We truly have some awesome shows foregrounding artists of colour at the Fringe this year. It’s a small but mighty cohort that I can only hope will grow year by year.

I saw a much earlier iteration of this show as part of Common Ground Arts’ Riser program. Back then, I thought it was very charming and had great bones, even as a work-in-progress. I’m so happy to see its evolution here at the Fringe, years later.

Finally a political show where didacticism isn’t grating! A kids’ show puppet describing politics in the condescending yet charming way they would the alphabet to a child makes so much sense for the type of show this is while also being entertaining. It helps that the puppet is performed with a hilarious edge of hysteria and looks professionally-made. In fact, nothing in this show feels slapdash or cheap.

The lead actor gives a charismatic performance and is clever in their audience interactions. They carry a wacky plot solo even though this show could’ve easily been a simple cabaret/variety show.

I was lucky to see this with a very active crowd with plenty of poc in the audience, which felt like the right way to experience this. Race jokes have a way of making some audiences feel uncomfortable, so I was glad that wasn’t the case with this group of patrons.

My only complaint is that the pace slowed down with the “guest” artists. I would’ve liked to see those be a bit tighter. The host’s bits were so tight and rehearsed that it made them feel slower in comparison.

Overall, this was a really fun time. Both me, a hardcore Fringer, and my sister, a low-key Fringer who has maybe seen 10 shows ever, had an equally delightful time.