One of Canada’s best-known funny guys is returning to Prince Edward Island next weekend.
And I, for one, am excited.
Derek Edwards is bringing his show, "So Here's the Thing ...", to the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown on Oct. 26 and the Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on Oct. 27. Both performances start at 7:30 p.m. It’s a 90-minute standup comedy show.
I saw him a few years back and he made me laugh. And I’m not alone.
From Vegas to St. John's, this “Just For Laughs” veteran is considered by many to be among the comic elite. Certainly, his colleagues think so. That’s because he's a four-time nominee and winner of Best Standup Comic at the Canadian Comedy Awards, as well as a multiple Gemini nominee for Best Performance in a Comedy. As Rick Mercer says, "Everyone knows Derek is the funniest man in Canada."
So, when I had the chance to do a question-and-answer session with him, this past week, I was thrilled.
Here’s our conversation:
Q - What are Canadians laughing about these days?
A - We Canucks have always had a keen sense of irony. So, basically we’re laughing at the same lines as the Americans, but about eight seconds quicker.
Q-Better yet, who are Canadians laughing about?
A-The Americans.
Q- How will your show unfold?
A – A fellow once said of my meandering style, “It’s like a golf cart ride with an old friend and a six-pack. But then I’ve never watched my show. It might unfold like a Murphy Bed, so keep children well away.
Q - What are your thoughts about all the pre-election craziness going on?
A-As a consumer of news, it’s like getting beat to death with a screen door. I’s loud, embarrassing and it takes forever.
Q: What are your favourite P.E.I. experiences?
A: “I took a kayak out under the (Confederation) bridge once. It was terrifying, especially the sound of the transport trucks (rumbling) overhead. But it was really cool, too. I also loved attending the national baseball championships in Summerside. I’ve also never smelled a better smell than the Bun King Bakery. So, there are thousands of reasons to come back and I’m forced to come back and I couldn’t be happier.”
Q- What’s is like to come back to P.E.I. to do two shows?
A -That’s an excellent question. To come back for one show doesn’t quite satiate the craving, but after two it feels like, ‘I’ve covered Prince Edward Island like the dew.’
Q -Anything else you’d like to say?
A- To my kind-hearted in-laws and friends on the Island, I can’t come over for supper. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and I can’t eat right beforehand. How many times do we have to go through this? Bless you all.
Derek Edwards dates
-Oct. 26, Charlottetown Confederation Centre of the Arts, box office, 902-566-1267
- Oct. 27, Summerside Harbourfront Theatre, box office, 1 888-311-9090.
Sally Cole is an entertainment writer with The Guardian. She welcomes comments about her column as well as suggestions for future columns from readers. She may be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 902-629-6000, ext. 6054.
