Comedian is serious about helping the government
Seguin quips he's not a poster boy for the stay-at-home message, but believes in it
What's wrong with this picture?
Derek Seguin, sprawled on a sofa in his bathrobe and boxer shorts and sporting a green mud mask on his mug, imploring others to follow suit during the pandemic. Seguin could also be caught sort of working out on a treadmill and soliciting recipes for turkey leftovers that don't require multiple shots of bourbon or beer.
Yes, Seguin, a wild man on the Quebec comedy scene, was miraculously transformed into a voice of reason for a series of highly effective and highly whimsical provincial government TV and radio public service announcements (PSAS) encouraging citizens to stay home, mask and come up with imaginative turkey recipes during the holiday season. And all he ever drank in the TV spots was eggnog.
Talk about casting against type: Seguin, advocate for moderation?
“And a spokesperson for the government. … Who would have ever thought that,” asks the veteran standup, seemingly incredulous himself.
The nearly year-long pandemic period has brought more than its share of surprises, but having Seguin coach people on lifestyle choices has to rank way up there.
Seguin, a francophone with Irish roots who works primarily anglo venues, did four TV and four radio spots, all in English. Comic François Bellefeuille did the PSAS in French.
“Frankly, I don't know how they came about selecting me, but I wasn't going to question their judgment. I always figured I would be the poster boy for what not to do. So I thank the government for not doing too much research on who I really am,” Seguin quips.
“But in the pre-interview, they did ask me if I had trouble attaching my brand to this message. I told them `no.' This is pretty much how I've been living my life for almost a year. I really want this to be over soon and for people to try to stay healthy and not to fall into thinking the pandemic is fake.”
Seguin has been pleasantly surprised by the strong positive feedback he has received for the spots, which have also been carried on the Quebec government's Youtube channel.
“I expected some negative reaction from people about masking and staying at home, but I didn't really get that. It was 95 per cent thumbs-up. I did get a few people asking if I was selling my soul to the government just for money. And I said, `Yup. No problem. I'm now an involuntary full-time dad of three, and I need the money.' Also, I have no problem at all with the PSAS' message.”
The reality is that it has been a brutal year for Seguin, as it has been for most comedians who have relied on club and festival work, which, apart from some online gigs, has all but dried up.
Seguin, a winner of Siriusxm Canada's Top Comic competition and a hit at Just for Laughs fests, estimates his revenue has fallen more than 80 per cent during the pandemic. And he can't foresee when comedy life here will return to nearly normal.
“Realistically, I think it could take at least another year, but I fear many comedy clubs in Canada might not be able to make it.”
In the interim, Seguin has been keeping his shtick somewhat going through his occasional online Panderek comedy series from his Brossard home, which basically provides enough pocket change to cover him for eggnog, should he so wish.
“At least I still have a roof over our head. Not that I want to appear like the crying clown, but, honestly, these PSAS just bought me a couple of extra months of financial survival.
“I've even contemplated becoming an Uber Eats driver. … I know I'm keeping those guys busy, so maybe there's an opportunity for me,” Seguin cracks. “But it's scary to think that I might now have to enter the workforce at 48 when I have the qualifications to do literally nothing.”
I always figured I would be the poster boy for what not to do. So I thank the government for not doing too much research.