GERALD

Most veteran Fringe patrons need to see at least one weird performance, that makes you go "What The - !!!!!". This is the best weird, uh, comedy play? Clown show? Whatever this was, it hit the mark of Fringe unhinged zany action, and you definitely wouldn't see this during a typical Winter Playhouse season.

The audience participation, physical humor, adult banter -- all was completely bonkers, and the performers carried the "narrative" well. The well attended weekend crowd was super into the bizarre actions and reactions.

While I probably wouldn't bring my grandmother to this particular act, this is the perfect example of a wacky Fringe show, and is a must-see for Fringe veterans.

This was the type of show I LOVE. It was fringey. It was well acted. It was weird. And it's a show i would actually see again ( which is not often for me.)

Super funny and great choreography with lots of hilarious improve! Talented performers and a great addition to any festival!

Gerald was amazing!!! So funny and so many great improve moments. Gill and Bill were very adaptable performers and so creative! Would highly recommend this show for every festival looking for great talent!

I thoroughly enjoyed this work of art, a kind of piece that makes you wonder how their creative brains work to come up with this. It was much more than just an aliens landing on earth to probe humans kind of show. There was smart humour, slightly shocking humour, fun audience participation, great costumes and props, and some of the most well done physicality I’ve seen in all my years of fringing. Lauren and Eddie have magic twinkles in their eyes, having as much fun performing for us as we are having watching it.

Wow! Lauren Brady has another amazing show at the fringe!

I laughed, and really enjoyed my time!

The clowns from corporate head office are here.... (read the full 12thnight review)

Oh, Gill and Bill, what a journey you took us humans on. 👽👽👽

For anyone who wants to enjoy a show that has a fantastic balance of heartfelt AWE, silly laughter, audience interaction, and, of course, GERALD JUICE, this show is for you!

Props to Lauren and Eddie for putting on a great first show together! GERALD GERALD 👽👽👽

Gerald, written by Lauren Brady and Edward Macdonald proves itself as a comedic juggernaut, Following the slapstick duo of Gill and Bill, the audience is put through a series of absurd scientific tests as the two aliens attempt to determine the fate of the human race. Jam packed with dedicated performances, unmatched chemistry and an unexpected splash zone, Gerald creates a world that is as absurd as it is carefully constructed.

Lauren Brady and Edward Macdonald redefine what actor chemistry can look like. Through choreography, rhythmic speaking, physicality, and consistently precise comedic timing, the two work together flawlessly, what makes their dynamics specifically impressive is how intentionally disconnected their characters appear. Gill and Bill behave as though they are unaware of each other, but every pause, interruption and reaction feel perfectly synchronized, this creates an interesting contradiction that becomes the show's driving force, and its biggest comedic strength.

With splashes of pale whites and blues, the visual design further establishes the show's wacky and unconventional approach to aliens and science fiction. The set and props don't just provide a backdrop for the actors on stage, they are active parts of the performance, often being used to push the story. The design embraces the ridiculousness of the premise while remaining committed to its world.

In the end, Gerald was able to create an absurdly comedic show, when it understood that absurdity works best when taken seriously, it was at its strongest. The result is a comedy that draws its audience in with interactive tests and games, making the audience feel like part of the performance.

If you choose to see this show, sit in the first two rows you will not regret it.

A unique premise of an intergalactic job interview with audience participation done so, so right, GERALD was some of the most fun I'd had at Fringe in years.

The actors were absolutely hilarious together, and knew exactly how to riff off of each other and the audience. The coworker relationship is a fun and familiar dynamic, even when portrayed through aliens.

I went to opening night and was shocked to learn that this was Gill's (Eddie McDonald's) first performance on stage! He seemed like a seasoned pro up there.

Also, part of what makes this show special is that they partnered with Bent Stick Brewing to bring us Gerald Juice, which is available at the concession at the venue (and, speaking from experience, is very good).

Wow!!!! Just wow! This is what fringe is for! 11 out of 10! Cannot recommend enough. The posters and the art don’t do this justice. You can’t capture the essence of Gerald! I’ll be chanting Gerald for a long time!

Wildly different and very well done! You have to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity and milk it for all the juice it’s worth!

Gill and Bill! Can’t wait to see you again!