Rachid Badouri, the celebrated Francophone comedy superstar, has officially embarked on his highly anticipated journey to conquer the English-speaking world—and if his debut performance is any indication, he’s well on his way to doing just that.
After a remarkable 17-year career making audiences laugh in French, Badouri’s transition to English was flawless. His performance was a masterclass in smooth, effortless delivery—there was no hesitation or stumbling over words. It’s not often that a comedian manages to make a second language feel so natural and vibrant, but Badouri did exactly that, effortlessly blending his linguistic talents with his signature charm.
What really elevated his performance, though, was his unmatched ability to engage audiences with his physicality and expressive mimicking. His facial expressions, body movements, and knack for mimicry added so much color to his act, bringing his humor to life in the most dynamic way possible. It’s clear that Badouri’s comedic talent isn’t just in his words, but in his presence—a true testament to his years of experience in the comedy world.
The show, aimed at mature audiences, was clever and entertaining while maintaining a respectful tone throughout. Badouri never resorts to crude humor or cheap stereotypes, instead offering a refreshing take on comedy that felt both accessible and intelligent. His storytelling struck a balance between being relatable and thought-provoking, with sharp observations about life, culture, and the human experience of growing up as a little brown boy in the heart of the city.
The evening’s entertainment didn’t stop with just Rachid’s own performance. The audience was treated to an exceptional opening act from guest comic Eddy King, whose humor perfectly set the tone for the night.
The fun didn’t end there, though—Badouri surprised the crowd with special appearances at the end of the show from a few very important people in his life: his wife, his father… and Mtl’s tam tam KING that made the crowd get up and go wild !
In an emotionally powerful sketch, Rachid shared a personal story about his wife, who had literally saved his life during a difficult time when he found himself caught in a “money-sucking cult” and faced a daunting medical crisis.
The touching and heartfelt moment showed not only his wife’s unwavering love and dedication but also her vital role in his personal journey. It was a reminder of the power of true love and the strength that comes from family.
His father’s comedic life lessons were delivered in the most authentic Moroccan Arab style, showing just how deeply rooted Rachid’s comedic style is in his culture and upbringing.
Rachid Badouri is not only a phenomenal comedian; he is a storyteller, a performer, and a master of his craft. His English-language debut at L’Olympia was setting the stage for a promising new chapter in his already impressive career. With his undeniable talent, a growing international fan base, and a unique ability to bridge cultural divides, Badouri is truly ready to make his mark on the global stage.
In a special online interview conducted just before his show , Rachid took the time to answer some of my queries:
What’s the most challenging part of headlining your own show in English, and how are you preparing for it … Do you feel extra pressure or excitement ?
- The biggest challenge? Honestly — it’s stepping into a whole new arena where people don’t know me the way they do in the French-speaking world. In French, I walk on stage and the audience already has a connection with me. In English, I’m starting fresh. It’s humbling, but also super exciting. I feel both pressure and excitement — but the pressure is a blessing. It keeps me sharp. I’ve been preparing like an athlete before a big fight: writing, rewriting, performing in small clubs, listening to every nuance, cutting what doesn’t hit, and sharpening every beat. I’m not just translating jokes — It’s a full transformation. And I love the challenge. And I haven’t done it alone. So many people supported me through this process — Comedians Mehdi Bousaidan, Derek Seguin, Joana Selvarajah, Charles Daghlian, Carly Baker, and Akeem Hoyte-Charles. Also Sid Kullar (Montreal Comedy Club), David Acer (Comedy Nest) and the team at Snob Media — Gianni Fiashi and Steve. And last but not least, my longtime manager and producer, Véronique Trépanier — who’s been with me through every chapter of my career!
Comedy is often about pushing boundaries. How do you balance humor with sensitive topics?
- I never try to shock for the sake of it. That’s not my style. I always come from a place of truth and most importantly — from love. If I touch on a sensitive topic, it’s because I have something real to say about it. I ask myself: Is it funny? Is it smart? Is it necessary? And does it punch up, not down? — I want people to laugh and think at the same time. If I talk about identity, family, culture — it’s always through my personal lens, with honesty.
What do you hope your comedy will say about the world today, especially as a comedian with such a diverse cultural perspective?
- I hope it says: We’re more alike than we think. I’m a Moroccan-Canadian who grew up in Quebec, speaks French, performs in English, loves my roots and also loves making fun of them. My comedy reflects a world that’s mixed, complex, full of contradictions — and still full of beauty. I want people to see that humor can be a bridge. We don’t need to cancel each other — we need to laugh with each other. Especially now. I want to be that bridge. A joyful one. Maybe even a little crazy.
What do you want your fans, both old and new, to take away from your debut English solo show?
- I want them to walk out thinking: “Wow, I didn’t know him… but now I feel like I do.” To my longtime fans: I hope they’re proud of me for stepping out of my comfort zone and taking risks. To new audiences: I hope they feel like they’ve just discovered a new friend. A crazy, high-energy, emotional rollercoaster of a friend — but a real one. In the end, I just want them to leave lighter, happier, and maybe… with a few sore abs from laughing. That’s my mission.
Thanks to Rachid Badouri for taking the time to give such heartfelt replies to my questions.
If you haven’t yet experienced Rachid Badouri’s show, now is the time. With upcoming shows at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on April 12, 2025, there’s no better opportunity to catch this rising star in action.
Get ready for a night of laughter, heart, and unforgettable moments—because Rachid Badouri is here, and he’s ready to conquer the English-speaking world!
To experience Rachid’s unique humor live in English on April 12th — please visit :
- In-person event
- English
- ≈ 1 hour 15 minutes · No intermission