The Paperbag Queen Performs The List of Things (Les Yeux Oranges) 2011 Toronto Fringe Review


I think this may be the most charming, surprising and delightful show of the Fringe! A show that begins before you even enter the space, we were all greeted by a servant of the Queen, wearing a wonderful moustache, who hands out paperbags to various members of the audience, paperbags we later find out that are crucial to the piece.

Once inside we meet our Paperbag Queen, donning a fantastic paperbag crown who welcomes us to her Paperbag Country where we learn about the politics of the land (in a hilarious piece of the show), childhood stories are shared, fears are revealed by everyone and even dancing takes place.

And yes, there is audience participation but it is done with such ease that everybody gets involved. The audience yesterday was particularly wonderful which is great as we are very important to the show. So when you go don’t be scared to join in, the more you do the better it is for everyone.

Jacquie van de Geer is a tremendously relaxed performer; she involves us in her stories without ever becoming overly sentimental and yet there are also some truly touching moments and some really thoughtful ideas. Her comic timing is spot on and the energy never lags for a moment. I particularly liked her health check on one of the audience members.

She really is a ‘Jacquie’ of all trades, she sings and dances and has created something pretty special. The audience laughed throughout  and I was captivated for the too short 45 minutes that I was in the Paperbag Country.

Jacquie is from Montreal via Holland, so I urge all you Torontonians to show her our wonderful Fringe love and go and  support her – you’ll be glad you did.

Cast: Jacquie van de Geer
Genre: Comedy, Physical Theatre
Warning: Audience Participation
Venue 11 Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace

45 min.
Thu, July 7 6:00 PM 1104
Sat, July 9 1:30 PM 1113
Sun, July 10 8:00 PM 1123
Mon, July 11 7:30 PM 1128
Wed, July 13 8:15 PM 1141
Thu, July 14 1:00 PM 1143
Fri, July 15 8:45 PM 1153
Sat, July 16 4:30 PM 1157

– All individual Fringe tickets are $10 ($5 for FringeKids) at the door (cash only). Tickets are available online at www.fringetoronto.com, by phone at 416-966-1062, or in person at the New Festival Box Office, 581 Bloor St. W. (Advance tickets are $11 – $10+$1 convenience fee)
– Several money-saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows