With over 250 shows in 50 venues at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose what to see. Fortunately, we were on the grounds all weekend binge-watching shows! Whether you feel like laughing at a comedy, learning from a drama, or just witnessing amazing talents, you’ll find a show to fit your interest in our alphabetical recommendations below.
The 3 AM Subtext
Genre: Drama
If you’ve ever had a one-night stand, you may recognize the potential awkwardness. Two men awaken in the middle of the night after hooking up—and get to know each other by telling ghost stories. Sometimes that means describing a supernatural encounter, sometimes it’s childhood trauma.
Venue: TELUS Phone Museum (9)
Big Stupid Improv Show
Genre: Improv/Sketch
Hosted by Rapid Fire Theatre troupe members, the Big Stupid Improv Show is always guaranteed to get you giggling. Certain RFT members are dubbed as directors of their own improvised movie idea, and with the help of audience suggestions, their cast members have to bring that idea to life. From killer electric scooters to conspiracy theories that birds are government spies—anything goes at an improv show! Rated PG for cartoonish violence and adult language. (Warning: The venue does not have air conditioning and can get quite warm).
Venue: The Roxy on Gateway (17)
Colin Mochrie and Friends
Genre: Comedy
Most easily recognized for his role on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Colin Mochrie teams up with local Edmonton improvisers for this Fringe show! Sit back and relax as hilarity ensues—you just never know what these masters of improv will come up with. Rated PG for adult language and cartoonish violence.
Venue: Garneau Theatre | 8712-109 St.
Die-Nasty: The Live Improvised Soap Opera
Genre: Improv/Sketch
The legendary Die-Nasty Improvised Soap Opera is back! And there’s a reason why this production has been around for 22 seasons in Edmonton: it’s hilarious, fast-paced, and there’s a new show every time.
Venue: Varscona Theatre (12)
Flight
Genre: Physical theatre
You may be familiar with the beloved children’s book, Le Petit Prince (or, The Little Prince), adapted over the years in several languages and formats. This creative retelling uses acrobatics, strength, and flexibility to reimagine the gorgeous story.
Venue: Sugar Swing Ballroom—Main Floor (18)
Imaginary Friend: A New Musical
Genre: Music/Musical Theatre
With a single mom and a surly older sister, young Juliet is often left alone with only her imaginary friend for company. If this sounds all too familiar, we suggest you watch out—because an imaginary friend may actually be a demon in disguise. This original musical deals with quintessential family conflict: the overworked parent, the teenager trying to find herself, and the potential possession of the neglected youngest.
Venue: La Cite francophone Theatre (35)
(in)decision
Genre: Comedy
This funny, fresh, one-woman show takes you on a 10-second journey through Tess’s mind when her boyfriend unexpectedly proposes. Should she say yes or no? Tess interacts with the audience, which poses as her inner voice of reason, as she struggles with the pros and cons of her relationship and asks herself important life questions. Rated PG, due to mature language and sexual content.
Venue: Nordic Studio Theatre | 10330-84 Ave.
Late Night Cabaret
Genre: Cabaret/Variety
A staple of the Edmonton Fringe for many years, this variety show is a guaranteed good time! Improvisers host an evening of live music, interviews, and previews of Fringe shows. You won’t know what to expect when you tuck in to your seat, but you can be assured a night filled with crazy antics and laughter!
Venue: Big Rock Backstage Theatre (2)
Lights, Camera, Odd Jobs?
Genre: Storytelling
Ever thought it would be great to be an actor? Sit in as one tells you his story about the disappointment of a cut scene, the jobs he works in between acting work, and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. Rated PG, due to adult language.
Venue: Global News Walterdale Theatre | 10322-83 Ave.
Monica vs. The Internet: Tales of a Social Justice Warrior
Genre: Storytelling
In this one-woman performance, playwright Monica Ogden tells her story of experiencing racism as a YouTuber on the Internet, a playwright in the theatre community, a child in Canada, and a mixed-race Filipina woman in the world. Her piercing honesty and unapologetic directness are mixed with expert storytelling, impeccable pacing, and a brand of humour that will both call you out and raise you up (Josh Groban style!—just wait for it). This funny and heart-wrenching show speaks directly to anyone who has experienced marginalization—and more pointedly—to those who have not, as Ogden challenges everyone in the audience to sit uncomfortably with their privilege and then to use that privilege to speak up for change. Rated PG.
Venue: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre (8) | 8426 Gateway Blvd.
Minerva—Queen of the Handcuffs
Genre: Drama
You’ve heard of Houdini, but what about one of his greatest rivals? Minerva, considered the Queen of the Handcuffs, was one of the world’s first successful and most famous female escape artist. Based on the true story, this production features talented Edmonton escape artist, Miranda Allen.
Venue: The Roxy on Gateway (17)
The Most Unlikely Comedian
Genre: Storytelling
Meet Adam Schwartz, a comedian and playwright, who tells his heartwarming story about growing up with autism and how, through comedy, he has found a place to fit in. His story is chock-full of self-deprecating humour, while also underlined with the positive message that it’s okay to be different. No set, no props, and no microphone—just Adam and his story, so grab a seat close to the front for this intimate performance. Rated PG.
Venue: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre | 8426 Gateway Blvd.
Off Book: The Musical
Genre: Improv/Sketch
A frequent hit at the Fringe, a talented team from Rapid Fire Theatre improvise a live musical with an accompanying pianist after asking the audience for a location they’ve never seen a musical set in before. Though several plots get started and seem to go off in different directions, the actors always manage to tie them together and conclude the show in a surprising and uplifting way—with many memorable and funny tunes!
Venue: The Roxy on Gateway (17)
Restless Abandon
Genre: Comedy/Drama
The blurry lines between chasing your dream and staying true to yourself is where playwright Mitch Caddick takes his audience in this interwoven story about work-life balance, lost love, and second chances. Rated PG, due to language, adult content, and themes of suicide.
Venue: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre (8) | 8426 Gateway Blvd.
TEDxRFT: Improvised TED Talks
Genre: Improv/Sketch
Watch as every student’s worst nightmare is brought to life—conducting a live presentation you are completely unprepared for. Rapid Fire Theatre improvisers Kory Mathewson and Julien Faid prepare random slides for one another and get the audience’s help in choosing a topic. Will they stumble through the talk or somehow manage to string together something almost believable? Either way, it’s guaranteed to be hilarious. Rated PG; however, discretion is advised as content may include adult language, sexual content, political content, violence, etc.
Venue: Garneau Theatre | 8712-109 St.
Three
Genre: Physical theatre
Let this performance put your core strength to shame. It’s acro-yoga meets dance, where three acrobats explore human connection in captivity. Check out why this team needs to save up for more tape. (Note: lights are turned off and on a few times, though not as severe as a strobe light.)
Venue: Sugar Swing Ballroom—Main Floor (18)
Triassic Parq: The Musical
Genre: Musical Theatre
Laugh along as the cast of this hilarious musical takes you on an adventure of self-discovery. Set in the fictional place of Triassic Parq, the story of one innocent velociraptor unfolds as she and her companions try to figure out who they are. Rated Adult, due to sexual content, cartoonish violence, death, gunshots, and adult language.
Venue: The Roxy Theatre | 8529-103 St.
You Are Happy
Genre: Comedy/Drama
This play explores the idea of happiness and the disturbing reality of what we think is needed in order to achieve it. After Chloe unwittingly signs a contract to be the girlfriend of Bridget’s brother, Jeremy, she enters a confusing, co-dependent relationship that calls each character’s happiness into question. Rated PG. Warning: this play does contain suicide and sexual content.
Venue: Sugar Swing Ballroom | 10019-80 Ave.
We will add to this list as we see more shows! To further enhance your festival experience, make sure to check out our 7 Tips on How to Fringe.
