Whether you’re new to the Winnipeg Fringe Festival or an experienced Fringer, it can be tough to know which shows to see. For those of you having trouble narrowing it down, here are some suggestions for great comedy shows:
1) HUNKS 3
HUNKS is a hilarious Winnipeg sketch group who’ve performed shows across North America. This will be their 3rd year in the Fringe. Their shows in 2015 and 2016 both received 5 stars from the Winnipeg Free Press (in other words, odds are good for a great show).
2) FASTER, STRONGER, BLEECHMAN!
Comedian Matt Nightingale brings his over-the-top motivational speaker character to the Fringe Festival this year, looking to inspire the audience with his exciting (and comically unbelievable) life experiences. I caught a snippet of it at a Fringe Preview show and I was laughing so hard I cried at some parts.
3) HOT THESPIAN ACTION: FOREPLAY
Another local must-see sketch group! Hot Thespian Action have been nominated for 3 Canadian Comedy awards and have gotten glowing reviews from the CBC and Winnipeg Free Press with every show they’ve performed.
4) CRUMBS
A Fringe Festival institution for 19 years, CRUMBS is a long-form improv show above and beyond any game you’ve seen on shows like Whose Line is It Anyway?. This show never disappoints and usually sells out.
5) OUTSIDE JOKE: AN IMPROVISED MUSICAL
Improv in 3-part harmony!? Yep! Outside Joke creates a new musical on-stage every night based off of one audience suggestion, making every show different.
*** HUNKS, Hot Thespian Action and Outside Joke are all at the Gas Station Arts Centre, (Sometimes on the same night) so you could do a triple feature in one night!***
So there you have it! 5 ways to get a few laughs during the 2017 Winnipeg Fringe Festival.
ALSO: ***Shameless Plug*** I’ll be singing at the Cube Stage in the Exchange Tuesday, July 25th at 6pm. Come for the beer garden, stay for the music!
– Vicki Shae
