Dude, Where’s My Karma?

Fedor Comedy—MTC Up the Alley

If you’re in the mood for a wonderful, straight up comedy show, this will do beautifully! Fedor Ikelaar, originally from Amsterdam, says he couldn’t afford to live in the Netherlands and now resides in, of all places, Bulgaria.

He’s affable, engaging, and delivers a rewarding show that will leave you smiling. His charming accent doesn’t hurt either. He covers a wide range of topics and gives the audience an interesting insight into life in other countries. He’s genuinely thrilled to be doing his first Canadian show and you won’t regret taking this in. You can even learn what a ‘swaffle‘ is. Don’t even try to guess.

Lisa Campbell

Pramkicker

An Seanchaí—Théâtre Cercle Molière

While the subject matter is serious, largely how women who decide not to have kids are often looked down upon by society (but also delving into other issues), the strong performances of Siobhán Keely and Calum Peppard as sisters Jude and Suse really make this a treat to watch. This is a very well written and funny show. If you are easily offended by coarse language, this probably isn’t the show for you, but if you can handle a few f-bombs and c-words (maybe quite a few) then this is a must see.

Murray Hunter

A One Human Being, Potentially Comedic Performance of Les Mis

Living the Dream—The Rachel Browne Theatre

Alli Perlov might be Les Mis’ biggest fan ever and she is here to prove that with a one person version of all of Les Mis. This quirky romp takes us all the way through all of Les Mis in just 55 minutes. Alli has crazy amounts of energy and doesn’t take the source material or herself too seriously. Her show was full of puns and silly gags. I loved her one liners that she inserted that kept the show relevant for folks who maybe aren’t familiar with the source material. You don’t need to know any of Les Mis to follow what’s going on. That being said if you don’t like the original musical you aren’t going to love this show as it doesn’t stray at all. I did at times also find her hard to hear as well. Fast paced and high energy, this was a fun show to watch.

Kaitlyn Kriss

A Work in Progress

Crosswalk Productions—MTC Up the Alley

What if I had a mystical radio that could relive all the key moments in my past? Going over my previous relationships, where would I be now if I could reexperience the pivotal points with crystal clarity. Would some of those relationships be restored? If knowing the end would be the same, would I relive the heartbreak? If fate is inevitable, then what’s the point? Would I turn the radio on? Or just smash it?

I’m glad they didn’t smash it here—this was a fun journey to take with them.

Ray Yuen

Every Good Story Ends With One

Martin Dockery—Royal Albert Arms

High energy and bombastic storytelling, flawlessly executed by Martin Dockery. As someone without a long history engaging in Dockery’s work I wouldn’t hazard a guess at his regular style, but coming off of last years The Sex Life of Butterflies, it’s extremely impressive to see the range Dockery possesses, given Every Good Story Ends With One’s focus on comedy and passionate storytelling. With both a great performance as previously mentioned and strong writing, this is a wonderful show for anyone who enjoys a good story. Come early, as it will likely sell out, and just remember, if you’ve never written a fringe performer a handwritten letter, you’re a bad person.

Josh Fidelak

me: roar

Alembic Theatre Creations—The Rachel Browne Theatre

When I watch a dance show, I let myself get immersed into its world. I love watching the gracefulness while immersing into the music. When you intersperse storytelling with dance, there isn’t the chance to fully engage into the dance. The story here is so gripping, I would probably drop the dance segments and keep the audience rapt with the narrative.

It really made me sad (in a good way) after watching this presentation. I empathise wholly and I’m angry at the world. We need more people to roar.

Ray Yuen

Long Night of the American Dream

Concrete Drops Theatre—Alloway Hall – Manitoba Museum

Martin Dockery is back with a new script for him and (his bro?) Andrew Broaddus and directed by Marty’s wife Vanessa Quesnelle. Now they came here with a script, he came with a script…sort of. They, he, him explain the whole play, in a play about 2 actors playing 2 actors that are supposedly brothers in real life learning a script. To the point you want pull your hair out! It’s two squabbling actors acting…with a script or no script? The chemistry…or no chemistry?

You decide…you have to go through it with them to decide. Decisions, decisions, decisions!

Kevin Campbell

The Case of the Mysterious Mystery, A Not Quite Sherlock Mystery

Chris Gibbs—CCFM Pauline-Boutal Hall

In this latest Antoine Feval and Barnaby Gibbs adventure, the most mysterious mystery to solve is that of why the celebrated detective continues to partner with Barnaby, his affable but exceedingly dense sidekick. The mystery is solved by telling the story of the case that cemented their partnership.

Chris Gibbs always delivers a fabulous show with clever twists and turns and great physical theatre. This show continues on in that tradition. He also throws in enough backstory for those who have not seen any of the previous shows in the series to not feel left out.

Murray Hunter

A Series of Card Tricks Done in a Row

Brad Micholson Magician—MTC Up the Alley

This show was SO entertaining. The tricks were cool and puzzling and the performer, Brad, was so funny and engaging. The title although accurate, is hardly justice to the flurry of magical experiences in this show. My friend was selected for audience participation and we all had a blast watching how perplexed he was. I recommend this show to everyone looking to be amazed.

Amara Wiste

jem rolls MAXIMUM CRUSOE

big word/ jem rolls—Alloway Hall – Manitoba Museum

Jem Rolls calls himself “a legend of Fringe,” or more accurately, leg-end, and that’s true. If you’re any regular Fringer, you know Rolls. He’s been around for a century and presented a thousand shows, marked by his signature storytelling and narration. Why would you expect anything different this time?

The adventure starts on a remote isle off the coast of India, and the fun continues from there…

Ray Yuen