Augustus Williams
Returning to the Edmonton Fringe Festival for their fifteenth year, Mike and Chantelle Delamont bring God to life in all her floral patterned glory. This stand up comedy spectacular is a Fringe staple for many people, as well it should be. It’s an act that cements itself in the viewer's brain, as God expresses her opinions on misinterpretations of the Bible, AI, politics, and any number of other relevant topics. Always, God’s acts are grounded in a desire to uplift the audience. You leave the theatre feeling happier than before, and often feeling better about yourself as well. One could say it’s a divine miracle - God unburdens you on the holy grounds of the Metro Cinema. Mike Delamont brings God to life with all the vigour of a true Scotsman, and Delamont does a remarkable job of making it easy to understand the Braveheart-esque accent. God is a Scottish Drag Queen is a real Edmonton Fringe classic, and it will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. Catch it while you can! God sells out a house fast.
The Human Cat Experience is a bizarre amalgamation of many different things. At its core, it’s a take on the stoner films of the 70s. Take that and combine it with children’s theatre, cats, adventure movies, almost any genre you can name. This show is a remarkably strange one, but it’s certainly fun. The creators and stars, Hillary Fillier and ira cooper, are absolutely fearless on stage, and their 100% commitment to the characters and story helps ease the audience into the strangeness of the show. It’s tricky to follow the plot, but if you stop trying to and instead just let yourself get taken along on the journey, you will have fun. The Human Cat Experience is a very out there and interesting show, and most audience members would have a fascinating time watching it.
When someone passes on in our life, we remember them mainly through stories. In My Father’s Voice is all about stories. The show is a collection of stories that Shawn Henry tells the audience about his late father, and through passing them on he gives us the opportunity to remember this man with him. Henry is a fantastically compelling storyteller, particularly so beautiful in his simplicity. The concept of the show, the design, and the nature of the storytelling are all exactly what they need to be - not underplayed, but no fancy bells and whistles either. If it weren’t for the songs, you could easily just be sitting in a room with an old friend telling you about his father. Henry’s singing voice is powerful but not overwhelming, perfectly suited to both the high emotions and the comedy. Speaking of the comedy, the funny moments in the show are handled with a comfort that you don’t often see around conversations about death, without ever leaning into macabre. Just like the rest of the show the humour is honest, and that makes for the best comedy. In My Father’s Voice is a deeply human and compassionate show that is somehow both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It’s a fantastic piece of work that all Fringe goers should make an effort to see.
How often have you found yourself watching the news, or sitting in a history lesson, thinking about imperialism, evolution, religion, and wished to yourself, “if only this could be explained to me by clowns?” Well, now it can be! Colonial Circus will appeal to fans of Mump and Smoot, as Shreya Parashar and Sachin Sharma’s dark clowns take the audience on a hilariously uncomfortable trip through colonial history. This show is not for the easily offended or faint of heart, but those that can take it will absolutely love it. It’s sharply satirical and not remotely subtle about its political stances. The two clowns rely on many instances of audience participation to help tell their story and make their point, and if their alluring strangeness doesn’t scare you away then it will most definitely entice you in. The two characters are a pair of excellently crafted clowns, often switching dynamics and status but never losing their distinct personalities. Both performers treat their clowns with the respect they deserve, unafraid to show the darkest parts of history the way it’s seen through the clown's eyes. Anyone who’s willing to have their realities challenged by a pair of clowns will certainly enjoy Colonial Circus.
Cheyenna “Shy” Sapp is an indigenous stand up comic here to tell you about the “Hot Mess” that is healing. As with many comedians, she tells stories of the many traumas she’s experienced in her life - really, nothing’s funnier! In all seriousness, Sapp is a very funny comedian who knows how to appear comfortable and confident on stage and, more importantly, knows how to land a joke. Her act is easy to follow, with well placed punchlines that lead smoothly into the next part of her story. The material is uncomfortably relatable, with stories about dating, sex, and living in our modern world that can get a laugh of understanding out of almost anyone. Stand up comedy is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if it’s yours then you should check out The Hot Mess Comedy Show at fringe venue number ten.
A classic sketch comedy show, Resting Bitumen face is packed full of short scenes that cover a wide range of subjects. If you can dream about it, they have a bit about it. The Sketchy Broads are a hilarious group of five comedians, and just from watching them on stage you can tell that they love working with each other. They handle the comedy as if it were a straight play, with not even the slightest acknowledgement of the humour, making it all the funnier. The short form comedy is perfect for anyone with a shorter attention span. You’ll get hit with a punchline every two to three minutes, so try to keep up! If you’re ready for the speed and quickness of the bits, you’ll get whisked along from scene to scene, and even though there’s no overarching story you will still get taken on a journey. The Sketchy Broads create some of the funniest short form comedy at the festival, and Resting Bitumen Face will not disappoint.
If you have sins you need to confess, Brother Love is here to heal you. How will he heal you, you may ask? Any variety of methods - through song, through donations, maybe even through mild BDSM. This show is a non-stop marathon of a parody, poking fun at travelling evangelicals and tent revivals. Noam Osband, the creator and Brother Love himself, is a powerful singer, speaker, and multi-instrumentalist, preaching from both the guitar and the keyboard. If you’re there to be saved, prepare to be saved - this is a heavily audience reliant show, and if you volunteer you better be ready - Brother Love may ask you to do some strange things (all in the name of the lord of course). Those who may struggle with mockery of religion should stay away from this show, but those who are ready to see every element of radical Christianity scrutinized and parodied will have a blast. Get ready to shake your tambourines, donate some money, and sweat like you’re actually in Texas, because this show will have you up on your feet. Singing, clapping, or shouting hallelujah, you step through the doors of the theatre into another world - a world of tents, rhinestones, and good old fashioned gospel.
Returning to the Edmonton Fringe with a brand new act of raunchy, funny original songs, Shirley Gnome is a must see. Her songs cover a broad range of topics, from the relatable to the simply outlandish. With lyrics that are as quick and witty as they come and a virtuosic voice that easily commands the stage, Gnome is a truly masterful comedian and songwriter. She has a confidence on stage that speaks of many years spent performing, and an artist who knows exactly what they’re doing. If you want stand up comedy, Gnome is a fantastic choice - likewise if you want a music show. The two elements work hand in hand excellently, creating a unique and highly memorable piece of theatre. The Grindstone serves as the perfect venue for this show, creating the intimate, bar-like vibe that fits Shirley Gnome like a glove. Gnome says that she started as a children’s performer, which is almost hard to believe, if it weren’t for her infectiously upbeat personality that can’t help but lift up everyone in the audience. This show is a crazy good time, and it would be a challenge to not enjoy it.
A Fringe classic, the Late Night Cabaret is a hard show to do wrong. A rotating roster of featured artists from the festival, charismatic hosts, and a phenomenal house band - plus snacks and drinks - it’s a memorable event and a very fun way to spend your evening. The show includes games, interviews, performances, live music, really there’s nothing not to love about it. Different artists from shows around the festival feature every night, so if you’re looking for teasers to help find out what you’re interested in seeing, the Late Night Cabaret is the place to go. It’s not just teasers though. There’s a whole show in and of itself, where you get to enjoy the ridiculous game show energy of the hosts' various improv and comedy games, and the featured musical artist supported by the house band. Overall, if you’re a fan of the festival or not, you will have a good time at the Late Night Cabaret - and if you do, why not come back the next day? It’s sure to never be the same twice!
How often have you found yourself watching the news, or sitting in a history lesson, thinking about imperialism, evolution, religion, and wished to yourself, “if only this could be explained to me by clowns?” Well, now it can be! Colonial Circus will appeal to fans of Mump and Smoot, as Shreya Parashar and Sachin Sharma’s dark clowns take the audience on a hilariously uncomfortable trip through colonial history. This show is not for the easily offended or faint of heart, but those that can take it will absolutely love it. It’s sharply satirical and not remotely subtle about its political stances. The two clowns rely on many instances of audience participation to help tell their story and make their point, and if their alluring strangeness doesn’t scare you away then it will most definitely entice you in. The two characters are a pair of excellently crafted clowns, often switching dynamics and status but never losing their distinct personalities. Both performers treat their clowns with the respect they deserve, unafraid to show the darkest parts of history the way it’s seen through the clown's eyes. Anyone who’s willing to have their realities challenged by a pair of clowns will certainly enjoy Colonial Circus.