Derek Edwards embarks on Atlantic Canada tour

Comedian promises to ‘go for the gut’ during deCoste Centre show Oct. 25

PICTOU, N.S. — Derek Edwards considers it a good night when those attending his show go home with a sore stomach and sides — hopefully from laughing. “I like to go for the gut,” he said during a phone interview ahead of his Atlantic Canadian tour.

Edwards said self-promotion doesn’t come easily, but from Vegas to St. John’s the Just For Laughs veteran is considered to be among the comic elite.

His peers must agree since he’s a four-time nominee, and winner, of Best Standup Comic — Canadian Comedy Awards, as well as a multiple Gemini nominee for Best Performance in a Comedy. Rick Mercer has said, “Everyone knows Derek is the funniest man in Canada.” Edwards will be at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. and said he hopes to offer people an escape from their everyday cares and a time just to laugh.

“So Here's the Thing ...,” Edwards’ new 90-minute standup comedy show, is billed as a richly textured and enthralling “cut above,” delivered with pace and authority.

“It’s on a giant sheet of bristle board right now,” he said. “I’ve got arrows and circles, this should lead into this ... I want to keep it as topical as I can without getting dark on things. I want it to be goofy, a fun night, therapeutic for everybody.”

Edwards said he adapts his show to each audience, and will often chat with people in the community prior to the performance to find out what might appeal to the guests.

Tickets to Edwards’ deCoste show are $48.