The Socratic Theatre Collective‘s Toronto Fringe Festival performance of Terry Pratchett’s Monstrous Regiment is the group’s second performance of a dramatic adaptation of a novel from Terry Pratchett‘s long-running Terry Pratchett‘s Discworld fantasy series. The success of this adaptation proves that the Collective clearly knows what they’re doing.

What has given Pratchett a devoted fanbase is his ability to take a fantasy setting, infuse its with his knowing humour and not a little wordplay, and deal with serious issues. In the novel Monstrous Regiment, the 33rd book in the Discworld series by publication, Pratchett takes a look at gender, war and cultural change generally through the person of Polly Perks. Continue reading Terry Pratchett’s Monstrous Regiment (Socratic Theatre Collective) 2013 Toronto Fringe Festival →

JACK YOUR BODY is an intense, hour-long dance extravaganza by Mix Mix Dance Collective at the Toronto Fringe Festival.  JACK YOUR BODY takes its lead from the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning and embraces diversity and celebrates personal authenticity.

The show opens with a walk-off where two dancers per round present their realness for the audience’s vote just like in the documentary. Gender, race and identity are at the fore of this celebration and we as audience are immediately invited to participate.

Continue reading JACK YOUR BODY (Mix Mix Dance Collective) 2013 Toronto Fringe Review →

I went into 2-MAN NO-SHOW from Zoot Zoot Productions expecting some high energy slapstick comedy from a polished couple of performers. What I did not expect was to hug them both and feel a sort of communion with them and everyone else in the room – those of us daring enough to go up on the stage when invited, at least, which seemed to be more than half of the people in attendance.

As it starts, Ken Hall is dressed like a Mountie and Isaac Kessler is dressed like what seems to be a bear. No real explanation is given for these, but it adds a level of absurd humour to everything that transpires. Continue reading 2-MAN NO-SHOW (Zoot Zoot Productions) 2013 Toronto Fringe Review →

Dear Andrew Wade (Writer, Performer, Tea Sommelier),

I liked The Hatter. Really, I did. Your Fringe tea party, which plays at the Tarragon, hits the right notes: it never takes itself too seriously; it shows a clear mastery of the style and text; and it flatters you as a performer, allowing you to play to your obvious and considerable strengths.

And you had us eating out of the palm of your hand, man. We wanted to love you! We did love you! You’ve crafted a fascinating, frantic, engaging character who can draw our attention by simply being in the space, and you should be very, very proud of that.

But having done this, why do you insist on making him jump through hoops?

Continue reading The Hatter (Spired Productions) 2013 Toronto Fringe Review →

Strolling Player grew from actor Richard Willis’ application for Canadian residency. He had to provide every address he’s had since age 18. Willis is fifty something and 18 is long ago and a lot of addresses away. That planted the seed of the idea for Strolling Player. I love the way mundane activities can inspire creativity.

I’ve said before that I’m a fan of solo autobiographical shows. The odds were good going in that I was going to enjoy the show. I did. Continue reading Strolling Player (Compass Theatre Productions) 2013 Toronto Fringe Review →