There is no such thing as an overnight success in stand-up comedy. Five years is probably the going rate from being first noticed to breaking through, which suggests that 2018 could be Edd Hedges year. In 2013 he was a joint winner of the So You Think You're Funny competition in Edinburgh and has gradually been building up his reputation as a skilful stand-up since then. He did his debut hour, Wonderland, in Edinburgh last year and now brings it to the Soho Theatre. It's the story of what happened to Hedges one night when he did a gig near to is family home and spent the night in his old bedroom. He decribes it as "the scariest night of my life." Somehow though he has found humour in it to. Find out more about Hedges below and then go and see the show.
Edd Hedges: Wonderland is at Soho Theatre from May 31 - June 2. Buy tickets here.
1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?
Light stretching and 3 panic attacks.
2. What irritates you?
Some fabric softeners.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
I skied down a slope at Altitude comedy festival in the Austrian alps at night, drunk and without a shirt or helmet.
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Listened to the Dutch guy who told me to go "bare top night skiing".
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
How nice everyone is! I just finished a run of gigs performing with Elf Lyons who is SO nice. In Edinburgh Bec Hill's show was in the room after me and every day we would have this lovely little two-minute catch up. In Australia I worked with John Hastings and Jimmy McGhie who are both utter gentlemen. When you first start comedy everything is a competition, but once you get past that it’s mostly just really nice supportive talented people so I guess in the last year and a bit I’ve been surprised by how regularly I meet people and think "this person should be my new best friend!"
Interview continues here.
