Edmonton Fringe 2025 Reviews Part 1

A Cabaret of Legends, Anne Zander is MOTHER, Eleanor's Story: Life After War, Elon Muskrat, Evie and Alfie: A Very British Love Story, F*ck Marry Kill: The Improv Show, Genesis, Ghostbusters One Man Show, GUMS: An Accidental Beach Prequel, Orphan Well, The Human Cat Experience, The Underwear Fairy and Other Love Stories

This is my first time at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, and I am quite impressed with the caliber of the festival. This festival has an incredible audience base and presence in the city. People take time off work to attend shows throughout the 11-day celebration, and many make the festival their annual vacation. There are street vendors, outdoor stages with all-day programming, and street performers ready to entertain patrons between shows. The Edmonton Fringe contributes a whopping $20 million to the local economy and paid $1.3 million to artists last year. To learn more about the festival, listen to our interview with Murray Utas, the festival's Artistic Director, on season 2, episode 19 of What the Fringe?!

On to the reviews!

A Cabaret of Legends

Harris is mesmerizing from the moment she hits the stage. Her stories are funny and touching. Stunning costumes that add an extra bit of flair to an already top-notch performance. I could have watched Harris all day. 

Anne Zander is MOTHER

Exquisite clowning. A riotous exploration into the first stages of motherhood. As a mother, I’ve never felt so seen and known.

Eleanor's Story: Life After War

A powerful performance. Garner has you captivated from the moment the play begins. Expertly staged for maximum impact. Now, more than ever, we need this story to remind us of hope in the darkness. 

Elon Muskrat

A witty satire of commodification. Also, sign me up for the casino! And I will be singing Colonizer for days. 

Evie and Alfie: A Very British Love Story

Brilliantly conceived and executed. A tender story that reminds us of the power of love.  

This A.R. Gurney-esque show needs to be a full-length play. 

F*ck Marry Kill: The Improv Show

An undoubtedly clever show. Rousing audience banter to create the world of the scene. Down for a good time, a lasting laugh, or just want to kill time, check out this show.  

Genesis

A peculiar tale, with some clever one-liners and lots of twists and turns. A valiant effort by some up-and-coming theatre makers.

Ghostbusters One Man Show

Come quote along to your favorite 80s ghost-busting film. Cheeky props and delightful commentary.

GUMS: An Accidental Beach Prequel

A GLORIOUSLY stupid farce. Hitting every campy joke with perfection. Look (no, metaphorically), this show is good, silly fun. A special shout-out to the triplet of fish and pleather speedo. 

Orphan Well

A well-crafted play exploring multiple current issues. The simple visuals created an enormous impact. I would love to see the play developed into a longer piece.  

The Human Cat Experience

The cat-nippiest, cat-trippiest show you will see at the fringe. Delightful puppets. And a chicken winning dance you won’t soon forget.

The Underwear Fairy and Other Love Stories

Masterful storytelling. I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Boulton’s stories will touch your heart and send shivers down your spine.