Here is the latest from Monday Magazine’s reviewers for the 2019 Victoria Fringe Festival. We hope you find them informative and entertaining, but do remember, they’re just one person’s opinion!
Find a full schedule of festival shows and ticket information at intrepidtheatre.com/festivals/fringe-festival.
Dressing for Cancer – HB Productions
Adult themes, comedy-drama, at Langham Court Theatre through Aug. 31
This is an incredibly moving show! The true story of a woman’s journey from finding the first lump, through diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, to being cancer-free. Her secret was the team of family and friends she had gathered around her, who supported her during treatments with humour and fun. Four of the five actors assume various roles, while the person playing the principal character changes wigs and scarves, and keeps up a cheerful chatter while working on her ongoing blog. The portable props are well-used, if a tad cumbersome, while the projected backdrops are delightfully clear and cute.
****1/2 (out of 5)
– Sheila Martindale
Dear Samantha – Charles Adrian as Ms Samantha Mann
Adult themes, comedy advice show at Wood Hall through Sept. 1
We have all known someone who chatters on and on in a never-ending stream of consciousness, moving from one topic to another without pausing for breath. Samantha keeps this up for 70 minutes, and it is hilarious! Maybe a little too fast, as I did not hear every word as clearly as I might have done, even in the front row. Not that this stopped me laughing! What did become clear is that this ‘agony aunt’ really has no sensible advice, her most-used phrase being “I don’t know!” What she does know is how to be entertaining – big time.
****1/2 (out of 5)
– Sheila Martindale
How to Pull Your Heart Out Through Your Throat – Impulse Theatre
PG 12+ coarse language, adult themes, on through Sept. 1 at Langham Court Theatre
This show is difficult to pin down. It’s contemporary dance, spoken word, experimental theatre. If that description causes you to tense up, then it probably isn’t for you. But for those intrigued, here are things you’ll experience, in no particular order: A trio of fairies talking relationships. Panic! at the Disco song lyrics with Scottish accents. Jerky, unsettling body movements.
There is undeniably artistic merit to be found here, even if it may come off as unapproachable. And maybe that’s the point being made: that in art, as in relationships, we should embrace the ugly and odd just as we embrace the pretty and popular.
***1/2 (out of five)
– Tim Ford
READ previous reviews here:
Fringe Reviews, Pt. 2: The dance is delightful
FIRST REVIEWS: Victoria Fringe Festival starts with a bang
editor@mondaymag.com
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