Written by Jeff Leard and Sydney Hayduk, Angels & Aliens attempts to critically examine some of humanity's biggest questions. In this production they tackle religion, politics, environmental destruction, war, and awkward roommate sex. Leard and Hayduck offer an energetic and polished performance as well as a pleasantly critical and creative perspective on the human condition. This production consisted of three separate but related narratives, which Leard and Hayduck transitioned through neatly and effectively maintaining high energy levels throughout. Overall, a wonderful and entertaining piece of theatre. Questions I am left with: I am interested in perspectives of people coming from a variety of backgrounds and belief systems and how they might respond to the narrative of this piece, as well as the critical stance Lead and Hayduck take against certain aspects of religion and politics. Angels & Aliens by Peachy Keen Productions/Active Salad Productions is playing at Studio 1398 from the 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Madisen Steele Click "read more" for the full video transcript.
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Is That How Clowns Have Sex? A One-Woman, Queer Clown Sex-Ed Show produced by Maximaliste Productions doesn’t shy away from sex talk, and will have you in stitches doing so. The performer, Fiona Ross, is quirky and sweet, and has the right comedic timing as she playfully acts out different aspects of sex education using her clown character Ms. Beatrice Haven. Don’t expect anything serious or to have your sex questions answered in a clear fashion, but you will be entertained and there will be a lot of laughter throughout. At times the act can get a bit repetitive, but Ms. Beatrice manages to keep the audience engaged and you never quite know what’s going to happen next. So, if you plan on going make sure to bring a weird, funny, or burning sex question and it just might get answered during the show! Is That How Clowns Have Sex? A One-Woman, Queer Clown Sex-Ed Show by Maximaliste Productions is playing at Your Open Closet 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Jenna Masuhara Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Big Queer Filipino Karaoke Night! produced by Tender Container with Associate Producers Newworld Theatre and New(to)Town Collective is a queer, 19+ show that encourages singing, laughter and drinking! Located at the XY, this cozy space invites audience members to feel like they are at an open stage Karaoke/stand up night where they become part of the show. Davey Calderon, the writer and performer of this one-person show artfully uses the entire bar space throughout his performance, mingling with audience members as he tells his story about his trip to the Philippines intermixed with Karaoke songs sung by both himself and volunteers from the audience. And while his interaction with the audience made it feel very personal, it did lead to some stage blocking problems, as he does have his back to the audience at certain portions of the show. Also, the lighting cues were a bit behind at times, but that should be improved as the show continues its run. Other than that it was a fun, energetic show. All in all, Calderon strikes the right balance between funny, sweet, and authentic when telling his stories that make for an enjoyable performance and a safe space to display your vocal talents! Big Queer Filipino Karaoke Night! produced by Tender Container with Associate Producers Newworld Theatre and New(to)Town Collective is playing at XY 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Jenna Masuhara Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Unhinged was a crazed comedic rant, with the idea that the rant comes from a lunatic jester. I could see the intent but I did not understand the storyline that Luke Purm was attempting to weave. The jester is angry and with every reason. He plays with words as he hops from one topic to another bringing his audience along with him. Although angry, our lunatic jester is quite engaged with his audience and you never feel left out. My favourite part was the math on dinosaurs and our oil supply. I am sure he added that up right. If you are angry with the world as it is today and would like a dark and purposefully absurd telling of how a lunatic jester might explain our failings, then this show will get you all worked up. Unhinged by Knight & Daïs Entertainment is playing at the Cultch Historic Theatre 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Melody Owen Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Playwrights: Tom Hill & Devin Mackenzie use humour and a simulated tech conference to alert you about a very serious topic with Hip.Bang! presents Surveil. This comedy duo uses that awkward humour, reminiscent of The Office, to the delight of the audience. These two really embody their characters well; foils of each each other in every way, they strike a hilarious balance between over-confident and socially awkward. Get ready for lots of audience participation for this tech presentation and there might even be some free food. Make sure you arrive early because they’re serious about those waivers! Hip.Bang! presents Surveil is playing at The Improv Centre on Granville Island 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Selene Dublanko Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Banned in the USA is a production by Gerard Harris of That's Enough Drama of Montreal Quebec. Harris is actually very much a Brit who relocated to Canada in about 2012 and Banned in the USA is the true tale of his exploits in Canada with a bit of early biographical information. I was looking forward to this show based on the reviews and flyer info although I wasn't sure what to expect. One reviewer from another Fringe Festival panned it and others thought it hilarious. All agreed his delivery is frenetic and he should not be allowed near any caffeinated products. I was actually disappointed. Harris is more of a sit down comic than an actor. The venue was minimalist providing only about 25 or 40 seats and a tiny stage. Harris sat in the small chair in the centre for most of his performance. There were no lighting or costumes. Just Harris and black curtains marking a tiny proscenium-like area for his performance. It seemed that he hadn't done this show for some time and he did occasionally stumble over lines. Based on reviews from other performances he ad libs so the story can vary somewhat from show to show. At about the 45 minute mark he ask the audience what the time was so he could judge how to wrap up the story - which was long and winding. There was a segue from the main thread that took us to an Irish Murder Mystery wherein he played a part, That segment didn't seem to bear any relation to the main story line as he dropped in that bit without tying it back. A number of audience members left before the end. Harris is entertaining and some people seemed to enjoy the show but I left feeling unmoved. I can't really recommend it . I wish I could. Banned in the USA by That's Enough Drama is playing at Arts Umbrella 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Evelyn McKelvie Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Canadian politics has never been so exciting as when the cast of Trudeaumania re-enacts Pierre Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister of Canada. Trudeaumania is like Canada’s version of Hamilton for the States; the story of a man who greatly impacted Canada’s government and looked suave while doing it. Trudeaumania has everything a musical should have: great choreography complete with cheesy jazz-hands and a tap dance-off, three songs within the first ten minutes of the show, and great ear-catching music. The music explores several different styles including: tango, traditional, rap, rock’n’roll and the blues. The small but super energetic ensemble makes the show! Each member plays several different roles featuring their excellent vocal and facial expressions. Playing at the Firehall Arts Centre in Gastown this show is a must-see, and you might even want to go back for more! Trudeaumania by Walking Shadows is playing at the Firehall Arts Centre 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Selene Dublanko Click "read more" for the full video transcript.
Written by Abdul Aziz and Shaw O'Hara, Fake Ghost Tours is a true ode to real Ghost Tours and Ghost Hunters everywhere. From their outfits to their portable microphone boxes, to their deadpan delivery, Fake Ghost Tours would almost be believable if it wasn't so hilarious. Aziz and O'Hara are charming, present, and attentive performers who bring Granville Island to life with their made-up tales of the supernatural. Areas for improvement: Please make the tour longer! Also to note: I joke about Fake Ghost Tours having "cuter guys" than a real ghost tour in the video. Both Aziz and O'Hara, I have come to find out, are in relationships with lovely partners to whom I would like to issue a formal apology, as well as a congratulatory sentiment. Fake Ghost Tours by Whells Phargo Productions is an outdoors walking tour starting from the Fringe Hub 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Madisen Steele Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Synopsis: The completely improvised church service for a religion made up on the spot! A joyous new comedy from Travis Bernhardt, creator of the award winning Charlatan!, Unpossible!, and Chris & Travis. Come sing, laugh, and pray together! Join Vancouver's own Travis Bernhardt on an exploration of the religion you've always wanted to be be a part of. This show is great fun. I definitely recommend seeing it if you want to see a show that will have you laughing and singing along. If you are a fan of improv, you will appreciate Bernhardt's incredibly quick wit and ability to run with an idea extensively. He definitely has the gift of the gab. I was hoping for more of a developed 'preacher' character that was clearly distinguishable from Bernhardt himself. There were moments that truly resembled a church service but then it seemed to drop off from being an actual sermon to him just riffing on the chosen subject matter philosophically. This show may not be for kids as it has some language, but if you are a fan of improv and want to have a good laugh during your fringe-ing, then come and see this show. Whether you are religious or not, it is immense fun. Unscriptured by Travis Bernhardt is playing at Carousel Theatre 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Ferne Brown Click "read more" for the full video transcript.The Cockwhisperer - A Love Story is the story of "one woman's quest to find the love and the penis of her dreams". Collette Kendal is a Canadian Stand-up comic and author/performer of several solo productions. She is a natural story-teller and talented performer. She had the audience in the palm of her hand from the opening lines to the close of the show last night. The Cockwhisperer is not for the faint of language as Collette does not hold back in her description of the coming of sexual age of a young teenage girl and her subsequent life as a woman capable of looking after her own physical desires. The show is just 90 minutes and moves along without any lapses in energy. There is no costuming and lighting, sound and props are minimal. It is Collette on stage alone for the whole show. The audience seemed to love the show . I enjoyed it too. The Cockwhisperer - A Love Story is playing at the False Creek Gym 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Evelyn McKelvie Click "read more" for the full video transcript. |
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