Laurent Paquin Wins the Antidote Cup

Comedian Laurent Paquin was awarded the Antidote Cup for his performance in the Tournoi des générations, held this past Thursday at the TOHU. The Antidote Cup, sponsored by Druide informatique, is awarded to participants for the quality of their French in the “improvisation matches” organized by the Ligue nationale d’improvisation (LNI).

The Antidote Cup was established in honour of Yvon Leduc, the cofounder of the LNI and a passionate advocate for the French language, who inspired generations of improv artists across the French-speaking world. After each match, an Antidote Star is awarded to the player judged to have used the best French. The player who receives the most Stars throughout the season wins the cup. In 2016, Laurent Paquin was awarded the Antidote Star for three of his six regular-season matches and for one of his playoff matches.

Laurent Paquin won the Charade Cup, awarded to the LNI’s best team, in 2007, 2008 and 2010. It is also the second time that he has distinguished himself by his exemplary use of language. Laurent has three solo shows under his belt: Première impression, Tout est relatif, and L’Ereure est humaine, which he has performed across Quebec since 2001. He holds the record for hosting the most consecutive Just for Laughs Galas (thirteen!), and appeared in Bye bye in 2013, 2014 and 2015. And of course, who could forget his 2012 album Laurent Paquin chante Laurent Paquin.

The Ligue nationale d’improvisation is a professional theatre company dedicated to producing, broadcasting and promoting “improvisation matches”, which attract more than 25,000 spectators each year. Through its workshops in schools, colleges and universities, the LNI aims to bring culture to young people and help them develop their creativity.