A little while back, we told you that if you aren’t following any Canadian comedians on Twitter, then you really should be. Steve Patrick Adams is one of those people. It’s not because he won Best Stand-Up Newcomer at this year’s Canadian Comedy Awards or that he likes to post pictures of his fat cat. It’s mostly because he’s, well, funny. And he’s on the rise. We chatted to Adams about dinosaurs, his cat Chub Chub and a man with a peg leg.
Were you always funny growing up?

To certain people I was. I remember making my cousins laugh when I was really young and thought it was a big deal. Keep in mind, those were largely fart noises. I had a knack for performing in front of crowds, which I recall discovering during a grade eight speech. Let’s say since grade eight, then, for sure. 


How did you get into stand-up?
I wanted to try stand-up for a long time and eventually attended the Humber Comedy program, which allotted stage time at Yuk Yuk’s. I enjoyed my first few sets but didn’t get completely hooked until I had to deal with an ailing family member. Stand-up became a nice outlet for the extra strain on my life and turned into something I really loved doing and wanted to pursue. 


Describe your first stand-up show. Where was it? How did it go? What were you feeling?

I performed a short set at Yuk Yuk’s to a nearly packed house. I don’t know if I’ve ever been more nervous in my life. It was driver’s test nervous, which most of us can relate to, I’m sure. I barely remember performing but it went very well. The sets following went poorly for a while, but that first one was great!


Your favourite gig so far?

This is going to sound really boring and lame, but my favorite gig was probably the first show I put on with my comedian friend, Jordan Foisy, at Stella. We don’t host at that venue (bar) anymore, but it was an amazing four or five shows. 


Most embarrassing thing to happen to you onstage?

I was performing at a show in Kensington Market with a few strange characters loosely paying attention at the bar. One of them had bag pipes so I casually mentioned that while performing. The man believed I was making fun of him and proceeded to harass me on stage for several minutes. He cursed at me and eventually demanded I tell him a joke because he was completely unimpressed with my set thus far. I 
started talking about an old war amp commercial, to which he interrupted, “You know I’m an amputee don’t you?” and proceeded to pull up his pants revealing a peg leg. Shortly after that, the bartender calmed him down.
Who or what makes you laugh the most?

I love humour about small things and pathetic characters. Generally, I just love something really surprising that’s also not horrifying.

Favourite funny movie?

Probably Spinal Tap or Napoleon Dynamite.


Your Twitter bio says you’re a dinosaur enthusiast. How much of a nerd are you?

You know, I read quite a lot, studied philosophy intensely, play video games with a passionate interest, but wouldn’t really consider myself a nerd. I don’t think I have that obsessive drive that nerds have toward their hobbies and interests. I do love dinosaurs but it doesn’t take a nerd to appreciate how badass they are; It takes a human being. 


Write a tweet demonstrating Steve Patrick Adams’ sense of humour.

I do a lot of picture tweets. Here’s an example: On a scale of one to 10, how hard would you say your life is? — (now imagine a picture of my cat Chub Chub lying as lazy as possible). 


If you weren’t a comedian, you’d be….


I had an interest in law but would probably be too goofy to be taken seriously in court. I also enjoyed the study of ethics and logic but would really have a tough time doing either with a PhD being the minimum requirement. Mystery novels?
Best piece of advice?

The best alteration I ever made was to stop writing out my material word for word. It made me more comfortable on stage and more trusting of myself as a performer. So I would definitely recommend trying different approaches to creating jokes as a piece of advice. Also, try to be grateful for performing opportunities.
What’s next on the horizon?

Hopefully getting more gigs and travelling opportunities. Comedian Jordan Foisy and I run two rooms at Crown and Tiger and Comedy Bar respectively, which seem to be picking up momentum. I’m also recently involved in a musical sketch comedy duo called Two Seagulls Nestling on a Welcoming Bush. Joel Buxton and I put together songs of a satirical nature.
The details:
Year started: 2009



Influences: Norm Macdonald, Jim Gaffigan, Louis C.K., The Simpsons, xi
Next shows: Sept. 4, The Humber College Alumni Show, Yuk Yuk’s, 224 Richmond Street West, 416-967-6425;
Sept. 8, Crown and Tiger Pub, 414 College Street, 416-920-3115. 

