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Thompson to host spoken word show

When Erick Thompson of Summerland takes to the stage at Orchard House Theatre next month, it will not be in his role as an emcee.
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Erick Thompson

When Erick Thompson of Summerland takes to the stage at Orchard House Theatre next month, it will not be in his role as an emcee.

Instead, the former broadcaster will host a multimedia show, Not Trying to be Funny, which fetters a mix of stories, music and pictures.

In addition, the show will include interviews with three guests, selected at random from the audience.

“This is a live talk show on the stage,” he said. “It was inspired by a friend whose tough-luck stories always make me laugh. He often says, ‘I’m not trying to be funny,’ but I find his delivery hilarious. You can’t make this stuff up. As a reporter, I stuck to a script. This is my opportunity to be myself and say what I really think.”

The promotional posters for the show state that it includes some coarse language and is not intended for people who are easily offended.

Thompson said the language in the show will be the way people talk normally.

While Thompson is talking, the Tavis Wier Group will provide musical accompaniment.

The band will also perform three original songs in the first part of the 70-minute program.

After an intermission, the band will perform a full set of music.

Thompson said he has emceed for many years, but in that role he was not able to speak his mind.

Thompson is a former television news anchor and reporter. He has also emceed in British Columbia and Ontario for more than 20 years. He co-owns ET2media with his wife Erin Trainer.

Tickets for Not Trying to be Funny are available in advance at The Grooveyard, 239 Main St., Penticton.