Tragedy Plus Time: Montréal Comedian Walter J Lyng

Walter J Lyng is a Montréal-based comedian who is also a professional actor, host, writer, and journalist. A fun fact about him is that he co-hosts his own long-running and successful podcast Go Plug Yourself. In the past, his deadpan and absurdist comedy style has been featured in past comedy showcases such as Fringe Festival, Just for Laughs, and Zoofest. In future, you can see Walter perform regularly at Hurley’s Irish Pub at an open mic called The World’s Smallest Comedy Night.

Walter J Lyng

How would you describe your comedy style?

In the past, I’ve gravitated towards a style that combines elements of storytelling along with dead-pan and absurdist humour, but I’ve recently abandoned all that in a bid to become Montreal’s King of Crowd Work.

Who are some of your influences?

Amer Rez, Ali Mohammadi and Sugar Sammy

Who was your favourite comedian growing up?

Jeff Dunham, Rich Little, Paula Poundstone

Who is your favourite comedian now?

John Mulaney

What is your pre-show ritual?

I burn sticks of incense until someone asks me to stop.

What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?

Absolute Comedy in Ottawa. Great club, great audiences. AND they book me.

What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?

I have a five minute bit on Nazis that I love doing because even Nazis would laugh at it. Not that they’re welcome at any of my shows.

What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?

Random crowd work videos on TikTok

Tell us a joke about your city.

I have a really long-winded joke about the Grand Prix but I don’t think there’s time for it…

Do you have anything to promote right now?

Check out the best open mic in town every Monday night at Hurley’s Irish Pub. It’s called The World’s Smallest Comedy Night. Also, I’m recording an album later this year.

Where can we follow you? 

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?

Troy Stark, Vance Michel, Zak Kik, Chris Venditto, Serag Meletian