THE BIRDS
In an egg-citing episode of YEG Nature, a local “flock-umentary", this unique pair grows from awkward hatchling into seductive, groove-dropping mating machine - all in the name of evolution. In the wild, its flirt or die! From the creator of Funny Beyond Words (Fringe 2024), a physical comedy full of flair and feathery fun!
I found a lot of scenes in this show to be predictable and a bit cliche for this style of show. In a landscape of many many shows centered around anthropomorphic animals (Field Zoology, Enrichment Hour, The Human Cat Experience, etc.), how do you differentiate yourself? Audiences go in expecting the typical jokes about mating, birthing, behaviour, etc. All of these typical jokes were present, and many scenes extended past the point of humor and into awkward dead air. I would’ve liked this show more had it been a bit more original and tightened up a bit.
My favourite scene was the exaggerated gigantic egg birthing that moved into something a little subtler and quieter as one bird opened several empty eggs. That scene stood out as something new, a little vulnerable and unique.
A charming, inventive, funny little show about the life cycle of birds from two talented physical comedians. I especially liked the creative use of props to tell the story. It made me laugh, especially the bird fashion show, and also almost cry at one point. Well worth seeing. A real treat and one of my favourites this year.
Look! Look! I spotted a pair of rare white-topped cuckoos! The fun and charm of The Birds.... Check out the full 12thnight review!
Birds is a physical comedy about birds. This will be short skits talking about birds and mating habits. I found the music loud, especially during one part where the audience decided to clap along. Other things to be aware of from a sensory side. Along with the music, there is the use of flashing colour lights and a disco ball. From the angle where I was sitting, I could see the light glare on the disco ball. And if you are in the front row, there are a few times that the cast will engage with you. Overall, it is a fun show and especially if you like birds.
So simple, so brilliant! We had the best time with these two birds!
Equal parts nature documentary and physical comedy, THE BIRDS at Edmonton Fringe honours both absurdity and insight. Anastasia Maywood and Krista Lin deliver a magpie duet that’s simultaneously awkward, amusing, and achingly relatable—flapping through birth, mating rituals, and mortality with nimble absurdity. Under Christine Lesiak’s direction, the production takes flight as a ‘flock-umentary’ that’s as much about survival and attraction as it is about feathers and flair. By the final scene, you’ll be guffawing—perhaps still pondering the peculiar beauty of evolution. It’s a hoot, indeed.
This comedic interpretive performance of the life journey of birds had the audience dying from laughter. The creative use of a mixture of birds sounds and the English language brought the show to "fowl" form. The way they broke the third wall, incorporating the audience, added a new level of entertainment. From fashion shows to matting dances, everything caught your eye like a "Shiny! Shiny! Shiny!" waterbottle or set of keys.
If you are someone who enjoys dad-type comedy, I would highly recommend watching this show. I would even bring my dad to see this, and he has a fear of birds.
This show is delightful, engaging, and imaginative. You may never look at our feathery friends the same way again! The chemistry between the performers is palpable, and the physical comedy will have you laughing out loud. Do yourself a favor and see this.
I saw the opening last night. It is an absolutely delightful physical comedy duo that had me howling with laughter from start to finish. The show presents itself as a “flock-umentary” exploring the life cycle of birds, from awkward hatchlings to groovy adults.
Every scene was bursting with wit and charm, and the costumes were standout. Both performers, Krista Lin and Anastasia Maywood, were uniquely hilarious. Their comedic timing and physical comedy had the audience in stitches, and I couldn’t stop laughing.
Such a fun show! Hilarious physical comedy, a small poignant scene near the end, and a clever use of costumes (and a wheeled clothes rack).