Vancouver Fringe Festival 2015 Picks

It’s time to step away from screens and indulge in the magic of live theatre. This year, Vancouver Fringe Festival‘s program is chockablock with more than 700 performances by 89 artists. It’s actually pretty overwhelming to decide which shows to see in the next ten days. Well, lucky for us (and you), we have a trusted source who performed at the festival three times and is a seasoned Fringe attendee. A writer and performer with local comedy troupe Assaulted Fish, our dear friend Marlene is that person who diligently and meticulously combs through the entire program. Therefore, her shortlist is our shortlist. Here are her picks below, with commentary!

The Exclusion Zone
The Exclusion Zone features Martin Dockery, a captivating performer I saw for the first time in his solo show, Bursting into Flames. Last year, he wrote and performed in the exquisitely rendered Moonlight After Midnight. If you’re looking for a skilled and riveting performer who can play comedy and emotional truth, I think you’ll enjoy this show.

The Birdmann in Momentous Timing
I try to watch a range of Fringe shows, from music and dance to solo acts and ensembles to drama and comedy. The Birdmann in Momentous Timing is a pretty random choice for me. The title is what caught my eye: it might just be all kinds of ungrammatical genius. I have no idea what to expect, so come join me and let’s be surprised together!

Mars
Mars is written by Jayson McDonald, whose previous two plays I really enjoyed (Giant Invisible Robot, Magic Unicorn Island). But the real reason I want to see this play? The show description sounds awfully similar to the story arc of an Assaulted Fish sketch I wrote about two astronauts stranded in space. And yes, I’m still stink-eyeing you, Alfonso Cuaron. (PS. Giant Invisible Robot is part of the Fringe’s Pick Plus on September 24.)

Nashville Hurricane
Chase Padgett is a brilliant musician and actor. I highly recommend pre-buying your tickets or catching him early in the run. Nashville Hurricane could be held over for Pick of the Fringe – his last show, 6 Guitars, was – but why risk missing him in action?

Peter ‘n’ Chris Present: Here Lies Chris
You will laugh long and hard in the company of award-winning sketch comedians, Peter Carlone and Chris Wilson. It’s like watching two hilarious cartoon characters come to life.

Hip! Bang! presents White Pants
Tom Hill and Devon Mackenzie are another brilliant, local sketch comedy duo. Expect polished, high-energy performances punctuated with surrealism.

James & Jamesy in the Dark
Everyone should spend a little time in the surreal world of James and Jamesy. I love it when performers create a full and immersive experience for the audience, and last year, Alistair Knowles and Aaron Malkin did just that with their acclaimed Fringe show, High Tea.

The Middle of Everywhere
This is family-friendly fare featuring terrific masks from the Wonderheads, creators of Loon and Grim & Fischer. I took my video game-obsessed, teenage nephew to a Wonderheads show and he was enchanted (my words, not his.)

The New Conformity
Several years ago, I remember standing in a Fringe show line-up and the members of Cause & Effect thoroughly entertained me with their shadow puppet pitch. I never got to see their previous shows, but here’s my chance to catch their latest. Besides, I love the Firehall Theatre as a performance space and as a long-time BYOV for the Fringe.

Some other shows to round out my Fringe experience this year include: Bookworm, Dreamscape: Our Dreams Told Through Dance, Edgar Allan, He Roars, Hunger Games: The Musical.

Really, you’re spoiled for choice at the Vancouver Fringe Festival. If you find it hard to sift through all the previews, picks, pitches and promos, Marlene’s pro tip is to ask a Fringe volunteer for their show recommendations. Happy Fringing!