Hopwood Depree: A Yank in the UK!

Thank you for your time Hopwood - our traditional first question, where in the States are you from?

I grew up in Holland, Michigan. I moved to Los Angeles at age 18 and have lived part-time in both places ever since. So I guess I'm an LA dreamer with Midwestern roots.

You now live in the UK - what prompted the move?

One night in LA I was on my computer researching my ancestry when I stumbled across a 600-year-old manor built by ancestors called 'Hopwood Hall'. The home was in desperate need of a rescue. I sent an email to find out more about it and their response was 'When are you coming to England?!' Before I knew it I was on a plane and my whole life has now become focused on saving the house. A classic example of the danger of going online while drinking wine.

What do you most like about living in the UK, and most miss about the US?

I love that in the UK everything is so old, and miss that everything in the US is so new.

How do you handle the subtle language changes in British-English versus American-English when on stage?

I am still trying to grasp the language differences which is probably why I am so confused all the time.

Why is American comedy so popular in the UK?

For centuries, the Brits have always liked laughing at the Americans.

What are you looking forward to about attending the Comedy Festival?

Seeing shows, late night parties, eating too much.

What projects are on the horizon for you?

I am currently filming a comedic documentary about my adventures rescuing the 600-year-old house my ancestors built called 'Hopwood Hall'. I also release episodes of  my madcap journey on my YouTube Channel @HopwoodXIV

Finally, what's the best thing about being Hopwood Depree?

My LA doctor gave me some pills so I no longer get jet lagged!

Hopwood performs alongside fellow Americans Spring Day and Will Franken in a special 'Yank in the UK' stand up gig at the Comedy Festival, Leicester on Friday, 7 February 2020. Click here for tickets.

Click here to read our Q&A with American comedian living in the UK, Spring Day!

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