The Weaker Vessels: Public Displays of Narcissism (The Weaker Vessels) 2015 Toronto Fringe Review

Photo of Jeff Clark, Lance Byrd, Colin Sharpe, Nadine  Djoury

If you’re thinking about seeing The Weaker Vessels: Public Displays of Narcissism at the Toronto Fringe this year you should buy your tickets right now. Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace is a small venue and it was packed for Thursday’s opening show.

The other thing you should do is heed the warning that the show contains sexual content and mature language. Please, don’t even think about bringing your kids. You might not want to bring your parents.

The Weaker Vessels are Lance Byrd, Jeff Clark, Nadine Djoury, Matt McCready, and Colin Sharpe. Their comedy is smart. And bizarre. And raunchy. Most of it worked for me. There were a couple of sketches where I missed a throw away line and so missed the point.

I loved the sketch with Nadine Djoury as the French substitute teacher and the rest of the cast as confused pupils. I’m not sure who Djoury was channeling, but she was terrifically bizarre.

The sketch about the couple on their first date was actually quite poignant. They had puppet alter egos who voiced what they were thinking but not saying.

The Weaker Vessels are all very funny. They’re also all talented actors. That’s something that I find makes sketch comedy enjoyable.

I had a migraine, which tends to put a damper on my sense of humour, but tonight I laughed and had a good time along with with everyone else. The audience loved the show. They gave them the fastest standing ovation I’ve ever seen. I was really impressed at how fast everyone jumped to their feet.

If sketch comedy is on your Fringe list, you should go see The Weaker Vessels.

Details:

  • The Weaker Vessels: Public Displays of Narcissism is playing at Theatre Passe Muraille Backstage (16 Ryerson Ave)
  • Tickets are $12 in advance, $10 at the door.
  • The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes for serious Fringers.
  • Tickets can be purchased online, by phone (416-966-1062), from the festival box office down Honest Ed’s Alley (581 Bloor West), or from the venue box office starting one hour before the performance. Venue sales are cash-only.
  • Be advised that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and latecomers are never admitted. Set your watch to CBC time, and arrive a few minutes early to avoid disappointment.
  • Be advised that the show contains sexual content and mature language

Remaining Showtimes:
July 04 at 01:30 PM
July 05 at 06:15 PM
July 07 at 06:45 PM
July 08 at 08:15 PM
July 09 at 09:45 PM
July 10 at 03:30 PM
July 11 at 01:00 PM

Photo of Photo of Jeff Clark, Lance Byrd, Colin Sharpe, Nadine Djoury by Mike Carter