Graham Clark’s Not Here

Laugh Gallery—Wee Johnny’s

Graham Clark’s stand up show is exactly as advertised. Wanting to ‘cut the cost of fringe’, he has filmed the show, downloaded it on an iPad and strapped that iPad to a helmet. A ‘surrogate’ (Graham under a morph suit) then acts out hand gestures and appropriate body movements while the movie plays on his head.

An interesting take on stand up, this is more of a novelty piece. I appreciate Graham experimenting with the form, I just couldn’t seem to invest myself in the act like I normally do. I love stand up but part of the joy is watching the comedians gestures, body language, and facial expression. I need all three generally to help myself process what’s going on. Graham is hilarious in his own right but I felt this format took some of that away. I liked the material not the format. If I wanted to watch something prerecorded, Netflix and bed sounds a whole lot better than a dark bar.

Kaitlyn Kriss

I Think I’m Dead

Thunder Blunder—Red River College – Roblin Centre

Insomnia, depression, thoughts of suicide. I you’ve experienced any of these, this is the play for you. And even if you haven’t, you will enjoy this show. Nothing that’s going to knock your socks off, but an earnest, true-life sharing of one man’s tribulations, related in a very capable, enjoyable way. No low points and professionally done.

Lisa Campbell

After the Beep

Pamela Bethel—Son of Warehouse

From childhood to adulthood Pamela Bethel takes the audience through her memories with the help of her trusty answering machine tapes. Using a projector the tapes are given closed captions so the audience can read along. The audience gets to listen an laugh as Pamela narrates the before and after of the tapes.

Most of the tapes were funny but she did include some very racist and homophobic ones. This was done for a reason though. She said ‘hiding or pretending they didn’t exist i thought would be untruthful and worse’. She has a point but I still found the tapes incredibly hurtful.

Pamela was very raw and emotional in telling her stories. She didn’t hold back anything and it made me trust her more. The play challenges us to face our past rather than hide or deny it. I think it’s a lesson many need to learn including myself. This is an interesting take on the story-telling genre and I really enjoyed myself.

Kaitlyn Kriss

Conduit

The Body Orchestra—John Hirsch Mainstage

The first sequence opens with eerie music and a motionless body, somewhat contorted. Three zombie-like creatures slink upon the victim and things get creepier from there.

Visually stunning and aurally captivating, this feast for the senses delivers sequences highlighting what the trained body can do—not my body, obviously.

Ray Yuen

Parked

Lady Brain Creative Co.—Pantages Studio

Liz just had the worst day of her life, Hazel the meter maid just had Liz’s car towed. Together they have a lot more in common than they think. Exploring loss and disappointment, this play explores what happens when you don’t succeed, where do you go next when your plans fail, and finding your place in the life.

Beautifully acted, the actors hooked me in right from the get go. I laughed a lot but the play moved me. I resonated with both characters so strongly. I feel this would be true for others at the same stage of life as me (recently graduated or in college still). I have said so many of the plays lines myself and I’m sure others feel he same way.

The only critique I have would be that the actress playing Hazel and Liz’s sister tended to act the same for both characters. I wish there had a been a little more differentiation between the two characters she played. I understand however that this is hard when the character is only in a three minute scene. I feel with a little more polish and tweaking that this can easily be achieved.

This play is a hidden gem of the festival and deserves to be seen by bigger houses. Do yourself a favor and get your tickets now.

Kaitlyn Kriss

Grimm’s Fairer Tales – traditional stories reimagined for a modern age

Stories Alive for Kids—Kids Venue (MTYP Mainstage)

I took this in with three of the grandkids; upon the recommendation of Melanie Gall. “It was quite fun”, says Thoran, 8. He was very talented in the role of king, in Rapunzel. “I really enjoyed that.” Isabella, age 11. She rocked the role of witch in Hansel and Gretel. “Is it over already? Can’t we stay to sing more songs with him?” Anikka, age 6. She seems to have taken a shine to Eden Ballantine from Leeds. He blew my socks off as Don Jose in Carmen, with Gall.

My standard for a good Kids show is if it holds their attention from start to finish. This one meets the bill. So nice to see someone who performs for children in real life. It makes all the difference. Bring your little future Fringers.

Lisa Campbell

Call Girls

Not My Favourite Daughter Productions—School of Contemporary Dancers

Two girls act your every fantasy… for a price. Meet our three heroes who run the phones at CGH: Call Girls Hotline. The play follows the hiring of new girl Jane as she learns the ins and outs (pun totally intended) of phone sex from her two co workers.

This play was hilarious! The actors were perfectly cast. The jokes all landed and the actors had great comedic timing. This talented trio played beautifully off each other. In particular, I liked watching them do an a capella rendition of hot line bling. Being a drake fan they nailed it.

The characters were very fleshed out but I would have liked to see a bit more depth. This is especially true for the character Serenity. She was great as comedic relief, but I found she often became a bit of a stock character. I thought this also applied to her more upbeat partner Tracey as well. Both ladies I felt deserved more backstory and development.

Leave the kids and your parents home for this one. It ain’t your grandmas play. Dirty and raunchy you’re in for a laugh a minute. Especially during the commercial breaks.

Kaitlyn Kriss

Brain Machine

Andrew Bailey—Pantages Studio

Story-teller Andrew Bailey weaves a web of tales, summarised with a series of one-liners that leave the audience laughing. This thought-provoking revelation shines a light on how the best intentions sometimes turn into the worst usage.

Competent and compelling, Bailey’s words keep you gripped throughout the adventure.

Ray Yuen

Macbeth: The After Party

7 Ages Productions—Asper Centre for Theatre and Film – U of W

An evening of murder and mystery abounds as the original company of Macbeth enjoy their cast party. A little too into their roles, the actors band together to try and figure out a whodunnit.

The cast did a very good job of playing their roles. They were funny and totally focused throughout the show. They had great costumes and used the space wisely. For a more amateur production I was very impressed by their fight choreography. Out of all the shows this year I’ve seen, this cast put on a really convincing sword fight that had me nervous sitting in the front row. I liked lots of jokes and the script idea was unique.

I did like the jokes but most seemed to not land with the audience. I will say if your not familiar with Shakespeare or with some of the other playwrights of the time your probably not going to get a lot of the jokes. I also found some of the jokes were over used. The acting was decent but they tried way too hard to be funny at points and some jokes fell flat.

An okay play with some decent acting. Worth checking out as a filler show or if you really like Shakespeare.

Kaitlyn Kriss

Dr. Caligari’s Future Cabaret

Secret—

Editor Note: The Cabaret is a yearly tradition that only has one performance.

As usual, a great time was held all, holding their flashlights to illuminate the antics of our favorite artists. An outstanding effort by everyone involved. So generous of them to put in the extra time and effort for this charitable, sold out event!

The new ownership of the King’s Head has seamlessly transitioned from our beloved Jay and Mae by not changing much at all. The same menu and traditions are thankfully being upheld, with great hospitality being shown to we Fringers. They are making a boatload from us, but that is beside the point.

Lisa Campbell