Martha Estrada Baca

4-Way Stretch: Past, Present, Future, Self By Martha Estrada Baca

Drag has always been a space of transformation, of slipping between roles and identities, and in 4-Way Stretch, Stretcher Hartout leans into that tradition with boldness and charisma. This deeply personal one-man show, also Hartout’s Fringe debut, utilizes drag performance, puppetry, and storytelling to chart a journey through identity, and the often overlooked historical drag king figures. What emerges is a piece that is both unique and innovative, a testament to drag’s power as an art form of self-discovery. One of the show’s standout elements is its attention to history. While drag queens have long dominated the cultural spotlight, 4-Way Stretch shines a light on drag kings, exploring a lineage of performers who have often been sidelined in media representation. Very well done and I would highly recommend to experience the show for yourself.

Glamour in the Dark By Martha Estrada Baca

Horror, drag, and outer space might seem like an unlikely combination, but in ‘Fear Fables’, they merge into something both eerie and electrifying. The anthology-style show takes audiences into the cosmos, guided by the commanding and charismatic narrator Emmonia. What follows is a kaleidoscope of performance art, dance, and theatrical spectacle. The structure of ‘Fear Fables’ is simple yet effective: a series of short horror tales, each staged with its own unique aesthetic and style, threaded together by Emmonia’s storytelling. This anthology format keeps the pacing snappy and allows for a wide range of styles, from high-glam drag performances to choreography that leans into the grotesque. Emmonia anchors the evening with wit and presence, balancing theatricality with sly humour. As a narrator, she pulls the audience deeper into each fable, her flair providing levity even as the stories turn chilling. It was an unforgettable performance and show, I could not recommend it more if you enjoy horror or drag.

The List Checks All the Boxes By Martha Estrada Baca

What does it mean to be “a good man” in a world where definitions of masculinity are constantly changing? In ‘The List: A Traumady About Probiotic Masculinity’, storyteller and performer Keith Serry takes audiences on a moving and comedic journey through his own life, exploring the contradictions, confusions, and occasional absurdities of manhood. The result is a production that is heartfelt, thought-provoking, and sentimental. Serry, blends humour and heartbreak with ease, moving from laughable moments to passages of real vulnerability without losing the audience’s engagement. One minute he’s poking fun at the rituals of boyhood or the posturing of young adulthood, and the next he’s reflecting honestly on loss. The tonal shifts give the show its emotional richness. At the centre of ‘The List’ is Serry’s search for guidance: a desire to make sense of the confusing set of societal rules and examples offered up to boys and men as they grow. He emphasizes the importance of finding our identities and how it may be difficult to understand what kind of person we want to be. I recommend this show to anyone who has the opportunity to watch it, the writing and dialogue have evidently had a lot of thought put into them and it was a great experience overall.

A Spine-Tingling Night of Ghost Stories By Martha Estrada Baca

There is a special kind of thrill in gathering to hear ghost stories told aloud. Something about the shared hush of the audience, the dim lighting, and the anticipation of a sudden chill creates a collective experience unlike any other. Paul Strickland taps directly into this primal pleasure, offering an evening of tales that are as atmospheric as they are unsettling. Strickland proves himself not just a storyteller, but a guide into the uncanny. His stage presence is commanding yet intimate, as though he is speaking directly to you while also holding the entire room in suspense. Without elaborate staging or effects, he manages to conjure haunted graveyards, restless spirits, and eerie midnight encounters purely through language and delivery. It’s a reminder that ghost stories thrive not on spectacle, but on suggestion. This was probably my favourite Fringe show I have watched and for good measure as, even with a simple premise, Strickland manages to enrapture and captivate his audience with his ability to tell a very good story. I would most definitely recommend.

No Claim Without a Cost in Third Party By Martha Estrada Baca

With its blend of a noir-style story, hilarious banter, and clever dialogue, Third Party offers audiences a sly, tense, and entertaining theatrical ride. The premise is deliciously odd and the twists and turns the story took contributed an additional suspenseful element to the comedic production. The performers utilized a Fast Food joint as their stage and it is incredibly effective at immersing the audience into the show. The dialogue oozes with wit, veering between deadpan humour and concise storytelling. The performances from the actors themselves is superb and the fictional relationships feel authentic because of it. I would recommend this show to anyone, it was very fun to experience and the work put into it should be appreciated!

Comedy Straight from the Gut By Martha Estrada Baca

At its core, Bad Gut is about the challenges of living in a body that won’t cooperate. Elyott talks candidly about confusing medical advice, embarrassing symptoms, and the daily frustrations of restricted diets and constant discomfort. These aren’t the most obvious building blocks for comedy, but that’s what makes the show intriguing. He doesn’t shy away from awkwardness; instead, he leans into it, looking for ways to mine small laughs and wry observations from situations that are atypical. Does it always work as comedy? Not exactly. There are long stretches where the show feels closer to storytelling or confessional theatre than traditional stand-up. Some punchlines don’t quite land, and there are moments when the audience listens more than they laugh. But to judge Bad Gut only on how many laughs per minute it delivers would be to miss its greater impact. The show succeeds less as a comedy showcase and more as a piece of personal storytelling that uses humour as a bridge for connection.

Nat and Chrissy Put It All on the Table By Martha Estrada Baca

From the get-go, Nat and Chrissy offered the audience an entertaining yet corny journey. They do not hesitate to lean into a campy comedic approach and it is surprisingly effective. From skits and the parodying of popular songs, Nat and Chrissy maintain a delightful energy and chemistry with each other. They do not shy away from directly addressing or interacting with the audience which provides an additional level of engagement. I was kept on my toes throughout the show and it certainly left a good impression on me. If you enjoy comedy shows that allow you to feel more personally connected with the performers then this is the show to watch!

Desert Dreams Brought to Life By Martha Estrada Baca

The Empire of Sand was a confusing yet fascinating venture into an imaginary world that will be sure to engage young children. The use of props and the creation of the set was extraordinarily creative and assisted in establishing the setting. I found the entire show, although confusing and convoluted at times, very creative. It was slightly reminiscent of the wackiness of Dr. Seuss and his stories. The usage of lighting was also very immersive. I would recommend for those who enjoy the unusual and confusing nature of Dr. Seuss’s stories.

All Hands on Deck for Popeye the Musical By Martha Estrada Baca

A performance with a mirage of nostalgic allusions, Popeye The Musical enchants with this classic rendition of the iconic sailor. The music in the show truly shines as each performers’ voice melodiously harmonizes with one another. The talent was evident to me as I watched, each actor fully applied themselves to transforming into their characters down to their body mannerisms and silly accents. It is clear that an incredible amount of heart and hard work went into this production and it paid off. I found myself laughing more than I thought I would. However, the musical could have benefitted from taking some more creative liberty with the story in order to set it apart. I would definitively recommend this musical for children and their families to enjoy together as it was, altogether, very enjoyable to watch.

Bump, Grind, and Bloodcurdle By Martha Estrada Baca

A show to satisfy those with darker desires, Bump and Grindhouse Burlesque offers its audience a glimpse into a world of unspeakably seductive horror. Belinda Cornish shines in this piece as our guide into this strange and eery House of Horrors. As we delve into the show she never fails to amuse with her snarky comments and witty banter. The delivery of each line is not only effective, but masterful with each inflection and emotion. The other performers beautifully complemented this and each other by committing to their own performances and cultivating a playful energy that lasted the entire show. The costumes were more beautiful than I could have imagined, from glittery corsets to vampire capes. Come and watch a performance that will be sure to dazzle.