A BRIEF HISTORY OF BEER - VAN FRINGE 2018

The consumption of beer can make people sloppy and silly and so it is fitting that this show simulates that experience. Although this is an organized chaos. One minute the performers are running higgledipiggledly through the audience waving their arms in the air making silly noises, the next they are magically back on stage in time for the right lighting or sound cue, in the right spot with perfect timing on their next line. Yes, this show is VERY relaxed, very casual, taking itself not even a teeny tiny bit seriously, but at the same time the audience is always safe, we are always on track and, although they might not want us to feel that way, these performers do know exactly what they are doing.

Part history lecture, part silly sketch comedy, part 6 year old's birthday party (except with alcohol), A Brief History of Beer by Wish Experience is exactly what is says on the can. The information is interesting, but handed out in tidbits, giving us a surface level overview of the big picture history of beer. I would have loved to have dived deeper into each time period, learned personal stories and more historical details, but then we'd be there for hours. There are other "beer shows" that focus on specific countries and time periods, so perhaps if I'm lucky they'll return to the Fringe with one of those. PS if you're a star trek fan as well as a beer fan, you'll enjoy this all the more.

~ reviewed by Danielle Benzon