Derek Edwards just wants to make Peterborough laugh
Veteran standup comedian performs at Showplace on Nov. 23
Getting a spontaneous laugh from a subdued audience member is what keeps Derek Edwards ticking.
After three decades in the standup comedy business, Edwards considers that to be part of the “built-in satisfaction” of the job.
“I’m just looking for cheap chuckles and a sore gut when you leave,” said Edwards.
The veteran comedian is performing at Showplace Performance Centre on Nov. 23.
The stop is one of many on his So Here’s the Thing tour.
During the 90-minute show, Edwards talks about authority figures, such as police, politicians and his dear wife.
“That’s an authority figure to me,” Edwards said of his spouse, Dawn.
U.S. President Donald Trump certainly won’t get away scotfree either.
“It seems almost like you’re not dealing with the world if you don’t make some passing comment about that unhinged monkey,” Edwards said.
Having recently wrapped up a federal election in Canada, Edwards said he’d be remiss if he didn’t “throw some stones” to the south, considering who’s running the country.
“It’s good to look back with sense of superiority at our southern cousins, which we’ve always kind of had to look up to before now.”
The veteran comedian keeps his material fresh by incorporating “immediate experiences” that he’s encountered on the road.
He also tries to somewhat tailor his shows to each community, saying he scours local papers for fodder.
“It does me well to investigate,” said Edwards, 61.
The Timmins native has achieved many accolades over this 30-year career.
These include being the winner of best standup comic by the Canadian Comedy Awards and earning two Gemini Award nods for best performance in a comedy.
He’s also the only Canadian to win the prestigious Vail International Comedy Competition.
Edwards said his shows tend to draw a mix of followers and new fans, with parents often bringing their older children out.
“It’s like a weird switching of gears, changing generations.”
At the end of the day, though, Edwards said he feels most fulfilled when he hears that his work was able to turn someone’s day around.
After a recent show in Sydney, N.S., an audience member approached Edwards outside the venue.
The man told Edwards he was sleeping in his office after splitting with his wife and the laughter was just what he needed.
“How fantastic do you think I feel after the guy said that?” Edwards said.
“It’s worth it right there.” NOTE: Tickets to Derek Edwards’ show, So Here’s the Thing, are $48 and are available online at www.showplace.org