New Hampshire’s Ken Sheldon Brings Laughter with Fred Marple

Ken Sheldon, a multifaceted entertainer from Peterborough, New Hampshire, continues to captivate audiences with his comedic alter ego, Fred Marple. Known for its unique blend of humor and storytelling, Sheldon’s work draws inspiration from the quirks of small-town life in New England, particularly his fictional creation, Frost Heaves.

Sheldon conceived the town of Frost Heaves after a humorous encounter recounted by his father, who was asked by a confused traveler where the town was located. The phrase “frost heaves” refers to bumps in the road caused by winter frost, which has now become a central theme in Sheldon’s comedy. “My name is Fred Marple. I come from the town of Frost Heaves, New Hampshire,” Sheldon often introduces, setting the tone for his comedic performances.

From Tech Writer to Comedic Performer

Before fully embracing his comedic talents, Sheldon built a career as a writer for technology magazines. However, his passion for storytelling and humor eventually led him to create a series of books and live performances based on the amusing tales of New England. “Living in New England, you just hear stories, and they’re just funny,” he explained, highlighting the rich tapestry of experiences that fuel his work.

The Frost Heaves stage show has featured various charming characters, with Fred Marple at its heart, dressed in flannel and suspenders. Sheldon humorously noted, “I decided I needed a spokesman for the town of Frost Heaves. I picked Fred because he didn’t seem to have anything else to do with his time, really.” Since his first appearance on NH Chronicle in 2011, Fred Marple has become a beloved figure, known for his lighthearted take on life in a small town.

For nearly a decade, Sheldon and his Frost Heaves companions performed full-stage shows that combined music with storytelling, engaging audiences throughout the region. Although the format has shifted to solo performances, Sheldon still collaborates with fellow humorist Rebecca Rule, creating a joyful atmosphere filled with laughter and song. “It’s wonderful to get together and just laugh and sing together and have some fun,” he remarked.

Expanding Creativity Beyond Comedy

In addition to his performances, Sheldon has continued to publish new works, including his latest book, “Udder Nonsense – More Tales From Frost Heaves.” He has also ventured into non-fiction, exploring the historical murder of William Dean in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, with his book “Deep Water.” “I spent years reading FBI reports and transcripts. I come up with a theory about what I think happened to Mr. Dean,” he shared, revealing his dedication to thorough research.

Sheldon’s creativity extends to children’s literature as well, with a book featuring a character who discovers clothes with superpowers. He expressed a nostalgic connection to this project, stating, “It’s my childhood. My wish as a kid was to find clothes that would make me into Superman or the Flash.”

Music remains an integral part of Sheldon’s artistic expression. He has created a collection of folk and parody songs, including a recording titled “Crabby Road,” which features silly songs inspired by his shows.

As both Ken Sheldon and Fred Marple, he embodies a relentless pursuit of inspiration, often drawing from the everyday experiences around him. “My wife will tell you, ‘When you tell me a story, he’s got that look in his eyes, filing it away for use,'” he said, underscoring his commitment to capturing humor in real life.

Through his various endeavors, Ken Sheldon continues to entertain and inspire, reminding us that laughter can be found in the most unexpected places.