Paityn Haanen
Who doesn't love a little taste of Christmas in August? Hellmark, a Christmas musical parody follows business woman Krystal Frost (Francesca Scarpella) going back to her picture perfect hallmark hometown. However instead of Christmas magic and winter festivities, horrors begin to take over the town. This show is absolutely full of plot twists, incredibly crisp choreography, hilarious jokes and innuendos, and so much energy the whole time. The original songs for the show are so beautifully written and scored, and the performances from the actors were jaw dropping. The vocals that the whole cast possess is a reflection of both raw talent and hard work. Even though they do an excellent job of being down right hilarious they are able to convey the agony and the emotions of all the characters in a way that allows the audience to truly feel their pain. Overall this show continues to be sold out for a very good reason, it's funny, it's witty and packed full of talent, absolutely a must see.
Anesti Danelis: Artificially Intelligent, is a quick paced musical stand up comedy show that will leave you with your cheeks hurting from smiling. Anesti is a greek canadian comedian who asks chatgpt to write his comedy show, however to program that AI he tells stories about his life. He shares what it was like growing up with immigrant parents, and queer dating and tells his tales through song. He's so incredibly quick with crowd interactions and does a great job of incorporating audience members into his jokes. His satirical humor is clever and brings light into different aspects of the world. He’s real, raw and relatable while also having the whole room erupting in laughter. His energy didn't falter once during the hour and the room was buzzing even after the show. He possesses all the qualities that give a comedian a long lasting impression on the audience. Ultimately Chat GPT wishes it could write a show as funny and witty as Anesti’s comedy is.
Period problems is a one woman musical parody that dives into the difficulties of navigating women's health in a patriarchal society. Lita Pater is able to bring humour and understanding to the frustrations of living a chronically ill life, and she does so in such a creative way. She represents these struggles through visuals, storytelling and of course song. Parodies like Shania Twain's classic line, “man, I feel like a woman” becoming “man, I’m feeling kinda menstrual" makes for a hilariously relatable show. The most standout part of this show is the use of an overhead projector to create the background visuals. Placing designer Christina Hamer at the front of the stage to swap out different pictures and cutouts added a certain charm to the show that you don't see very often. Even throughout all the humor of the production, she is able to directly address real facts and data to reinforce her show. Overall, Lita turns education and feminism into lighthearted storytelling with beautiful visuals and catchy parodies that will be stuck in your head for days. Whether you have a uterus or not, this is a must see show!
Who knew watching water boil could be so entertaining? Tea Time with Erika Macdonald showcases the intricacy and importance of making the perfect cup of tea all while sharing hilarious, heartfelt stories. From the moment Erika stepped on stage, she had the audience in the palm of her hand. She’s bold, bright and downright addicting to watch. Through her facial expressions and mannerisms, you are able to understand the story even while she's not talking. When she is talking, her projection is clear, crisp, and captivates the audience to listen closely. Erika’s storytelling is just the right combination of big and loud and funny while also being true to herself and discussing topics of mental health. Her show left everyone in that room feeling lighter, with the perspective of how to cherish even the smallest of moments.
Soldout circus: a family variety show which is likely the only show where you can see a bull ride a unicycle while they jump rope! This truly is the show for all audiences because there's a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. With the perfect mix of hilarious satire and true raw talent. These three gentlemen built a show that has you grinning before it even starts. The preshow crowd interactions set up the audience on a fun and energetic note that carried throughout the whole show. The energy in the room was absolutely electric, and with the performance not being restricted to just the stage, they made every seat the best seat in the house. This show left the audience buzzing for more and it should be considered a fringe must see!
Ever wonder what it's like to be in the bathroom of famous Berlin club Berghain? Well now you can find out in Shrute and Tungsta. Two techno DJs who live in the bathroom of Berghain face the trials and tribulations of fame, record deals, love and identity. Aidan Collins (Tungsta) and Harper Oud (Shrute) have the most incredible stage chemistry possible and work together in such a seamless way. This show made an effort to push boundaries through art, music and sexual identity. And they definitely achieved that. Their interactive crowd work and storytelling made for a hilarious experience that's worth checking out if you love art that's a little confusing, sorta uncomfortable and yet leaves you wanting more!
Couples therapy was a standout show at the Fringe festival this year. Aliya Kanani and Emo Majok’s creative spin on a stand up show was nothing short of genius. Being able to combine both of their styles of comedy while also letting each other shine individually made the perfect well rounded show. With two comedians brought out prior to the main act it felt like an entire evening of fun in just one hour.
The entire room was filled with people from all different ages, generations and backgrounds yet everyone was laughing together. It’s not easy to make such a diverse group laugh at the same jokes, but they pulled it off with ease. There was something hilariously relatable for every single person there. This show also had a great balance with their political comedy. They managed to weave in current social events in a way that was smart, funny and still accessible to everyone in the room.
Their banter was another highlight. The chemistry between Emo and Aliya was undeniable. Equal parts playful teasing and genuine support. They poked fun at each other, but always with a sense of affection that made the performance feel personal and endearing.
Overall this show was nothing but fun the whole way through. Whether you can catch these two individually or together they are absolutely worth seeing. I would recommend this show over and over again!
There is not a single dull moment in the Chris Borger and Julian Faid improv show. From the moment they hit the stage, I couldn’t stop smiling. The entire room kept absolutely erupting with laughter. It was one of those rare shows where you genuinely forget to breathe because you’re laughing so hard. (I even forgot to take notes for my review till halfway through because of how addicting this show is).
It's borderline impossible to believe these scenes aren’t scripted. Every moment was quick, clever, and effortlessly smooth. Chris and Julian shifted between wildly different characters with seamless, convincing, and hilarious transitions. The depth they brought to each character was genuinely impressive. With just a few simple questions, they turned audience answers into scenes full of humor and creativity.
The chemistry between these two is unbreakable. They play off each other so naturally and it genuinely feels like they are having as much fun performing as we are watching. This show is an absolute must-see. I was genuinely in tears from laughing and already want to go back again.
The Divorced Dads Guide to Slaying Vampires is a laugh-out-loud, action-packed ride, from the second the cast steps on stage, till the final bow. Set hilariously close to home in St. Albert, it blends absurd vampire chaos with everyday dad relatability in the best possible way.
The fight scenes are impressively choreographed, full of energy and perfect comedic timing. Every song, line, and lighting cue hits exactly where it should. This cast dives so deeply into their roles that even in the most absurd scenes it feels believable. This show on brotherhood, friendship, and fatherhood is a surprisingly heartwarming story considering the absolutely wild plot of this show. Filled with utter creativity and very clear dedication, I never wanted this show to end.
What really makes this show stand out is how it somehow manages to be both extremely clever and completely off the rails in all the best ways. No matter how ridiculous it gets it never feels messy. It’s smart, silly, and seriously funny. This is the kind of show you want to tell all your friends about as soon as it’s over. If you’re looking for something that’s high energy, well executed, and just genuienly fun, this is definitely a Fringe highlight.
In Love and Craic, Carlyn Rhamey delivers a stunning display in solo storytelling. With nothing but an empty stage and her relentless charisma, Rhamey whisks the audience away on a journey through the hills of Ireland and the coasts of Scotland. It’s a one-woman show, but it feels like an entire world comes alive before your eyes. The use of her descriptive dialogue is able to bring the story to life in such a captivating way that I kept wanting more.
What makes Love and Craic truly unforgettable, though, is how hilariously relatable it is. Rhamey explores the trials and triumphs of solo travel for all the comedy and chaos it has to offer. From awkward encounters, to travel mishaps, and unexpected friendships each piece of the story is delivered with the perfect combination of wit and humor. But beyond the laughs, there’s a deep and powerful emotional core. Rhamey’s expressions of vulnerability, joy, loneliness, and gratitude are so raw and genuine that you feel everything with her, as if you're experiencing it first hand.
Her performance is more than just storytelling, it's the transportation into the world of her journey. She has a special gift in making a room full of strangers feel so connected to her story. Love and Craic isn't just a love letter to Celtic culture and travel, but also the human connections that make both so meaningful.