From Fringe 2024

Literally against all odds

inspired I theatre—MTC Up the Alley

Anyone who has worked with children will know that, while it can be some of the most rewarding work you will ever do, it can also be some of the most infuriating at times. Spencer perfectly portrays the educator who’s at the end of her rope, and when rhetorical questions are lobbied at “children” among the “class’, it’s very difficult not to answer in an attempt to ease her stress. The closing moments of the show are simultaneously a fantastic tribute to teachers who may never see just how much of an impact they’ve made and a rather terrifying image of a potential future. Fantastic show, if you don’t mind a slight feeling of existential dread as you leave.

Jordan Phillips

From Fringe 2024

Literally against all odds

inspired I theatre—MTC Up the Alley

Mom come pick me up I’m scared, the teacher is losing it again.

Vivid and hilarious, the various vignettes making up the working life of our first grade teacher played by Spenser Payne and pulling from the teaching career of the writer/director Alissa Watson are as uncomfortable as they are humourous. From bad administration to terrible HR to disruptive students, the profession is shown warts and all. Ending on some timely commentary about teaching during COVID now going into the era of generative AI and at a tight 45 minutes, this is a great watch for our last week of Fringe.

Josh Fidelak