Derek Edwards brings his comedy act to the Markham Theatre Oct. 23.
Markham
October 11, 2008 08:31 PM
By: Chris Traber
His legion of York region fans adore him and for Derek Edwards, the feeling’s mutual.
The comedic virtuoso who parlays his quirky hangdog delivery and droll observations into genuine guffaws, is performing October 23 at the Markham Theatre.
His humility and gentle brand of humour, delivered with ever-increasing incredulity, is part of the charm. He delves into the oddities of everyday situations and the drama played out on the global stage.
“The times are ripe for satire,” Mr. Edwards said. “Look at the elections here and in the States. Here we hold an election in 39 days. There it’s seven years. That’s an obscene waste of time and newspaper ink just so they can slander each other.
“Having to vote in Canada, however, is like being forced to sleep with one of the Golden Girls. You may have a preference, but nothing bowls you over.”
Timmins-born, the Toronto resident also appreciates the short jaunt north to the friendly confines of York, part of his whirlwind Canadawide The Other Shoe Drops tour.
“You’re straight up Hwy. 48,” he says with his patented chuckle. “I’ve always had the best time there. Your audiences are like a friendly jury. There’s always a universality of purpose. They’re there to have a good time.”
A 12-year veteran of the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, most recently chumming with former Saturday Night Live alumni Jimmy Fallon, Mr. Edwards has a fondness and familiarity with the turf north of Steeles Avenue.
“I did a show with (CBC radio host) Shelagh Rogers at the Red Barn Theatre in Sutton when I was working my way up,” he recalled.
“And, there used to be a Yuk Yuk’s in Markham.
“That was a lot of fun. I remember Main Street. There was chill in the air and twinkling lights in the trees. It was very festive and a treat to the eye. There was a real sweetness to it all.”
After a two-year absence from the region, he’s back. This time his wry and oft-time freaky observations include the myths of maturity and adult behaviour.
“Since I was there last, I hit the 50 mark,” he said. “I’ve also realized that I haven’t matured an iota since I was 19 years old. The show’s loose theme is on the fables of adulthood and the fact a lot of us suffer from isolationism and television wrought attention deficit disorder.”
“I try and bring something local too. I like to surprise people.”
What isn’t a surprise is his hard-earned success.
Countless stage and TV appearances, a cross-Canada tour with Rick Mercer and prestigious North American comedy awards are testimony to his home spun, proudly Canadian, stylings.
“I’m more of a talker than a listener,” he said from his home-based office where he writes and refines his act when not on the road. “I’m a storyteller. I think I’m easy to understand. You know, nothing fancy.”
“I’m never far from the blue collar, work-in-the-mines Timmins guy.”
Reserved seating for Mr. Edwards’ 8 p.m. show are $38. To order, call the Markham Theatre box office at 905-305-7469, toll free at 866-768-8801 or visit
www.markhamtheatre.ca on line.
Check out his comedy clips at
www.shantero.com