Carly Vos

But How Old Is He In Dog Years?

I know the main bit was the 50% less wardrobe but the costuming and props for this show were my truly favourite part. A jaundiced, yet whimsical white witch, freaky but hospitable anteaters, and Azlan - but from Cats or something, are all costuming gems. The set was constantly changing, but creative, and there was never a dull moment in this performance. Featuring problematic Peter, floor licking Lucy, and three (easily offended) blind mice, this cast was huge. Instead of that inhibiting the fluidity of the story, though, I was constantly captivated by how much was always happening. These actors were all so expressive, and so funny. It was silly, it was crass, it was freaky, it was sort of illegal, and it was all undeniably Fringe. Kill em with moxy, audacity, passion, and budget cuts! This show will make you laugh, make you gasp, and make you regret bringing your young kids.

CARLY VOS, AYTC

Kids Are Hard to Impress, But I’m a Big Fan of Tea

A show dependant on audience participation, but with the scariest audience of them all… judgemental children. Even with a tough crowd, we were all hypnotized by his tea driven mission of he achieving The Perfect Pour™. This show was so fun, and there’s always enough happening that you were constantly engaged. Not to mention this venue features one of the smallest stages, but is somehow still cozy and inviting. Even though I was not the intended audience, I had a great time, laughed lots, and just enjoyed going back to the days when I was a little fringer. Alex really seems to love what he does, and is exceptionally skilled in all aspects of story telling. Everyone really loved his humour, puppets, and all his tricks. Also, shoutout to the tech team at the back, who I sat beside and shared smiles with the entire performance. Even they were having a good time. A puppeteer, a juggler, a storyteller, a comedian, and a tea master, Alex is a true renaissance fringer. What a joy to watch, and to feel like a kid again.

CARLY VOS, AYTC

I ❤️ Mayo

This show is nothing you’d expect but everything you’d aspire to experience in a Fringe show. Never before have I harmonized, laughed until my face hurt, and gotten chills in the same hour. These actors are beyond impressive, not just in their physical comedy and vocal abilities but in their chemistry and presence. The use of props and lighting was intentional and perfect, somehow repurposed but never exhausted. Audience participation made the show all the more real, and as the story progressed, all the more jarring. These artists managed to present colonization, imperialism, and cultural homogenization in a way that is unique but entirely understood. These actors are genuinely hilarious and immeasurably skilled, but also incredibly witty in how this history is told and formulated. Colonial Circus has made a lasting impression on not only the audience, but the Edmonton Fringe Festival. I’m so grateful to have sat in front of this stage, thank you for sharing your art.

CARLY VOS, AYTC

This Guy Really Likes Cards !

A magician never reveals their secrets, but Keith isn’t one to gate keep. He indulges the audience on his life and experiences, as well as the stories around his tricks. Audience engagement, real life magic, and some genuinely funny jokes will reel you in and keep you on the edge of your seat as he reveals another card, or knife, or lemon. You never know what’s coming. As well, this venue is huge. The granite curling club seats a very large audience and yet he managed to make it feel intimate. Everyone was captivated, feeling like we were part of the show. You can tell Keith Brown is the real deal, he is so truly passionate about playing cards, performing, and his work. He’s such a down to earth guy, 100% real magic, and totally 100% wizard. Thank you for sharing the magic with us all magic boy - I mean magic man.

CARLY VOS, AYTC

REWRITE: Lurking in Canadian Parking Lots

Jem Rolls isn’t creepy, he’s scary. Scary GOOD. He’s hilarious, his work resonates with anyone in his audience. Jem Rolls is funny, he’s relatable and witty, but at the core of this performance he’s an incredibly skilled poet. This use of repetition, rhyme, enunciation, and rhythm is masterful. This shoeless man’s voice will echo in my head for weeks - and i’m so inspired. I am cheery and in no way weary, i’m hypnotized by this lurky british man. Jem is a true gem (haha) of his trade, and i’m so grateful to have experienced this collection at Fringe. “Run like hell!” It’s an insane performance you have to go check out.

CARLY VOS, AYTC

Revenge O’ Plottin!

This story of father-slayers and brother-layers, catty comebacks and colourful rhyming couplets, completely blew my mind. Who’s malleable and who’s manipulative, star crossed Hamlet and indecent Iago will have you entranced by their quick wits. What an unbelievably captivating performance, the writing is honestly poetic, yet so, so funny. Both artists were incredibly impressive, having perfect onstage chemistry and individually captivating presences. Iago and Hamlet, respectively, were both incredibly skilled in their line delivery, comedy, and charm. Iago vs Hamlet was genuinely such a treat to watch, and I truly cannot recommend it enough.

CARLY VOS, AYTC

It Took Four of Us to Solve This

Not quite a show but instead an experience, this individually led mystery leads you across the Fringe Grounds on the journey to find missing teenage gamer, Cassandra. How this managed to become a group project - I’m unsure. By mere coincidence my friends and I separately bought tickets for Cassandra Not Found, and I’m so unbelievably glad we did. What I expected to be an easy scavenger hunt ended up becoming a race between us to beat one another. The different games that I played growing up were what drew me to this show, but the format of how this story plays out is genuinely unlike any other Fringe show i’ve seen before. Four self proclaimed puzzle masters got stumped, and we sat hunched over the same scrap piece of paper, following the hints, unravelling the story and trying to find out what happened to Cassandra. I genuinely had such a good time, all the different games were so nostalgic, and knowing this was a father-daughter project between the kindest man and his clearly super cool teenage daughter made my Fringe. This was so fun and so neat - you’d regret not solving this mystery for yourself!

CARLY VOS, AYTC

I Too Hate Privileged Men in Suits

Doll, an artist, passionate in their flair and gift to kill, walks us through their house of horrors. As the story unfolds, we discover that Doll is also insecure, and unsurprisingly, a little insane. The set design for this show was unlike anything i’ve seen before, decked out with an hand designed dollhouse and document camera. Set up reminiscent of a Ted Talk, I was unaware of how much I was actually going to learn. This show was without a doubt interesting, and also oddly informative. Doll has an absolutely ensnaring stage presence, and their physical comedy has clearly come from a background of skill and industry. Their jarring social commentary that sneaks through their jokes and tangents leaves you confused - but undeniably engaged. The use of props constantly had me guessing, and even as the show ended I couldn’t stop thinking about the story and the gripes on powerful men in suits. Walking away from this performance I find myself wanting more. This idea is so unique and I wish I could see more of Dolls art and authenticity as a serial killer. There’s a lot to be discovered here, step into this Dolls House.

CARLY VOS, AYTC

Sandwich of Love and Lesbians and Freaky Roadkill

The mystery of how Velma and Daphne end up stranded and alone on the road turns out to be far more sinister, more paranormal, and more weed-induced than one would think. Two best friends with nothing but really great music and Shaggy's sketchy bong to keep them company, the girls discover things about their friends, and themselves as the night goes on. I laughed so hard, and had such a great time. All the actors in this performance had amazing onstage chemistry, the props were well thought out and witty, and the writing paid perfect homage to the original energy while maintaining a unique direction. Costuming was reminiscent but not an exact copy, the set was expertly utilized, and overall the production of this performance was seamless. I would highly recommend DMV to new viewers and fans of Mystery Inc. alike, anyone looking for a good laugh, or inspiration for a new mixtape. Put your carabiners on, get in the car (or bus!), and go find out what trouble these meddling kids run into at this Fringe’s hair-raising show, DMV.

CARLY VOS, AYTC