IAGO vs HAMLET

My wife and I took in this show as we had not been to the Neptune in some time and had never attended a Fringe Event. Honestly, we were rewarded for our attendance, as this show was an absolute irreverent blast. My review follows below.

First and foremost, actors Jon Paterson and Rod Peter Jr. are clearly fans of the bard and talented orators and physical comedians. The premise: two actors book a stage to perform their respective roles, Hamlet and Iago. With ebbs and flows in modern English slang and inevitable turns to the proper Shakespearean flourish, the two review their rental agreements and determine that Iago is in the right and has properly booked the venue. Hamlet steps aside and lets Iago soliloquize as he watches from the back. Inevitably, Hamlet returns and the two begin their comedic to and fro initially appearing to empathize with the other's plight. Iago is passed over by a lesser soldier while Hamlet is betrayed by his uncle who murders his father, beds his mother and takes his throne. This is not a serious venture, however and within moments, each person slags the other to hilarious effect. The "what did you just say" aspect is standard comedy fare but here is used in stellar, robust fashion. What is notable of their performances is the seamless transition from fourth wall modernity to immersive play interaction.

The two men's antipathies toward the other quickly rise and each plots the other's undoing. Iago takes point as when it comes to treachery, he is a scholar. Hamlet is filled with ennui and for the most part plays dim bulb to the wittier Iago. The two banter, cajole and plot. A dark turn befalls the play as both recognize the futility of their efforts. A plot of crafting a suicide pact plays for dark laughs. The notion that the two men can't even commit to ending themselves properly does have punch though. Inevitably, they pull back from the brink, and each craft to end the other. Kudos are to be given to the writers who found a way to cleverly blend each play and protagonist's trajectory into a natural rivalry. To concoct such a plot device, one must truly love Shakespeare and be knowledgeable of his works.

The finale is mad cap fun, bringing about a ridiculous (in a good way) fight sequence; where old theatrical methods of bloodletting shine forth as comedy gold. This was a terrific way to spend an afternoon and at a terse hour, exceedingly worth your time. Should this play make its way to your neck of the woods, do yourself a favor and take it in.

You can tell that Rod Peter Jr. and Jon Paterson love Shakespeare. I don't think anyone who didn't appreciate the Bard's work could have figured out how to connect the stories of Hamlet and lago with such clarity of thought. Witty wordplay, fantastic throws to other Shakespearean texts, and cheeky references, this was a fun show that kept the audience captivated

This show riffs on Shakespeare in all the best ways.

I'm not a big fan of the Bard. I think we value far too highly four-hundred year old plays that are the equivalent of modern airplane books, and that the only reason Shakespeare is so pervasive and universally referenced is because we force it to be.

But, as a result of this forced education I got the references!

And this is a well-written play of Iago and Hamlet trying to kill each other, while also just making jokes and riffing about the situation the whole time.

It's fun, clever and engaging.

Hilarious, smart, original, delightfully ridiculous. This show was everything I love about the Fringe.

Absolutely hilarious. Best show I've seen in years.

Revenge O’ Plottin!

This story of father-slayers and brother-layers, catty comebacks and colourful rhyming couplets, completely blew my mind. Who’s malleable and who’s manipulative, star crossed Hamlet and indecent Iago will have you entranced by their quick wits. What an unbelievably captivating performance, the writing is honestly poetic, yet so, so funny. Both artists were incredibly impressive, having perfect onstage chemistry and individually captivating presences. Iago and Hamlet, respectively, were both incredibly skilled in their line delivery, comedy, and charm. Iago vs Hamlet was genuinely such a treat to watch, and I truly cannot recommend it enough.

CARLY VOS, AYTC

A hilarious romp for Shakespeare enthusiasts! The performers deliver memorable and physically impressive performances in their respective roles, and the show is both comical and sinister. More shows like this are needed at Fringe! Would absolutely recommend and would absolutely watch again. Quite literally had me in tears.

This was such a fun show for Shakespeare lovers and non-Shakespeare lovers alike. The actors performed spectacularly with such passion. I was having the time of my life in this twisted tale that kept me on the edge of my seat.

"Iago vs Hamlet" delivers a clever and delightfully absurd comedy, imagining two iconic Shakespearean characters battling it out for control of the same rehearsal space. The show blends intelligent humour with goofy antics, playfully skewering both personalities in a way that feels fresh and irreverent. Its climax is hilariously over-the-top, embracing the ridiculous with enthusiasm and charm. This inventive twist on Shakespeare is thoroughly entertaining and offers a unique, comical perspective on the Bard’s legacy.

Great performances by both actors A wonderful mix of Shakespeare and modern vocabulary. Was mesmerized the whole tome. And the ending is superb. Plan a day in the French quarter.

EDMONTON JOURNAL ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m not the biggest fan of Shakespeare, but my friend was, and I had seen AWOL and Escape From Edmonton last year. Both actors were in those shows which I loved for different reasons. So it was an easy sell for me. I adored this show. I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll just say that this is a very polished show in the hands of two wonderful fringe veterans that had me in stitches. It’s very clever as well, mixing Shakespeare with modern vocabulary in a way I had never seen before. And there is a joke that’s so over the top and funny, I see why on the poster that it’s been sold out. I’d go again just for the ending alone.