When you walk into the venue to see LARRY, the titular character will probably already be roaming the audience. Clad in coveralls and a comically fake beard, Candice Roberts cracks jokes with patrons as her alter-ego Larry, a hoser from Campbell River. The ensuing hour of comedy is unconventional, unexpected, and absolutely unforgettable. We caught up with Candice to learn more about her fantastic show.
What is the story behind LARRY? Where did you draw inspiration from?
The character is really in me. It’s my family. A lot of the things that Larry says come directly from my brother and my dad. ‘Fill yer boots.’ ‘Gear down big rig.’ You can’t write this stuff. I’m from Campbell River BC and that’s where Larry is born and raised. And those are just the dudes that were around me. People often say I’m very compassionate in my portrayal because these guys, they’re the salt of the earth. They actually don’t mean to be douches. But, as a woman, it does get exhausting to deal with. But hey, they’re gonna be there to help you fix your car.
What’s something audiences might not know about your show?
The beard! My roommate invented something called the ‘beard bag,’ it’s a face purse, there’s a little zipper behind the beard. She makes them by hand and was selling them at craft fairs. So, I got one and I put it on, and I just started joking around, being my brother, being my dad, and everyone was just killing themselves.
I’m a clown, I’ve been studying clowning for the last 20 years. I brought [the beard] to one of my playgroups. And, before I knew it, I had a 10-minute turn. Then, I thought ‘what’s the biggest conundrum for a guy like Larry to get into?’
What brings you back to Edmonton Fringe?
Edmonton Fringe is special. People love it. I meet people who take two weeks off work for the Fringe. People have spreadsheets! For me, as a performer, there’s such a beautiful friendship with all the other performers. I haven’t seen a lot of these people in three years! And, on Fringe tours, you just travel from town to town with each other. Sometimes, I’m like ‘why do I do this?’ I do it because of the people.
I do it for the laughter and the joy and the people that tell me how much my show moves them in certain ways, especially in the gender-fluid realm. And also the older ladies who say ‘Hey, you see me, you’re talking about my story.’ People say that women disappear when they get old. And no, I do not want to! I’ve always looked to older women as mentors, I’m looking at the ones that are standing out, who are being wild. So, I think they can see themselves in my show even though I’m playing a dude.
What Fringe shows do you recommend to our readers?
Epidermis Circus, it’s so weird and masterful in its performance. It was all so unique. Underbelly is another one. I helped direct that show and I think Nayana is a stand-out performer.
Catch LARRY at the Fringe! Get your tickets here.
