Nominated for the Juno Award’s Comedy Album of the Year in 2021 for Existing Is Exhausting, audiences may also recognize comedian Matt Wright for his work on such shows as Just For Laughs, the Halifax Comedy Festival, The Debaters, and This Hour Has 22 Minutes. This year, Wright brings his new comedy show Smart Idiot to the Halifax Fringe Festival.
We learn more in this Q&A with the comedian.
Smart Idiot plays Neptune Theatre’s Windsor Stage from September 6-11. Visit tickethalifax.com for tickets, dates and times.
This interview has been edited.
Tell us about Smart Idiot. What can audiences expect?
A 45-minute one-man clean-ish comedy show about trying to make peace with the fact that I’ll never feel like I understand anything and never truly “figure it out.”
What was the inspiration for Smart Idiot?
It’s mostly jokes, stories, and observations about re-entering a COVID world. What we learned, what we didn’t. Do not expect a “plan to go forward,” as this is a comedy show, and I am ill-equipped. But I like the jokes.
Why this particular show now?
Because everyone on every side of every issue thinks the other side is a moron. The math doesn’t add up.
What do you hope audiences leave Smart Idiot talking about?
That it was better than sitting on the couch with a movie on while looking at their phone.
Why should someone come to see Smart Idiot?
I’m not sure if you should! I put out a couple of comedy albums, including one nominated for a Juno. I also have some Just For Laughs, Halifax Comedy Festival, and Winnipeg Comedy Festival sets on CBC Gem. So check some of that out and make up your own mind, but I’d love to see a nice crowd.
Smart Idiot runs at Neptune Theatre’s Windsor Studio (1589 Argyle St, Halifax) as part of the 2022 Halifax Fringe Festival. Visit tickethalifax.com for tickets, dates and times.
The Halifax Fringe Festival returns to live in-person performances from September 1 through September 11, with more than 55 productions taking place at venues across the downtown and North End neighbourhoods.