Mike Delamont: The Devil

Mike Delamont – The Devil—MTYP – Mainstage

God is a Scottish Drag Queen has become a Winnipeg tradition; with those in the know eagerly awaiting each new episode. Always a sell out, Mike is a must see. But this year no God, instead we get the Devil, although God drops in via video from Thermea Spa in Winnipeg. This was a real added bonus, with God totally misunderstanding how a spa works. I won’t spoil it but be prepared to bust a gut when you see what Satan really looks like! I love his use of video and audio on two huge screens, which greatly adds to the hilarity and variety of the performance. Mike always manages to include biting jabs at our city that show he really spends time here getting out and about.  This is a production of such high quality, that even the fussiest of theatre patrons will be delighted.

This is a great show to introduce someone to the Fringe. Find out what hell is really like, and who the lucky ones admitted are. It will surprise and frighten you. There is a reason why there is a highway to hell and only a staircase to heaven!  A segment where he reads supposed questions from the audience is particularly funny, with his rapt fans howling with laughter. His playful interaction with his stage assistant was hilarious. A lot of the show is ad-libed, and I might be inclined to believe his claim that he had over indulged in the blood of Christ. His profuse sweating gave the crowd a good laugh as he couldn’t get his mustache to stay on and had to pocket it. Nothing makes him skip a beat.

Mike doesn’t need my endorsement. He will sell out regardless, as usual. And deservedly so. I’m already looking forward to God 5 next year. Mike is also reprising his warm, heartfelt, true story of his bittersweet relationship with his mother, Mama’s Boy, next door. I saw this last year and it was a treasure. Enjoy.

Lisa Campbell