Isla Dackiw

Every comedy show is a gamble. Some land, some don't , others are fifty-fifty. While this performance had moments that made me laugh, it didn't overall hit the mark. The title is an exact dictation of what to expect in the show: a German comedian telling the story of his travels around the world in a humorous manner.

For whatever reason, a majority of the jokes weren't funny. I'm not an easily amused person, which might be part of my lack of entertainment, but I found myself confused a lot of the time. A majority of the audience was entertained, laughing and cheering, whilst I sat there and wondered if it was just me.

A majority of Paco's references were well-received by older generations in the audience. Most of his comedy, especially at the start of the performance, was based around historical events and old media that I've never heard of nor been interested in.

The energy was there. It wasn't about a lack of enthusiasm or delivery, but the material was poorly registered. If this wasn't supposed to be a comedy show, I would've enjoyed it a lot more without the expectation of a good laugh. The message was beautiful, even if it took a while to get to the delivery. Paco has incredible takes on everything in the script, really laying into the idea that we're all more similar than we are different. I wish the set had been shorter and more well-rounded, as my review would definitely be more positive. This show is rated PG on the Fringe website, though I wouldn't recommend it for anyone younger than sixteen or anyone who doesn't care for historical/geographical comedy.

Not only was this particular performance fantastic, but I guarantee a good time with any showing of The Improv Kid. The beauty of dipping into the world of improv is that you'll never experience the same world twice. No matter how many times you choose to attend this performance - which I absolutely recommend everyone sees it at least once - there’ll be a new story, new set of characters, and new comedy every time.

The ensemble synergy was seamless, where each member truly supported one another, even when plot points got… confusing. This group made it seem like they all shared one brain; they were reading one another’s minds at every point of the performance. I loved seeing everyone synced up.

Not only that, but every person genuinely seemed like they were having fun. You could see - and hear - cast members giggling and grinning, both on-stage and off-stage. To me, that’s a sign of an extremely successful improvised production. When everyone clearly loves their role, that passion and energy projects onto the audience and reflects right back on-stage in an endless cycle.

It was always “yes, and…” with this group. Not a single idea was shut down or rejected. When things got chaotic, the group rolled with it, found smooth ways to transition out of scenes, and engaged effortlessly with one another’s brilliance. This cast truly knew how to keep an audience engaged.

Anyone who loves seamless comedy, a bit of trial and error, and, of course, improv, will adore this company’s production just as I did.

What, exactly, is “Black Fish” about? A man driven to insanity by the lingering trauma of war, unraveling under the weight of his past? A woman searching for refuge, though there’s no way to ever truly outrun humanity’s demons? Perhaps Black Fish is meant to sing the familiar melody of losing to a system designed to “bring you success.”

The beauty of this production lies in the interpretation left to the viewer’s own experiences. As soon as co-stars Sima Sheibani and Ohad Winkler stepped onto the stage, the entire audience was captivated. Everything about the scene was beautifully crafted: the frame created by the lighting, the cinematic build-up, and the dive into the characters’ lives. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat, eager to get closer to the scene, as I imagine many other audience members did.

Everything was intentional. It was a bittersweet reminder of humanity’s flaws, our desire to connect with one another, and the psychology behind self-preservation. People are capable of change, though you can never pull their minds from their hearts. What I admired most was how everything had a purpose. Not a single word was wasted; everything connected in a perfectly symmetrical circle. Every line was intentional and rhythmic, as were every prop, set piece, and movement. There were moments I forgot to blink, so caught up in the raw emotion of the show. It was moving.

If there were an option to rate Black Fish beyond five stars, I would be delighted to do so. While the themes are heavy and laid on thick, the production perfectly portrays real-world experiences for a vast majority of humankind. I hope it receives the acknowledgement it deserves.

“What is a ghost, really?”

That’s the question you’ll be asked - and one you’ll ask yourself - at "The Importance of Being Haunted". This production is an emotional rollercoaster of song, dance, tasteful accents, and unexpected endings. It’s a gift for anyone who loves to be surprised. I laughed. I cried. I did both at once.

At first, I was briefly confused and disengaged, which initially shaped my opinion of the show. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I was (pleasantly) surprised by what unfolded onstage. Ultimately, the production proved to be beautifully written, well-executed, and undeniably entertaining.

I have to give credit to the fantastic lighting, sound, prop work, and video displays. Together, they created an ambient, old-world, yet well-cultured atmosphere. By the end, I was entirely hooked. The unexpected message behind the play truly brought it to life. It was intimate and relatable, like a window into the performer’s world. I definitely found myself in tears by the final bow.

While it seemed to resonate more with older folk, this production is a short, humorous, and entertaining glimpse into the theatre world for all ages - and a tasteful Fringe choice.

Expect the unexpected with "Short King", a small but mighty play about grief, long journeys, and finding peace with oneself.

The use of graphics created a beautiful scene which set the tone for the story ahead. From the very beginning, I was hooked by curiosity. The main character - a literal short king - walked us through a journey that shifted effortlessly between tragedy and comedy. At every twist and turn, there was something new to discover: a dance break, a rap, or even a high-five spree.

This show is an absolute must-see if you love audience participation and theatrical improvisation. From pop-culture references to hurling obstacles, every aspect of the performance defied expectations.

It wasn’t just perfect for the youth in the audience, who were thrilled to participate onstage, but the themes were relatable enough that all age groups left feeling giggly and thoroughly satisfied. Every aspect of the performance blended together to create an extravagant, comical, compelling show.

The only critique I have is that I’d love to see this show on a larger stage with a fuller audience and a longer run time. The 45 minutes flew by so quickly that I wish I'd scheduled a second viewing.

This show is exactly what it claims to be: a bittersweet saga of the Edmonton interurban railway. As a young reviewer who isn’t drawn to informative or documentary-style productions, I’ll admit this wasn’t my cup of tea. However, I noticed many in the audience (particularly those outside my age group) were attentive and entertained throughout the performance. It's a matter of interest.

The execution was more disorganized than expected, but I’ll chalk that up to first-night jitters. The show wasn’t flawless, but it wasn't a total trainwreck. The characters were well-portrayed, the accents consistent, and the props simple yet effective. The production leaned heavily into a talk-show style, with monologues that, while lengthy, sometimes felt rushed. The set was minimal and often not utilized, as were the costumes, though they added an olden charm to the stage.

Despite my lack of interest in the topic, the solo actor delivered an incredible performance. There were moments of chaos, but they recovered well every time. I admired their enthusiasm and dedication. I would love to see them in other comedic-leaning productions with a faster pace.

Would I rewatch this production? Probably not. Still, the intent behind it is there, and so is the passion for the arts.

Do you believe in magic?

After Keith Brown’s performance of “110% Magic”, you will! At first, I wondered: How could a magician turn a one-hour set into a must-see event? The answer? By bringing the same energy and passion for their craft as Brown does. His performance left me buzzing with curiosity - how, exactly, does he do it?

His show blends voluntary audience participation, engaging storytelling, and fascinating tricks into a delightful experience. His storytelling about his first contract made the entire atmosphere feel cozy and authentic. Beyond being an incredible performer, he’s also a relatable narrator - a rare quality in the performing arts world.

"110% Magic" is an indispensable production if you plan on attending the Fringe. It's low-effort, with high quality and execution.