Timmins born, Toronto based comedian Derek Edwards promises “ a big bag of silly,” when he returns to the Yates Memorial Theatre, Sunday, June 9 as part of his new “In Praise of the Ostrich,” tour.
“There is so much bad stuff in the news, I just like to stick my head in the sand. Because ignorance is bliss,” Edwards said of naming the new tour. “ In Praise of the Ostrich.
He hopes his show will take people away from the bad news for 90 minutes.
“It’s mostly new material. And psychologically it helps to escape the bad news. I know it helps me to do shows,” said Edwards, who has been called the funniest man in Canada by numerous news organizations and renown comedians including Rick Mercer.
The show includes Edwards deadpan delivery of observances of modern life including commentaries on the influx of pot stores, self-driving cars, gambling tips, the challenge of staying youthful and dressing warm.
“My show is just a big bag of silly. So far , so good,” he laughed.
While he is proud to be from Timmins, he hasn’t performed there for a few years.
“ When you’re driving for eight hours, the weather is a fact. It’s rocks and trees and a little bit of blue. But they have a comedy festival there now. I said I’d perform there if I could open for my friend Mike Winfield, who is a comedian who has performed all over the world,” he said.
He will be returning to Timmins in September to record a special for Sirius XM.
I don’t subscribe to Sirius XM, so I don’t know what they’ll do with it ,” he said.
Edwards also lived in Lethbridge as a teen.
“I got a job flipping pizzas. I’ve had a lot of jobs so I bring that working class perspective,” he said adding he doesn’t have family in Lethbridge anymore.
“ They moved back to Ontario some time ago,” he said.
He is looking forward to being back in Lethbridge, though he can’t remember the details of the show itself, which was in December 2015.
He enjoys touring.
“There are a lot more free breakfasts at more motels now. So you can get up early and eat free breakfast and go back to sleep for a few more hours. And I don't sleep very well anyway because I’m always asking myself if a. joke worked or not. Because I’m always writing and rewriting jokes” Edwards said.
He noted his shows are family friendly, but advised not to bring children.
“They probably won’t understand the jokes. I hate to see a nine year old looking pissy and bored and staring at his phone for the whole show. They probably won't understand what the idea of driving is for another few years,” he laughed.
Tickets for the show are $68.50 through the Ticket Centre or by calling 403-329-7328. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, June 9.
— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
