"Wright" on! Grad returns to host Super TSC Night Concert

By Jeff Green | Sept. 26, 2014

Alumnus Matt Wright’s (B.Comm.’11) first taste of standup comedy came three years ago when he hosted his business graduation dinner. Since then, he has been earnestly crafting his art while building a loyal fan base throughout Atlantic Canada. The Gander, N.L., native has opened for mainstream comics such Mark Critch, Shaun Majumder, Nikki Payne, as well as Randy and Mr. Lahey from the Trailer Park Boys. He has performed at the legendary Comedy Nest in Montreal, Que., is prepping a show to pitch to CBC and can be found centre stage on the standup circuit in St. John’s at venues including Yuk Yuk’s. Next month, he’ll be back at Memorial hosting the Super TSC Night Concert, a flagship event during this year’s MUNdays celebrations. Contributor Jeff Green caught up with Mr. Wright to chat about his projects.

JG: Why did you decide you wanted to be a comedian?
MW: I don’t know if I ever decided to be. I just did it to get back on stage. I did a lot of stage acting in high school. I never imagined doing it for a job but I’ve been lucky enough to be doing exactly that for the last year or so. I love it.

Memorial graduate and local comedian Matt WrightJG: Do you do anything aside from comedy?
MW: No traditional employment. I do some writing, dabble in filmmaking, sometimes I’m a cop on Republic of Doyle. I'm a background cop wandering around. I write a lot of my jokes dressed as a cop.

JG: How tough is it to be a comedian in Newfoundland and Labrador?
MW: Being a comedian is tough anywhere. Newfoundland is tricky because it’s a small market. But it’s a supportive market. It’s still the best place I’ve been.

JG: Who makes you laugh? Why?
MW: My family. My dogs. My girlfriend. Because they’re great. And I love laughing. If you’re looking for comedians: Mitch Hedberg, Demetri Martin, and John Mulaney. I’ve been on a Tig Notaro kick lately.

JG: Why are Newfoundlanders and Labradorians naturally funny people?
MW: It’s in us; passed down from generations. Some of the funniest comics in the country are from this province despite our small population. I’m very proud of that as a Newfoundlander and Labradorian.

JG: Tell me about hosting the Super TSC Night concert. What are you looking forward to most?
MW: The music and the party, honestly. The lineup looks fantastic. I'm also excited to go to The Breezeway again. I hope it still smells like hopes, dreams and old draught beer. I was there recently doing a show for first-year university students which was a lot of fun. I felt old. I’m looking forward to this in a completely different way. 

JG: Aside from Super TSC Night, where can people see you perform?
MW: I’m doing a Newfoundland tour this fall. Also developing a show with Deanne Foley and Mike Fardy called "the lease" which you can check out at theleasetv.com.

JG: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
MW: Doing the same stuff as I am now except on a larger level. Hopefully.

The Super TSC Night Concert takes place Saturday, Oct. 25, in The Breezeway. The show features Shanneyganock, Barry Canning and Mick Davis, along with DJ Slim Macho. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25; $20 for students taxes included. The show is open to 19-plus. Tickets are available online at etixnow.com or at all Orangestore locations. Students can get theirs at The Attic in the UC. For more about MUNdays, go to www.mun.ca/mundays.


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