From Press Release
Established Comedian to Perform in Toronto Fringe as a Winner of Inaugural Accessibility Lottery
Multiple limb amputee COURTNEY GILMOUR has taken Canadian comedy by storm, despite physical disabilities that to some might seem debilitating. Her one-woman show ‘Congratulations’ will premiere at the TARRAGON THEATRE as part of the TORONTO FRINGE FESTIVAL, 2019.
The Fringe Festival Accessibility Lottery places selected artists in accessible/semi-accessible venues and provides a $1000 bursary during pre-production.
‘Congratulations’ is a heartfelt and laugh-filled story of achievement, embarrassment, and self-worth told through GILMOUR’s personal and professional milestones. GILMOUR (JFL42 Headliner, Winner 2017 Just For Laughs Homegrown Competition, CBC LOL, Sirius XM Top Comic Finalist) reveals the lows of insecurity and depression while at the height of success, and shares her bumpy journey towards finding self-love. As she navigates emotional meltdowns in McDonald’s to a mortifying encounter after buying a cat stroller, GILMOUR uses her experiences to explore what “congratulations!” accolades really mean to her.
“I wanted to create a show that celebrates achievement but also illuminates the struggle of defining what that actually is. People with disabilities are underestimated on a daily basis, so I want to share how that feels and how it’s affected the way I approach my goals.”
In the wake of paraplegic ALI STROKER’s pivotal Tony Award win this week, attention is turning to the accessibility of theatre venues, off and on the stage. TARRAGON THEATRE will host GILMOUR for the Fringe run– a venue that has yet to meet the criteria to deem it a ‘fully accessible space’, even after major renovations.
Congratulations is written by GILMOUR and directed by esteemed Fringe Festival veteran, comedian PHIL LUZI (Netflix, CBC, Funny Or Die).
Courtney Gilmour is available for interviews.
For Inquiries/Press Tickets Contact Jenna Warriner at jenna.warriner@gmail.com
More Information: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/congratulations
WHAT: Congratulations! (45-60 min.)
WHERE: Tarragon Theatre Solo Room, 30 Bridgman Ave. Toronto
WHEN:
Wednesday July 3 8:15 PM
Friday July 5 6:30 PM
Sunday July 7 1:30 PM
Monday July 8 7:30 PM
Wednesday July 10 10:00 PM
Friday July 12 8:45 PM
Saturday July 13 5:00 PM
Sunday July 14 2:45 PM