Comedy show will honour missing Hamilton woman Shalini Singh with laughter, tears and love

When Shalini Singh turned up at a comedy class in January 2022, she was quiet and shy. 

But by the third week, she started to open up and the group discovered what an "impressive, overall amazing person" she was who supported everyone in the room, said comedian Jay Peacock, who met Singh through the Levity Club workshop. 

"You couldn't be around her without becoming her friend," he said. "We will never meet another person who was happier for another individual's success than Shalini." 

Singh, 40, was last heard from on Dec. 4, 2024, when she called her mom, Anita Singh. 

Her parents reported her missing Dec. 10, and Hamilton police's homicide unit soon took over the investigation due to "growing concerns surrounding the circumstances," police said at the time. 

Their investigation led them to a landfill, where for months they've been searching for her body and other evidence. In May, they found human remains and sent them for DNA and forensic testing to confirm it's Singh.

Police have not provided an update since and no charges have been laid in the case.

A comedy show in her honour

In the aftermath of Singh's disappearance, Peacock said the usually outspoken Hamilton comedy community fell silent. 

"There were no words to express our pain," he said. "Everybody was afraid to say something." 

But knowing police likely found her remains, they now feel it's time to remember Singh and everything she brought to the community. 

"It's time to get out and enjoy the things she enjoyed, which was laughter, putting smiles on people's faces and being with friends," said Peacock. "There's also going to be tears, hugs and love." 

They'll be honouring her at a comedy fundraiser, the Shalini Singh Memorial Show, on July 4. 

The pay-what-you-can event will donate all proceeds to the Canadian Mental Health Association in Singh's name. She worked as a mental health crisis worker for the organization in the Halton region. Her dream was to open her own crisis centre one day, her mom Anita previously told CBC Hamilton. 

"This event is not just an evening of comedy — it is a way for our community to stand together, remember Shalini, and encourage ongoing efforts to find answers," the event's media release says. 

"Shalini's family, friends, and the local comedy community are committed to keeping the conversation about her case alive— bringing together her love for laughter and the urgent need to spread awareness." 

Scott Faulconbridge, Singh's comedy coach, will headline the event. He's appeared on the Comedy Network, CBC and FibeTV1. Also performing is David Green, who's been on Canada's Got Talent, as well as Singh's comedian friends Amanda Bobbit, Robbie DaSilva and Betsy Dee. 

Peacock will be the master of ceremonies. 

It will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Levity Comedy Club & Lounge at 120 King St. W., Hamilton.