SSPs

Hughes Cherrywood

Hair Brained—Asper Centre for Theatre and Film-U of W

Hi everyone, I’m Sara Cherrywood and I’ve been an actor in some Fringe shows before, but this is my first time producing, co-writing, co-directing something for the stage. My friend (and Fringe veteran) Geoff Hughes and I love laughing, especially about his silly hair, so we want to share that with an audience. Geoff and I have worked hard on our brand new, wholesome sketch comedy Hair Brained, and we’ll be performing it at Venue 10.

I’m worried that only a few people will attend each showing of Hair Brained (mom, dad, and a Free Press reviewer), so it would mean a lot if anyone has 30 minutes to see Hair Brained.


A Friendly Co Pro’

Afeni—Le Studio at Théâtre Cercle Molière

Making her Winnipeg Fringe debut as the Black Panther, Activist, and mother of Tupac Shakur in the one-woman show, AFENI, Onika Henry has already won accolades in Edmonton and Toronto for the role. The Star calling it “one of the most compelling new solo plays to debut at the Fringe in recent years”. Winnipeggers will recognize AFENI as the writing of history solo-show veteran Adam Bailey, whose Franz Ferdinad Must Die, The Life Henri and All Hail Mrs. Satan have all been local hits. Now learn the story of an incredible woman who took on the US government from a jail cell, becoming her own attorney, and triumphed on her own terms.


Gravity Theatre

Private Parts: The Secrets We Keep—RRC Polytech

From the creator of Bangs, Bobs & Banter: Confessions of a Hairstylist comes Private Parts: The Secrets We Keep, a touching, thought-provoking show that takes audiences on a powerful journey through love, loss and hope.

With raw honesty, humour and vulnerability, 12-time award-winning writer and performer Joanna Rannelli delivers an unforgettable performance that will make you laugh, break your heart and remind you that every secret has a story.

“Must-see… powerfully moving.” – Orlando Weekly

★★★★1/2 – Winnipeg Free Press

“It’s no surprise that this show already has a litany of accolades—it’s earned them.” – BroadwayWorld


Indigenized Indigenous Theatre

Elon Muskrat—Asper Centre for Theatre and Film-U of W

It started as a joke. “Hey, Josh, you should do a show about a character named Elon Muskrat.” Laughter ensued. But Josh is a playwright who pays attention to the world around him.

Elon represents a bundle of conflicts and contradictions. A trillionaire representing the satire of upper class culture. He’s also Indigenous and is trying to navigate the world of settlers. But with an inner child and a powerful spirit who was hurt very deeply.

Equal parts satire and powerful oral storytelling, “Elon Muskrat” is a cautionary tale about the dangers of capitalism and its effect on Indigenous spirits.

★★★★ – Edmonton Journal


Living the Dream

A One Human Being, Potentially Comedic Performance of Toy Story
…if it was a Musical—School of Contemporary Dancers

Local silly goose, Alli Perlov, is having a midlife crisis! Luckily that has manifested itself in the creation of this show. Similar vibes of previous “One Human Being” performances, Perlov takes you through the iconic 1995 film Toy Story- improved with over 15 Broadway parody tunes. Think Weird Al + nostalgia + a 5’2 cringey chaos goblin in this “venerable fringe tradition”. Let Perlov take you to infinity and beyond through gags, witty commentary and some fun (optional) audience participation!


Tilted Hilton Productions

Paper Fathers: Shadows and the Songs We Leave Behind—The Gargoyle Theatre

Some Fringe shows have sword fights. Some have nudity. We have old songs, forgotten voices, and one actor trying to untangle memory, family, and the things we inherit. Paper Fathers: Shadows and the Songs We Leave Behind is a funny, heartfelt solo show about family, loss, and the stories that echo long after they’re told. If you’ve ever inherited more questions than answers, come spend some time with us. Bring tissues. Or don’t. We have enough feelings for everyone.


ImproVision

ImproVision: K-Tel Demon Hunters—Duke of Kent Legion

This is embarrassing.

We honestly never heard of that singing demon movie when we named our Fringe show. Actually, we INVENTED the whole “popular animated K-musical” thing.

Sure, we make things up using audience suggestions then add clothespins, puppets, super soakers, etc. to put a unique twist on standard short-form improv (come to our show and see for yourself). But we’re NOT making this up.

We also founded K-tel Records. Anyone who believes otherwise is experiencing the Mandala Effect.


Indifferently Reformed

The Taming of the Shrew—Dalnavert Museum and Visitors’ Centre

It’s September 2005 at the University of Padua, and Professor Baptista’s daughters are on campus. Bianca is Ms. Congeniality, while older sis Kate totally needs a chill pill. Frat boys want Bianca bad, but somebody’s gotta deal with the Devil first. Grab your ticket and your flip phone, you won’t want to miss The Taming of the Shrew!

From the company that brought you Julius Caesar (4.5 stars, WFP, 2025) and The Two Gentlemen of Verona (4.5 stars, WFP, 2024).


Gregoire Entertainment

Escape Reality: A Magic Show—CCFM – Antoine Gaborieau Hall

After last year’s 4.5-star hit ‘Control: A Psychological Magic Show’, Winnipeg magician Patrick Gregoire is back and bringing you a completely different experience. Escape Reality is a brand-new hour of impossible magic and pure fun. Leave the world behind and rediscover what it feels like to believe in the impossible. Grab your tickets today!

Patrick’s past Winnipeg Fringe shows:
Supernatural – ★★★★
Mindreader – ★★★★
Dangerous Magic – ★★★★


Shot in the Dark Productions

A Curated Exit—Asper Centre for Theatre and Film-U of W

What if you could design your death experience? A Curated Exit is a dark comedy about grief, technology, and one woman’s desperate attempt to stay in control as her life unravels. Featuring a sheet-covered corpse and memories of a husband who refuses to stay out of the conversation, this world premiere asks what happens when we try to optimize the one thing that refuses to follow a plan. Come for the aesthetic endings. Stay for the worst Monday of Zoe’s life.