THE BAD BOYS of narrative driven fringe theatre comedy are back in town! And by ‘back’ we mean making their Toronto debut!

That’s right, globally acclaimed (they got a review in Poland once) THE PRETEND MEN are kick- ing down the doors to the Toronto Fringe 2018 with their Edinburgh Fringe Festival SELL OUT show 2017; POLICE COPS IN SPACE; a’Low Fi Sci-Fi’ comedy blockbuster that breaks all the rules; including how many semi-colons you can use in one sentence;.

The Pretend Men, a 3 man comedy company ‘straight outa sudbry suffolk’, have been tearing up fringe circuits all around the world, receiving critical acclaim, winning various comedy awards and breaking hearts while there at it. It’s no wonder the press are referring to them as ‘The Pretend Men’.

Currently on a worldwide tour (of north america) The Pretend Men are gracing the TORONTO Fringe with their presence. I was lucky enough to catch up with Nathan Parkinson for a quick interview.

“As I sat in the lobby of New York’s ‘Los Angeles Hotel’ where one third of three man comedy com- pany The Pretend Men (and three thirds talent) Nathan had agreed to meet me, I couldn’t help but feel as though something life-changing was about to happen. I could tell at once it was him as he made his way through those big spinning door things they have in fancy hotels. As he glided to- ward me and introduced himself I felt all at once entirely comfortable, as if I had know him my en- tire life, yet so bowled over by his obvious charisma and charm that I almost melted into my chair, like a buttery cube (butter) on a toasted bread (toast). I was vulnerable, looking skyward into his eyes, but a babe before him. Despite his youth I couldn’t help but sense behind his kind, thoughtful eyes, the wisdom of a grandfather, who’d seen it all, or a cartoon owl dressed up like an old school headmaster. He made me feel as though anything could, and would happen at any moment. I stared deep into his eyes, the hotel lobby clock reflected in their shimmer and it felt as though an eternity (9 minutes 22 seconds) past without a single word being volleyballed between us. And then, without warning, and as quickly as he had entered, he was gone – and all that remained were two, perfectly symetrical, concaved inprints in the leather chair opposite where his muscular ass buns had once been. And a flyer for The Pretend Men’s show POLICE COPS IN SPACE, Factory Theatre, Main Space, July 4th – 14th. Concessions available.”

Awards & Acclaim for THE PRETEND MEN

OFFICIAL ‘EDINBURGH FRINGE SELL OUT SHOW’ 2016
OFFICIAL ‘EDINBURGH FRINGE SELL OUT SHOW’ 2017
WINNER – ‘The Stage Award for Acting Excellence 2015’
WINNER – ‘Brighton Fringe Award for Excellence 2015’
WINNER – ‘Pulse Festival Suitcase Award 2015’
WINNER – ‘Cape Town Fringe Best International Show 2016′
WINNER – ‘VAULT Festival People’s Choice Award 2016’
WINNER – ‘IYAF Best Comedy Show Award 2016’
WINNER – ‘IYAF Best Theatre Award 2016’
NOMINATED – ‘Barry Award Best Show 2016’

★★★★★ “Unbeatable physical cop parody” – The Stage
★★★★★ “The juggernaut of cheesy parody” – EdFestMag
★★★★★ “The best comedy show of 2015″ – The New Current
★★★★★ “An absolute jewel in the crown” – The Argus
★★★★ “The Pajama Men meets Max and Ivan” – Herald Sun
★★★★ “A joy to behold” – Scotsman
★★★★ “Farce at its most intelligent” – GQ Magazine
★★★★ “Physically mesmerising” – Three Weeks

The Pretend Men:

Zachary Hunt
 Nathan Parkinson
 Tom Roe

Listings Information

The Pretend Men present
Police Cops in Space

Created and Performed | The Pretend Men
 Dramaturg | Nasi Voustas

Lighting Design | Adam Bottomley

Running Time: 55 mins
 Suitable for ages: 12+

4th,7th,8th,10th,12th,13th,14th July 2018, Various Times.
Factory Theatre Main Space – 125 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M5V 2R2

Police Cops in Space is co-produced by New Diorama Theatre and supported by Arts Council Eng- land.

Photo of Zachary Hunt and Nathan Parkinson by Adam Bottomley