Sue McIntyre
Hip Bang is a Fringe Favourite, and I would bet that more than 70 percent of us enjoy improv comedy. Their newest creation, You Bet, delivers, with a combination of scripted and improvised elements, spiced with the alluring unpredictability of a show where the audience controls much of the content.
In an innovative intersection of entertainment and interactive technology, audience is invited to bet on outcomes throughout the show. It’s here that we are drawn in to the funny/not funny aspects of betting. And here, sketch/satire/improv do the work they do best, shining a light (lightly) on societal norms, individual free will, and the problem of gambling addiction.
Silly, loud, exciting, somewhat dangerously unpredictable and messy? yes! Also smart social commentary. I bet you will agree it is worth your time and (pretend) betting money.
Savannah Erasmus opens her closet and her heart in this funny and illuminating exploration of some of her experiences as an Indigenous woman in the world of comedy, and the part fashion has played in her life. Her quick outfit changes are impressive, and her generous sharing of her life heartwarming. I recommend this show.
Clowning turns out to be the perfect way to illustrate colonization. Creator/Performers Shreya Parashar, and Sachin Sharma invite the (mostly colonial-ancestored) audience into the story with playful whimsy, then skillfully increase the temperature until we are all looking white privilege in its bloodshot eye. We sang, laughed, “helped” in ridiculous ways, as the story unfolded. One show can’t answer all of the questions about how we went so wrong. This one employs sometimes friendly, sometimes fierce humour to shine a light on some aspects of colonization and white privilege. I am glad I saw it, and I hope you will too.
I heard only good about this show last year so I bought a ticket as soon as they went on sale. This is a unique theatre experience, intimate, heart-wrenching and beautifully crafted. So many themes and so much to think about all in one tight and cleanly told story. If it comes back next year, be sure to see it.
This is storytelling at its best. I was swept along in the highs and lows of humanity, creativity, vision and hope. The show is exciting, funny, tender and at times disorienting (in a good way). Definitely take this adventure, and expect to crave candy by the end.
Maria Angelica Rodrigues Alvarez Cruz Aragon Smith is a gifted comedic interpreter of all that is dramatic in everyday life. Her improvised one-woman show had us gasping with laughter and delight. I am so glad that I saw this!
A sweet and playful show to tickle your inner child. Safe in-your-seat audience participation and abundant optimism plus some great dancing, guitar, bass and vocal music. You too can find the magical duck!
Okay I laughed a lot AND I cried. Can we be weirdos and feel God’s love and be okay? Happy even? Yes is the definitive answer in this raw, hilarious and heart-piercing piece. Take your heart and your mind to this show. You will be glad you did.
In the intimate setting of Off The Tracks, Carlyn invites us along on her journey through Ireland and the story of her life. Anyone who has travelled, loved, made plans, or got lost and found again will find resonance and delight in the work of this compelling storyteller.
This sweet and funny show made me think about climate action, family dynamics, attitudes toward aging, and the nature of friendship. Great ensemble work by a small but mighty cast, and lovely use of music for tone-setting and social commentary. And now I want to go talk to my Member of Parliament AND eat some beets!