KARL EDRIK 1970-2010

Spontaneous Productions is mourning the sad, sudden loss of Karl Edrik. Karl appeared as Bottom in our inaugural production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Dolphin Pub’s Garden in the summer of 2008 and will be forever remembered for his incredible vitality, wit, passion, enthusiasm and sense of comic timing. A locally-based stand-up comedian and writer, Karl had had more than his fair share of ups and downs, not least a spell at Her Majesty’s pleasure, but he was an incredible talent with lots of projects to look forward to. His sudden death at the age of 39 in Goa, India, came as a great shock to all those who knew him, and he will be hugely missed.

Jonathan Kaufman adds:

Karl had become a good friend of mine since 2006 when he first used to come into Kirkdale Bookshop where I work, to order books on writing comedy. As an erstwhile comic writer myself I offered to help Karl put together his first Edinburgh stand-up routine – though he needed little help from me. He was obviously a naturally gifted comic, a warm-hearted, friendly, gregarious – if sometimes temperamental - guy with a bottomless passion for life and amazing ambition.

It came as no surprise then that he jumped at the chance to ‘tread the boards’ when I first mentioned the idea of Bottom to him. A week after I’d given him the script to read he came back to me with the immortal line: "Jonofan - I don’t know what the hell they’re on about!” So began a fantastic journey as Karl and I worked together to create his infamous and unforgettable turn at The Dolphin Pub. For six nights Karl enthralled the audience – never have I seen such an ebullient, in your face, impassioned – and funny – Bottom. His death scene will stay in my mind till my own dying day I’m sure – I think by the final night it ran to more than five minutes! Wonderful times.

I was also very touched by Karl’s thanking me after the last performance for giving him the opportunity to do Shakespeare – something he might otherwise never have attempted. And I’m sure if he’d lived I would have gone on to cast him in other parts. We did talk about developing a one-man theatre show with Karl for Edinburgh, but sadly now, this will never be.

Wherever Karl is I hope he’s finally found some peace – because, boy, did he live life to the full!

Karl Edrik 1970 -2010 RIP.

Quotes from other cast members:

A very sad loss to the world. One of the funniest and genuine people you could ever hope to meet. The best Bottom I ever worked with. Still have the photo of the two of us in 'Dream' in my sitting room. Good times. Rest in Peace my friend.
Will Birch

Being around and working with Karl was one of those rare experiences; one where you just can’t help being drawn to another person because of their disarming yet magnetic charisma and warmth. I shall always bear fond memories of him prancing around the Dolphin’s garden with such energy and passion. It was quite at odds with the laid back tone and intellectual nature that came across in private conversation. Karl, you shall be sorely missed by everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing you and the world’s stage is just that little bit dimmer now. Rest peacefully.
Chris Lucas

Wherever you are, just chill dude. The image of your Bottom will live on in my memory forever. O grim-look'd night! O night with hue so black! O night, which ever art when day is not! RIP.
GB Milsom

As Peter Quince I heroically failed to control Karl off as well as on stage. He swept me into his comedy world, a crazy but unforgetable and much missed experience.
Stuart Grove

Karl's Comedy Website: www.karledrik.com