DREW Michael has done just about everything there is to do as a comedian.
He’s already got two award-nominated HBO specials under his belt, he’s written for Saturday Night Live and he’s appeared on Jimmy Kimmel.
But there’s one thing he hasn’t quite ticked off the list yet and that’s perform at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Luckily for him, he’ll be able to scratch that off the bucket list pretty soon as he begins his show – Drew’s Adventures – on August 2.
“I’m really excited to perform somewhere that’s so renowned for comedy and theatre and just honoured to be a part of it”, the comedian told The National.
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In an exclusive interview, he spoke about how he first found an interest in comedy, his progressive hearing loss and how he prepares for his shows.
Humble beginnings
Michael can pinpoint the exact moment he thought he might be good at this comedy stuff.
It wasn’t his first gig nor was it a particular breakthrough moment. In fact, it was during a non-musical performance of The Wizard Of Oz (below) he performed in as a youngster.
“I have a really good memory and so knew all my lines and I think when that becomes second-nature then your mind is freed up to roam within the content”, he explained.
“I was cast as the Tin Man. I got bored and thought the script needed something so I added jokes in. They didn’t change the script so much, it was more about blocking or choreography and just trying to make stuff play for a laugh.”
His specific gag came as the famous quartet return from the Emerald City. He explained: “There was a maid in the play and when we get back she runs towards Dorothy for a hug and I thought it would be funny if I pretended the hug was for me and just step in front of her.
“For a 13-year-old, I guess the crowd thought that was pretty impressive.”
Living with hearing loss
The inspiration for his latest show is drawn from a very specific place – the progressive hearing loss he has suffered with from a young age.
It was something that was spotted when he was around four years old and something that Michael admits he has spent time coming to terms with.
In his new show, he makes use of sound effects, both live and recorded, to create a sonic atmosphere to invite the audience what its like to be inside his head.
“If you look at my career and my journey, I’ve always been trying to accept this but it was layered in a lot of frustration and anger, in alienation and isolation.
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“The show is trying to tell that story in a way that is simultaneously entertaining and immersive but hopefully ultimately funny.
“It’s an invitation for people to come along for the ride.”
He admits that using his experience to form part of a sketch is something that’s always been on his mind so he’s looking forward to it coming to fruition.
“Early on when I started doing comedy I thought about it. I have to imagine that being isolated as a youngster played a part in wanting to share my thoughts and express myself in some way.”
Living in Edinburgh
Michael says that he’s looking forward to Edinburgh although prefers to say that he’ll be “living” there for the month rather than simply “visiting”.
He explains that he’s not a big drinker or partygoer and so his full focus will be on making sure his show is the best it can be every night.
“Hopefully I might be able to sightsee towards the end of my trip. I imagine it will feel like I’m living there rather than visiting”, he said.
“I live in New York and everyone visits here but that’s radically different from actually living in the city. I’m excited to do it in Edinburgh.
“I’m not big into parties so there might be some rigidity. Some comics make it work – they come in like a tornado and they go out like one but that’s just not my vibe.”
Drew's Adventures is playing at the Pleasance Dome from August 2-27 (Not 16) and tickets are available HERE.
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