Lauren Haworth

In the interest of transparency, I saw this production on August 17th.

In the face of the bigoted political environment of Alberta in 2025, Fear Fables is a subversive middle finger. This show does not highlight the traditional drag queen that you might see on television and is unapologetic in its employment of exceptional alt drag artists from the Edmonton scene. The numbers you will see range from comedic to gut wrenching, but all are done with such competence and pacing that they blend seamlessly together.

I would also like to highlight Fear Fables' commitment to queer intersectionality. Members of the Haus of Ebonii are on this cast, Mx Jackson's number is a particular highlight for fans of Nope, and CallMeKeeks' number is a standout for the themes it handles and the grace with which it does so. The matriarch of the Haus of Elle, Jielle, is also part of this cast. Seasoned Fringers may recognise her and CallMeKeeks from All Tease All Shade last year. But this year marks a radical departure from Jielle's All Tease act with a number I found both esoteric and erotic. Her handling of the transgender body as a subject to both the self and to societal persecution is jaw dropping. I couldn't look away when she was on stage.

Every member of this production should be proud. There is a lot of content here for the run time, set design is high quality and intelligent, the hosting is engaging, and time between acts is kept to a minimum. Fear Fables had high expectations to fill from last year, and I am thrilled to report it shattered them.

A minor accessibility nitpick though- Fringers who are hard of hearing should come early to sit closer to the stage. Some acts in this production do not use a microphone to deliver spoken lines. Fortunately, it isn't necessary to hear these lines to understand the messages conveyed.

In short, my fears have been fabled, and I can't wait to see what this production brings next year.