambulance less so.
Butcher: I haven’t had one yet. I consider myself very lucky in that way. Any gig that was tough always ended up teaching me something and I came out better for it on the other side.
What other show coming to JFL NorthWest do you want to see?
Esposito: I’m always a big fan of Maria Bamford, The Lucas Brothers, and Sasheer Zamata.
Butcher: Maria Bamford.
Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher: “Back to Back” plays the Rio Theatre on March 9. Visit https://jflnorthwest.com for tickets and information.
In addition to their combined March 9 show, Esposito will also host a live broadcast of her podcast, Queery, at the Fox Cabaret on March 10.