Nowhere other than London Fringe can you experience a visceral dance performance, a sketch comedy show, and an original musical based on history—all in the span of a single night! London Fringe runs August 13-17 across six stages in the city. Tickets are only $15 each and are available for all shows now.
Here in Old East Village, the Palace Theatre hosts four productions and I was able to catch three of them on opening night. Read on for reviews of UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History, Dated Humour, and RAM!
UNSUNG - For Musical Lovers, History Buffs, and Fans of Clever Humour
UNSUNG begins with a disclaimer: if you wanted to learn history, you shouldn’t have come to the theatre! This original one-act musical written by Mackenzie Langdon tangles the truth by introducing new characters (and tunes) into seven episodes of history. Ranging from infamous disasters to lesser-known tales, the audience meets the accidental villains of history.
A grunt worker on the stock exchange floor triggers the Great Depression. A guy's well-intentioned invention gets repurposed during the French Revolution. A horse-loving guard at Troy lets in a friendly wooden gift. Don't forget what went wrong with the Titanic’s lifeboats, the admissions director who rejected Hitler from art school, and many other colourful stories. The songs are brilliantly catchy and cleverly written, making it impossible not to laugh along.
The tales are brought to life by an exceptionally talented cast of four, whose voices meld together with ease. The actors are all masters of comedic timing and they deliver their songs and lines with charisma. Although we meet many characters for only a single song, each one of them is remarkably compelling.
As usual, the small space of Procunier Hall lends itself to a uniquely intimate experience. It feels like you’re enjoying a top-notch musical while sitting right on stage with the cast. The actors welcome you into the jokes and you're guaranteed to walk out with a smile on your face. UNSUNG is a treasure that you don’t want to miss!
Dated Humour - For Sketch Comedy Fans, People Sick of Dating, and Folks With Their Finger on the Pulse of Pop Culture
Entertaining mature audiences, Dated Humour throws everything at the wall! A cast of eight puts on a rapid-fire series of comedy sketches poking fun at the challenges of dating in the modern era. You’ll see an attorney helping folks sue their way out of dating troubles, a psychic who exposes relationship secrets, and even a musical number to kick things off!
Many shows at London Fringe have travelled from elsewhere in the province, country, or world, but Dated Humour was born and bred right here in London. Three Beard Theatre is the new local theatre company behind the mayhem. London Fringe is the first time the show has been performed for an audience and the good-humoured cast rolls with the punches.
The production’s variety show format makes it feel like you’re flipping through TV channels, with each new sketch riffing on an aspect of today’s dating scene. There are game shows, sports commentators, and even an educational program à la Sesame Street… although one that would definitely air after dark. A highlight was “Would You Love Me If I Was A Worm,” where a man faces an unexpected ultimatum. The retro overhead projector slides woven throughout the production added a fun touch as well.
Dated Humour will be enjoyed by audiences whether they are queer or ‘tragically heterosexual.’ Come for a laugh and support up-and-coming locals in the London theatre scene.
RAM - For Choreography Appreciators and Those Seeking an Emotionally Moving Performance
Fringe festivals are known for breaking boundaries and RAM certainly does. Rather than being a piece of theatre, RAM is a dance production that renders its story through movement. Led by director and choreographer Alli Robb, Chameleon Coalition is a group of artists from across Ontario. Their show is composed of sixteen dance sequences set to instrumental tracks, meditative spoken word, and lyrical songs from many genres.
Through cathartic movement, the dancers capture the range of human experience, showing us at our best and worst. There are moments that are uncomfortable to watch, such as one chilling climax where a mass of shouting bodies surrounds a single dancer, and there are gestures of tenderness that break your heart, like when the dancers gently carry one another onstage.
The beautifully choreographed scenes range in composition with solos, small groups, and times when the full cast of eighteen dancers is onstage. The troupe’s collective movement is overwhelming, powerful, and deeply moving. More than anything, RAM asks its audience to feel.
The cast’s movements are largely left up to interpretation, allowing the viewer to experience the show kinetically rather than intellectually. The black jackets that dancers wear and remove throughout the show can represent identity, depression, anxiety—any pressure that suffocates the viewer in their own life. Each person’s interpretation feels as valid as another. What matters is the feeling.
When the show ends, it feels like coming up for air: RAM must be witnessed to be understood.
Binge Your Fringe!
The beautiful thing about London Fringe is that you can completely customize your festival experience! Mix and match the productions that spark your interest to curate an evening (or Saturday matinee) at your venue of choice. Tickets for each show are $15! Find production details and ticket links on The Palace’s website.
Comments