Don Wright
Given the graphic used to promote this show, I was expecting epic tales of monstrous prehistoric sea creatures doing battle along this seemingly modest and tame inland sea. But the false tales being told were much less ambitious. The central false tale was an aimless story that drew from the time Expo 86 dominated the creek and the news. Disappointing in many ways, although I now wonder whatever became of Expo Ernie.
A developer dreams of building homes that know so much about you, as the owner, that it can meet your every daily need, including anticipating what you want for breakfast or dinner. There are really three characters, the developer, a reporter, and Cam, the tablet-based “companion” who learns what it can from you. Except something’s not right, and the reporter is on it. It’s a mostly gentle romp, almost a rom-com, more musical than thriller, and that’s okay.
Not sure what I was expecting from this show, although there was a promise of hearing something about the mythic healing powers of the Cliffs of Mohr. The cliffs are mentioned, but the storyline is really about an obsession with candy, perhaps not surprising considering the show name. I enjoyed the energy, but lost the plot with stories about bananas and how he mistreated his diesel-fuelled rental car. Others I talked to later highly recommended this show to others, so what do I know!
This is an absolute must-see improvised tour-de-force! Set-up is an interview with a volunteer from the audience, a series of questions about the audience member’s life, who they came with, work, hobbies, and a protagonist - but just enough info for the improviser to hilariously re-enact the person’s life story, freely filling in the gaps, with fabulously funny scenes. scenes. Small venue so I’m sure this one will deservedly sell out as the Fringe continues!
Across the 10 shows I saw over the first weekend, this is both the weirdest and the most political. And not a circus as the performers are quick to point out. But it is definitely about colonization. Check your white guilt at the door for this inventive and challenging production!
A talented storyteller who does not let small children peeking through the screen, ducks quacking on cue, or a squirrel running up a back post distract him from his tale. In fact they all become part of the show which, as he notes, is a covered but open space between a children’s playground and seniors hosting. Jimmy (never Jim or James!) is funny, funny, funny.
Day two and already the most elaborate set I’m likely to see at the Fringe. And the second performance over two days that features an actor exploring their own neurodivergence, in this case ADHD. The set, the script, and the performance are all a bit messy, but authentically so. This production is life-affirming and ultimately a triumphant tale of bravery.
The show begins with performer telling us they will be reading from their script “for neurodivergent reasons.” At first it felt like I could be listening to an audio book, but soon the story drew me in and I forgot all about the format. I watched and listened as they revealed their childhood dreams, their dramatic breakaway that prompted a nervous breakdown, and their journey from trauma to recovery. Poignant, funny, and life-affirming.
I’m sure we know some version of the classic tale about selling your soul to the devil for whatever it is you want in life. However I had not read Doctor Faustus or seen it on stage, so this was a Fringe treat. The main two characters, Dr Faustus and the devil’s assistant Mephostophilis, are very compelling. They are ably aided by a small cast that covers characters ranging from the devil to local workers on through to fellow scholars and even the voices of good and evil. This was great fun to watch. Good use of a challenging space, the picnic pavilion, complete with background noise that included ducks quacking as they flew by — if you are hard of hearing sit up front. The opening night performance ran longer than expected, but I didn’t even notice.
This is one reason the Fringe is so much fun. Even if it looked and sounded like a high school production, I don’t need back the 45-minutes. The production is heavy on dance moves and costume changes, and I think an intentionally bad soundtrack, and it all delighted the family-and-friends that packed the sold-out opening performance. A energetic comment on pop culture and stardom with an unbelievable plot line and unpolished script. But let’s just say the plot was secondary to the fun the actors were having bringing this silly story to life. Good for them!