In Montréal’s vibrant comedy scene, Sean Carson stands out for his offbeat, high-impact style—self-described as “like slapping drunk people in the face with a rubber turkey.” Blending absurdity with sharp observation, his work is shaped by early influences like George Carlin and Richard Pryor, and modern voices such as James Acaster.
A regular on local stages, including The Comedy Nest and Comedy Cave MTL, Carson brings an unpredictable energy to every set. Whether performing, producing new work, or contributing to the satirical Rhinoceros Party, he’s driven by a simple goal: making people laugh in ways they didn’t see coming.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Like slapping drunk people in the face with a rubber turkey.
Who are some of your influences?
My friends growing up. I grew up in boring places. All we had to keep ourselves entertained was each other. No internet. No cell phones. Just tom foolery and laughter. Without those experiences, my sense of humour would be crap. I also think that’s why Canadians are funnier per capita than any other nationality. Winter is boring, but we learn to make it fun.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Growing up, I loved George Carlin and Richard Pryor. However, before them, I had a significant Gallagher phase. Yes, the watermelon guy. While most people watched him for the oversized sledgehammer and pulverized pulp, I was fascinated by the jokes. Between the splattered membranes, there were real setups and punchlines. To me, that was the show. He set the stage for my love of more traditional comedians like Carlin, Pryor, etc.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
It’s hard to choose just one.
James Acaster is the funniest person alive. I love all his specials. He’s so original and funny that he stands alone in my mind. I saw his ‘Heckers Welcome’ show at Just for Laughs in 2024, and it was the best live show I’ve seen to date. I spend way too much time down his YouTube rabbit holes.
Wanda Sykes is someone I’ve always followed. She is consistent, unapologetic and authentic to the core. I admire that her specials seamlessly tackle current events while feeling deeply personal. Walking those two simultaneously is a tightrope many comics struggle with.
I love Colin Quinn because of his ability to make boring topics funny. His specials about history are remarkable. The one that got me was ‘Long Story Short’. Basically, he presents a history of the world from ancient Egypt to the second Iraq war. It’s fascinating to me that he can make such dry subject matter so damn funny.
What is your pre-show ritual?
If it’s an important show, I like to sweat profusely, pace frantically and yell at strangers on the metro. If it’s not an important show, I like to drink, smoke and fart on the metro until someone threatens to call the mayor.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I once did a show called We Are Not Gëmused at a bar named Sameheads in Berlin, Germany. The bar itself was super cool with lots of grimy, funky art pieces all over, but to get to the show, you have to go down into an old WW2 bunker. It’s an intimate setting that not only looks cool but is for sure haunted.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
The very first joke I ever wrote was about Somali Pirates. It won’t work here because it involves kooky voices. The reason I’m proud is that it’s funny without being cheap. I’ve told it to Somali friends who always get nervous and then visibly relieved. It’s a silly joke, not a mean one. I lived in a Somali neighbourhood in Ottawa and learned some of the culture. I’m proud that, when they hear the joke, they often feel seen rather than ridiculed.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
There is no better way to discover comedians than going to live shows. The best line-ups in Montreal are at The Comedy Nest and Comedy Cave MTL. Hands down, the strongest two English comedy brands in the city, Support your local community by watching live stand-up comedy.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I moved to Montreal from Toronto. They’re very different cities. We have things in Montreal that just don’t exist in Toronto. My favourite is the happiness.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
When I lived in Ottawa and Toronto, I produced an improvised stand-up show called Off The Rails. At the moment, I’m working with Comedy Cave MTL to bring it to Montreal. No date is set, but it’s coming soon. Keep your eyes peeled!
I also run for Canada’s prestigious Rhinoceros Party in federal elections. The Rhino Party is a satirical political party that campaigns primarily on jokes. The party is named after Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist play ‘The Rhinoceros’, which is about the rise of fascism in Europe before World War Two. These days it feels depressingly on the nose/horn.
Support your local Rhino!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Dana Lederman and Nazeer Khan.
