Jake Tommy

The Garden Variety Show is a whimsical, heartwarming reminder of the magic of childhood television. If you grew up with Mr. Dressup, Polka Dot Door, or Pee-wee’s Playhouse, this show will instantly transport you back to that nostalgic, joy-filled space. It’s a 60-minute escape for both adults and children — an invitation to let go and simply be a kid again.

Visually, this might be one of the best-looking sets at the festival, complete with vibrant, imaginative costumes that truly need to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. The attention to detail is outstanding and plays a huge part in the show's immersive charm.

One note: I would love to see the show enhanced with a backing track. It could really elevate the performer’s vocal abilities and highlight the natural beauty of their voice even more.

In all, The Garden Variety Show is a delightful experience — joyful, nostalgic, and beautifully crafted. A must-see for anyone looking to rediscover a sense of wonder.

Just saw Afeni and wow — phenomenal from start to finish! Onika Henry commanded the stage with raw emotion and strength, telling the powerful story of Afeni fight against unjust charges unjust treatment of a Black Panthers. Truly moving and unforgettable. People need to like run to see the show — don’t think about it, just go. Powerful, moving, a definite Fringe hit!

The Wizard of One ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Neil’s love for The Wizard of Oz is unmistakable—and in The Wizard of One, that passion becomes a vehicle for something truly special. Reimagining the classic tale within the setting of an old age home, he brings a fresh, poignant perspective to a story we all know and love.

Playing every character himself, Neil offers clear, distinct portrayals that never leave the audience guessing. Each role is carefully crafted, and the transitions are seamless. What results is a masterclass in solo performance and storytelling.

At its heart, The Wizard of One is a celebration—not just of Oz, but of the power of imagination and performance. It’s brilliant, heartfelt theatre that proves what one passionate artist can do with a timeless story and a stage.

Third Party ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of the best things about Fringe is seeing how artists adapt to and transform unconventional spaces—and Third Party does this with real intelligence. The show makes smart, intentional use of the venue, and the sharp writing is elevated by how well it fits the environment.

As the story unfolds, the dynamics between the characters come into focus, revealing layered wants, tensions, and unspoken histories. With the audience placed right on stage, the setup is challenging—but the cast manages to keep the fourth wall intact and the world of the play fully alive.

While the acting occasionally falls flat, the show remains engaging and well-crafted throughout. It’s a polished piece with a clear vision—intimate, compelling, and a great example of what Fringe theatre can be.

Actually Right About Everything: A Bisexual Love Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bringing a deeply personal story to Fringe can be a challenge—making it relatable to a wide audience, even more so. But Actually Right About Everything: A Bisexual Love Story strikes that balance with honesty, humor, and heart.

The show invites the audience in with open vulnerability, and it never feels forced. Whether you're queer or not, there’s something undeniably human in the journey unfolding on stage. At its core, it’s about identity, self-discovery, and what it means to truly love—yourself and others.

It’s funny, it’s real, and above all, it’s necessary. We need more stories like this at the festival: stories that embrace complexity, celebrate love in all its forms, and speak truth without losing joy.

Review: Colonial Circus: History, Clown-Style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve never seen a show like Colonial Circus before—and I’ve definitely never seen a show that uses clowning like this. At first, I wasn’t sure what I was watching. It was absurd, hilarious, and totally unpredictable. But as the piece moved forward and took on a more serious tone, it began to reveal itself. The room shifted. Suddenly, it was clear: beneath the chaos was something real, sharp, and necessary.

The subject matter—colonization, power, and historical legacy—is undeniably heavy, but the performers deliver it in a way that’s fun, magical, and sneakily profound. It’s like if Mr. Bean were tasked with explaining colonialism to the masses: full of physical comedy, surreal moments, and surprise emotional gut-punches.

This is the kind of bold, genre-defying theatre that feels like it could only happen at Fringe. A real hidden gem—or more accurately, a real hit. Don’t miss it.

Popeye: The Musical takes on the bold challenge of bringing a classic cartoon to life on stage, and while it’s no easy task, the show delivers plenty of charm. The costumes and character work are spot-on, capturing the animated energy of the original characters in a fun and faithful way. The music, though catchy in parts, could use a bit more development—there are moments where you find yourself wishing for an additional song or two to carry the story. At times, unnecessary movement is added into songs, where simplicity and stillness might have been more effective. That said, the production fully embraces its cartoon roots, and by the end, it feels like you’ve watched a 90-minute live-action episode of Popeye. With some refining and the support of a bigger stage, this show has the potential to grow into something truly memorable.

Holy O is a stunning one-woman show that moved me from beginning to end. With powerful storytelling and raw emotional depth, this performance tells a profoundly personal and universal story of a woman discovering herself—through the lens of faith, identity, and sexuality. It’s brave, honest, and beautifully told. The performer holds the stage with such grace and intensity that you feel every word in your bones. If you're lucky enough to receive this blessing, prepare to be deeply moved.

Mathew’s Big Broadway Bash is an absolute Fringe gem—a joyful, interactive celebration of musical theatre led by Mathew Mac Lean, whose powerhouse vocals deserve a Broadway stage. With a voice that soars, charms, and stirs the soul, Mac Lean brings audiences together through sing-alongs, heartfelt storytelling, and laugh-out-loud moments. It's the kind of show where strangers become a community, all swept up in the magic of Broadway tunes. How this talent hasn’t been snapped up by Broadway yet is a mystery—but while he’s still here, don’t miss your chance to witness this unforgettable performance.