BRAIN

The actresses have a lot of charisma. Great performances all around and I enjoyed the concept, especially the repetition of the haunting poem. Ultimately the pacing was off because I felt it spent too much time on audience participation instead of furthering (or deepening) the story.

Genuinely, an incredible show and performance. There are some repetitive moments that drag a bit, but it's all a part of the story and the audience participation is top-notch. If you're a fan of pantos, you'll love this show.

Likes: the concept, audience engagement, the remarkable facial acting and charisma of the left-brain in particular, and the depth of the topic

Not so much: I think we missed 2/3 of the script because of a) lack of proper sound reinforcement and mixing and b) want of enunciation and fully committed voice delivery.

However, the audience was generally delighted.

I loved the concept, and the 2 characters were great fun. It was a little too much of getting the audience shouting. Fun at first, but a little too much. I think I liked it overall.

Opening as a fun comedic show where the left and right brain are in conflict (full of audience interaction), the fractured nature of the brain and duelling genres did not work for me. The stylistic and writing choices of the repetitive interjections resulted in me zoning out instead of on the edge of my seat to see what came next. Using text that changed while in the fractured state could have fixed the issue, and kept the audience entertained. While the concept is strong, the execution could do with some revisions for creating a more cohesive show.

I mean no notes. These two sides of the brain had had throttled, crying, and throwing coloured balls, what more could I ask for? The audience participation in the beginning was hilarious, and the two actresses played their parts perfectly. Maybe a little hard to follow at first, but it all comes together, so much fun!

Very entertaining with great audience participation but thought provoking too. The two performers were alive with energy and worked well together, drawing the crowd into the inner workings of the brain. Well written and executed.

What started out as a fun show turned into a confusing, depressing boggle of the mind. It did not connect things well and was a bit of a hodge podge mess. The actors did a good job, but the show just didn't hit for me.

I loved the concept of this play to show the different experiences of right and left brain but the execution was a miss with too much frenzy and not enough plot. As a brain nerd, I may have enjoyed it even more than the average person hearing all the facts about different brain structures, but I expect that was a miss for the general public. This had some audience participation that was a fun add. The actors did portray their sides of the brain well.

One of the most unexpected comedies with a major looming mystery, BRAIN is a captivating show led by the two sides of the human brain. Written and directed by Blair Moro, it's fun and chaotic; filled with hilariously crude humour, audience interaction, and chilling moments. Both sides of the vital organ are personified as completely opposite divas: Left being smart and rational, whereas Right is emotional and imaginative. The stars playing the two sides, Jillian Burke and Marissa Sauvé, make for a laugh-out-loud duo that engages their audience effortlessly. They owned that stage like it was nothing!

The sides of the brain start off the show by making their audience - or rather as they call them, their neurons - comfortable with an interactive activity; making everyone feel like they were a part of the action. At first, everything seems to be at ease in the brain; minus the human's unhealthy lack of water consumption or forgetfulness regarding a doctor's appointment! These small instances add up however, and soon enough an unexpected threat to the brain begins to be pieced together as Left and Right bicker more and more. It was simply enthralling the watch the tension build scene by scene.

Burke and Sauvé are a show-stopping, match-made-in-heaven kind of comedic duo. The way they perfectly bounce off each other is not only adorable but hilarious. It makes the sibling-esque bond between the characters that much more believable. Their energetic performances breathed life into their characters’ personalities. Additionally, the little details in their mannerisms and their distinct voices make the two sides even more unique. They were phenomenally entertaining hosts.

The show’s costumes were absolutely one of the most noteworthy parts of the production aside from the humour. From Red’s bright dress and hearts adorned on their tights, to Blue’s rigid blue vest and towering boots, their contrasting personalities shone even in their clothing. In addition, and without spoilers, there’s a point in the play where a jaw-dropping human brain puppet appears. It’s simply astounding, highly impressive craftsmanship as the large puppet’s mouth moves very smoothly and is riddled with detail.

All in all, BRAIN is an unexpected combination of charm and chaos, with its important message on mental health tying the entire show together. This play is a masterclass on how teach your audience a lesson that is essential in our current culture while simultaneously making them laugh their butts off! BRAIN will make you leave the theatre with a smile on your face and a new desire to drink less iced coffees and more water!!