Comedian Derek Edward describes himself as the kind of kid that never really planned ahead.
Catch his new show, My Blunderful Life, May 13 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
He's been on TV shows like Comedy Hits the Road, Comedy Now, Comics, which earned him a Gemini nom for best comedy. He also guest-starred on the Red Green Show, and was the only Canadian to win the prestigious Invitational Comedy Competition in Vail, Colorado.
Edwards is back on tour in B.C. after a couple years, and he's still comically introspective and more than willing to share his quirky observations.
Derek Edwards - My Blunderful Life Tour, May 14, Chilliwack Cultural Centre, $45, 8 p.m. 604-391-SHOW (7469).
Here's how the recent Q&A went between the Progress and Derek Edwards.
Tell me about your new show, My Blunderful Life Tour
I came up with it while on tour in some part of Ontario. My manager said people will think it's a Christmas thing. But it's really a reference to the 30 or 40 jobs I had before getting into this career. I'd go from job to job, and move on to the next one and wonder how long I'd be able hold onto that one for. The thing is I never saw the race coming. You know, when the starter gun goes off when you're about 16? And it's off you go. 'Be the best you you can be.' Well I never heard that voice in my head.
How do you keep yourself busy when not on the road?
I'll be taking some time off after the tour to do some writing. Be more freewheeling. It's great having no security — there's a kind of freedom to being screwed. No it's kinda cool. I have some buddies in the biz and they're a good sounding board. It's a wonderful sideline, and later seeing the work visualized on TV or radio.
What else are you up to?
Someone gave me a pilot TV show, five or six episodes. It's about a postal worker guy, and it looks well done. One of them used to write for Kids in the Hall. I'd be playing a restless wandering wanker. That's sweet, they thought of me.
Your promo says your comedic sense was forged in the frosty Canadian North, is that a reference to Timmins, Ontario?
Yes, in fact I just did a show in my hometown, that's the mining town of Timmins. It's also the hometown of Shania Twain. But I pop back in more often than she does. I don't have a museum. Did you know you can pop in to Shania's museum and see her high school clothes?
What's bugging you lately or on this part of the tour?
I'm bummed I won't be able to do any of my election stuff for the show. By the time I get there, the whole thing will be over. I had this bit about voting being like rolling up the rim. It's a shame. I had some great slags. Maybe I can weasel in a few and people won't say who cares.
Still doing just for Laughs?
Yes, I did the festival last year, with 'luminaries' like Pamela Sue Anderson. The headline in the Gazette the next day was, 'Blond bomb.' I liked seeing the three stars from the Trailer Park Boys. I was like, 'Is that Ricky?' And Bubbles was trying to work some skirt. So weird to see that touch of lunacy. They're the nicest guys and Ricky is really smart. It's that weird power of TV. Tom Arnold was the worst host. It's one thing if they suck, another if they won't get off the stage. I don't want to seem whiny but...
What's your take on coming to the West Coast?
It's a different atmosphere in some of the places I've been along the coast of Vancouver Island. People just sort of meander. Which is really different because everyone in Toronto is on their way somewhere and they're already late. You get some really relaxed people in B.C. If i could ever get that comfortable in life. Wow. Smell the flowers, or let someone cross the street when there's no crosswalk instead of, 'What are you crazy?!' That's the difference, that and the backdrop is so inspiring, I don't know how anyone gets any work done.