Rat Academy 2 - Gnaw and Order

I could not stay away from Rat Academy 2 – Gnaw and Order — I went twice, and both times were an absolute thrill. Fingers and Shrimp deliver a show that is not only hilarious but also deeply powerful, speaking to the moment we are living in with sharpness and heart. It is no surprise they are getting the flowers they deserve.

Their craft is intentional and precise, from every physical movement to the way they connect with each other on stage. The audience interaction is seamless and electric, making the whole room part of the story. Each performance felt alive, different, and fueled by the energy they created with us.

This show is fearless, funny, and unforgettable. If you get the chance again do not miss these rats

Every single part of this show was perfect. I am so grateful I got a ticket to this early sell out! These two performers are masters of their craft, effortlessly blending clown, crowd work and physical theatre into a hilarious and heartfelt show. I can't wait to see what they make next year!

S tier comedy. A definite highlight of Fringe for me!

Rat Academy has earned its reputation as an instant classic at Fringe.

In this followup, Gnaw and Order, Dayna and Katie do the impossible: they improve on what's come before.

This show has everything you know and love about Rat Academy: incredible physical comedy, whip-quick improv from Fingers, an unrelentingly cute Shrimp and unhinged crowd work.

Where it elevates the past work is a story that emotionally connects. I saw wet eyes. In a dumb show about rats.

By the time you see this review, the show will have been sold out. So this is your reminder that if it gets held over or comes back next year: don't sleep on these tickets.

Such a great performance. Wonderful interaction with props and the audience. Great story, can't wait to see what they do next time.

THIS SHOW!!! It had everything! Rats, Anthony Bourdain, AND ME AS THE JUDGE! That’s right, I was asked up on stage to play a part in the show!! This show is a sequel to last year’s Rat Academy and I think this one was even better. You can’t help but love Fingers and Shrimp! I loved the effects that were used and was completely engaged and entertained the whole time. ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS OF THE FEST!

I came in for the comedy of watching a play about rats and they pulled through with it. It's basically a fever dream play but it makes sense somehow. The performance surprisingly appealed to my emotions and I felt bad for Fingers and Shrimp at times. It had emotional aspects to it while keeping a humorous atmosphere. I'm so curious about Rat Academy 1, and I would love to see a 3rd one!

The Rats....are back!!!

Saw a noon show on a Monday. Sold out and a standing ovation.

The most comendable element of Gnaw and Order -- a show overflowing with elements deserving of commendation -- is their commitment to their message. Though never heavy handed, Rat Acad 2 is not afraid to make a statement (somehow making an Anthony Bourdain quote deeply provocative -- a feat in and of itself). They masterfully balance humour with pathos throughout.

A contender for best of fest, in my opinion.

I was well aware of the hype surrounding Rat Academy but had yet to see for myself what it was all about. After seeing it, I can confidently say the excitement surrounding this show is well-warranted.

The performers are excellent. Despite their signature speaking voices, I never failed to understand what they were saying or what was happening. Their involvement with the audience was playful and fun to watch, and their physical comedy was masterful.

And even with its goofy concept and characters, there is a surprising amount of heart at the core. While the show is sold out at this point, if they ever return and you get the chance, don't miss out on this one.

Could be an early candidate for best of the fringe. Have audience participation that is well thought out and hilarious. Surprising emotional depth of story. All around fantastic show.

Suley Says Sensational.

WELCOME TO RAT COUNTRY!

Got a passion for rodents? This show is for you. Got a passion for comedy theatre? This show is not just for you—it’s for everyone! The Fringe’s fan favourite duo have returned with more jokes and outrageous antics that will keep you clutching your stomach and wiping away tears from too much hysteric laughter.

The rats are back, but it does not seem like they will be staying for a while. Fingers (Dayna Lea Hoffman) and Shrimp (Katie Yoner) are just getting comfortable in their little trash-ridden alley to celebrate a house-warming when they suddenly receive an eviction notice. Fingers and Shrimp hilariously scramble around the stage and up and down the stairs as they try to find a solution to this lethal problem.

With the rats, where you sit does not matter—their humour will reach everyone no matter if you’re sitting in the very front row or in the very back. Though Hoffman and Yoner’s rat accents may be a tad hard to understand at first, their fascinating body language will enchant you and quickly draw you into their absurd world.

This production upholds one of the Fringe’s strongest principles: family. Though Fingers and Shrimp have a mentor/pupil dynamic, Hoffman and Yoner’s eccentricity clearly show that there is something deeper and intimate. Even if the Fringe’s favourite rats face extermination, every Fringer will always love them and follow their journey no matter what.

Rat Academy was the platonic ideal of a Fringe Success story. Scrappy, engaging, and with a whole lot of heart. Rat Academy 2 is what happens when brilliant artists get the opportunity to elevate their craft off the back of a success story.

This show is a bit tighter, more deeply emotional, and confronting about the nature of the world we live in. Fingers and Shrimp put on one hell of a show. Be brave, and get involved, because these performers are giving it their all, and a good audience should do the same.

"Fingers and Shrimp are back, with a sequel to their much-travelled 2023 hit, and they want more than Whyte Avenue back alley garbage bins. They want a home sweet home to call their own. Is real estate (and, you know, freedom from arrest), too much to want in Alberta?" Check out the full 12thnight REVIEW!