The last time Canadian comedian Derek Edwards pulled through Atlantic Canada a little more than two years ago, the region was in the midst of living through its worst winter in years.
Understandably, Edwards is somewhat relieved that the worst of winter seems to be over for Atlantic Canadians at this point in the year.
“It was absolute snowmageddon. I remember it well,” Edwards says. “What was even more remarkable, aside from the fact you had people jumping out of their bedroom windows, was that people still came out for the shows. Come hell or high water, those people wanted to laugh. They were absolutely fantastic to play for, which more than made up for the dicey travel we had to endure between cities.”
Edwards returns to the province with his latest 90-minute show, Alls I’m Saying. A two-time Gemini Award nominee, and a veteran of Montreal’s venerable Just For Laughs festival, Edwards is a Canadian comedy diamond in the rough, having kept his audience in stitches over the last three decades. His television credits include The New Red Green Show and A&E’s Comedy On The Road.
It is Edwards’ knack for the taking the ordinary of everyday life and turning those situations into a breeding ground of endless jokes that has been his greatest strength.
While he acknowledges that the current state of the world – especially in the U.S. – is providing seemingly endless fodder for show material, Edwards says he’d just as soon steer clear of wading in the pool of politics with his latest show.
“There are so many moments of absurdity coming from south of the border these days, I’m weary of stepping on the turf of others, especially those that are doing it so well. It’s like a car crash you’re seeing from the other side of the road; you can’t help but slow down and gawk at it every once in a while. Things are changing all the time, and I’d just as soon focus on talking about other things,” he says.
Having successfully sustained a career in comedy for more than one decade, let alone three, is no small feat. Despite the proliferation of online services that can deliver laughs in an almost on-demand capacity, comedy is continuing to thrive, not just in Atlantic Canada, but throughout the world.
“Watching comedy on the internet is one thing. It’s great to be able to get a feel for who you’re going to see before you lay down your money. But there’s nothing – nothing – that compares to seeing a comedy show in person. You come to realize that when you’re a part of that energy in the room. It’s tough to describe, but you can feel it in the air,” Edwards says.
“With every tour, I try to revamp the complete show. It is a lot of trial and error, taking new ideas and working on honing them. Being in comedy is a constant learning process. It’s better to swing and miss than to become complacent with what you are bringing to the audience each night.”
What: Derek Edwards
When: Monday March 27, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 811 Main St., Moncton
Tickets are $46. Advance tickets are available at the Capitol Theatre Box Office, by phone (506) 856-4379 and online at capitol.nb.ca