Raquel Maestre is a Montreal-based comedian who first took the stage when Aloe Azimov invited her to perform at a local show, a moment she couldn’t turn down. Since then, a mix of determination, jealousy, and a dash of spite has kept her coming back, making her a standout in both the English and French comedy scenes.
Known for her glib humour, and impeccable use of silence, Raquel brings a unique perspective to the stage, often blending absurdity with personal and political themes. She has performed at Barcelona’s Cruïlla Festival alongside some of her favourite Spanish language comedians and sold out her solo show, Admiring Librarians, at the Montreal Fringe. When she’s not on stage, she co-hosts two podcasts, ‘Throuples Therapy’ and ‘My Head Hurts’ and helps run The Poly Mic, a staple of Montreal’s queer comedy scene.
How would you describe your comedy style?
A reviewer called it “glib”. Since I started performing in French, I’ve gotten a lot of praise for my use of silences. I’m not sure if that implies they prefer it when I shut up.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
An absurd comedy duo from Spain called Faemino y Cansado. Not that any Montreal Guardian readers care about Spanish-language comedy from the 90s, though…
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Stewart Lee. He is the one comedian who still inspires me to be more of a wannabe intellectual, more of a leftist, and more European.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I like to relax by going on my phone and reading the latest breaking news about how the world is burning down in flames and the bad guys are planning to ruin the lives of everyone I love.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Club Soda. It’s big. And only recently, my English as a Second Language ass got the pun.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
As a trans comedian, you have to address the elephant in the room and joke about being trans; some audiences will be too tense or distracted if you don’t acknowledge it at all. Ava Val has a great bit about this on her last special.
It’s easier for me to make an audience laugh with a certain type of trans jokes, but I find it more rewarding when I move away from that, and I go absurd, or talk about grief, doctors or Bob Dylan.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Going to The Poly Mic (every Wednesday at Bar Notre Dame des Quilles) is a nice way to find new local comedians and variety acts.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I already told you one, and I don’t write a lot about Montreal, but I am very concerned about the activities of a drug-dealing gang well connected with government officials. This gang goes by the acronym “SQDC”.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I have not one but two podcasts going on right now.
If you like queer/trans chitchat, there’s Throuples Therapy, with Eve Parker Finley and Kě.
If you prefer deeper, philosophical stuff, there’s My Head Hurts, with Brad MacDonald.
I also co-produce and host The Poly Mic every now and then.
Where can we follow you?
One of these days I will update my website but in the meantime, you can keep tabs on me by following on Instagram.
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Sadie Moland is not only very funny, but you should also know that she gave me a cat.
