Theatre | Travel

My First Fringe (Edmonton)

August 23, 2011

Thanks to my friends over at Bottomline Productions for inviting me to take part in my very first Fringe.

As a huge supporter of the arts, its seem crazy that I have never been to a Fringe Festival before, but upon hearing such great things about Edmonton’s festival – that it’s the best in Canada – I knew I had to see it for myself.

Now Fringe is all about the little guy, talented performers and interesting shows; numerous productions all happening at the same time vying to get noticed… but how to pick which ones to see?

Well as I see it, choosing a show is like a giant bowl of Jelly Belly Jellybeans. You just have to stick your hand in and hope you don’t pull out a ‘Buttered Popcorn’ Lucky for me I was set up to see 3 ‘Juicy Pears’

Gordons Big Bald Head, Psycobabble, and my top pick; The Last 5 Years (a musical). The leading female, Nadine Veroba carried the show with her amazing voice and the plot is scandalously delightful.

In addition to all the great paid shows, the festival offers a gad of free street performances, a children’s area, and something of which I had never seen before, a vegetable oil run midway cleverly named ‘Substainival’

Add in a ton of unique food vendors and a mix of people having a great time, and this city proves why it is the best Fringe in Canada.

Edmonton is a beautiful city full of friendly people who know how to welcome and treat their visitors.

I will be back!

Mr Fab monton