Anton Matyushin has built a reputation for unpredictable, mischievous stand-up that leans proudly into the absurd. A self-described lover of alternative comedy, Matyushin blends pop-culture energy, playful props, and intentionally overextended bits that test the audience’s patience — and then win them back again.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I’m a big fan of alternative comedy, so I’m inspired by that, but also someone after a show once told me, “Your jokes remind me of Family Guy, how they keep going on and on and it’s funny, then it’s not funny, and then it becomes funny again.” So I guess it’s Family Guy?
Who are some of your influences?
My childhood bullies, thanks for forcing me to use humour as a defence mechanism, fellas!
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Honestly, I wish I had some cool, profound story of me listening to my dad’s favourite comedy records or staying up past my bedtime and secretly watching Conan or Letterman and being inspired to become a comedian at the ripe age of 8 years old. But really, I just loved watching funny YouTube videos of Russell Peters, the 6th season of Last Comic Standing, and Video on Trial on Much Music. I also loved Smosh, Steve Carell, and Tim and Eric.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Rory Scovel is my hero. Also Jon Dore, Hannibal Buress, Adam Cayton Holland, Andy Kaufman, Ryan’ O’Flanagan, Chris Gordon, Andrew Iwanyk, Jackie Pirico, Eric Andre, Tim Heidecker
What is your pre-show ritual?
A really not toxic and healthy thing I like to do is like to scan the room and directly compare myself to every single comic on the show and in my head decide if they’re funnier than me or if they’re more successful than me, and let that affect my confidence before I go on stage. I also like to horse around.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
One time I got hired to do someone’s 50th birthday party, and I did a full headlining set in their really nice living room and after got to eat a bunch of cheese, so that was sick. The Grindstone in Edmonton, Laughshop in Calgary, and Comedy Underground in Vancouver. Shout out to Maki Maki comedy jam, too, which might be the best room in North America. And also the iO theatre in Chicago. All these places are magical.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
My favourite bit is whichever one makes the old heads mad at me. They usually involve props of some kind. I also did a bit on Halloween called “Guy who just got hit by a car does standup,” which I’m also proud of.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I love listening to a good album on a plane ride. or checking out a live show. Live shows are part of the human experience, and nothing will ever replace them.
Tell us a joke about your city.
knock knoc k. who there? calgy
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Yeah, I run a monthly show at The Limber Hollow, it’s called Limber Comedy. We have shows on February 12, March 12, and April 9th!
Where can we follow you?
Follow me on Instagram or on TikTok
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Zac Wiggins continues to grind despite the Carney government trying to take the gun off his hip and the ice from his wrist. And Adrian Fernando.
