BRAIN
2025 Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
16 août 2025 05:24
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Ten-tickles My Fancy

One of the most unexpected comedies with a major looming mystery, BRAIN is a captivating show led by the two sides of the human brain. Written and directed by Blair Moro, it's fun and chaotic; filled with hilariously crude humour, audience interaction, and chilling moments. Both sides of the vital organ are personified as completely opposite divas: Left being smart and rational, whereas Right is emotional and imaginative. The stars playing the two sides, Jillian Burke and Marissa Sauvé, make for a laugh-out-loud duo that engages their audience effortlessly. They owned that stage like it was nothing!

The sides of the brain start off the show by making their audience - or rather as they call them, their neurons - comfortable with an interactive activity; making everyone feel like they were a part of the action. At first, everything seems to be at ease in the brain; minus the human's unhealthy lack of water consumption or forgetfulness regarding a doctor's appointment! These small instances add up however, and soon enough an unexpected threat to the brain begins to be pieced together as Left and Right bicker more and more. It was simply enthralling the watch the tension build scene by scene.

Burke and Sauvé are a show-stopping, match-made-in-heaven kind of comedic duo. The way they perfectly bounce off each other is not only adorable but hilarious. It makes the sibling-esque bond between the characters that much more believable. Their energetic performances breathed life into their characters’ personalities. Additionally, the little details in their mannerisms and their distinct voices make the two sides even more unique. They were phenomenally entertaining hosts.

The show’s costumes were absolutely one of the most noteworthy parts of the production aside from the humour. From Red’s bright dress and hearts adorned on their tights, to Blue’s rigid blue vest and towering boots, their contrasting personalities shone even in their clothing. In addition, and without spoilers, there’s a point in the play where a jaw-dropping human brain puppet appears. It’s simply astounding, highly impressive craftsmanship as the large puppet’s mouth moves very smoothly and is riddled with detail.

All in all, BRAIN is an unexpected combination of charm and chaos, with its important message on mental health tying the entire show together. This play is a masterclass on how teach your audience a lesson that is essential in our current culture while simultaneously making them laugh their butts off! BRAIN will make you leave the theatre with a smile on your face and a new desire to drink less iced coffees and more water!!