Top 10 Exciting Shows to see at the Vancouver Fringe Festival

Vancouver Fringe Festival Generic

Runs September 5th to 15th, 2024

The Vancouver Fringe Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and this event promises to be big. Just where one can find the cake will depend on what they announce for parties. And for those at Terminal City from September 5th to 15th, Granville Island will be abuzz with lots of fun events for all to enjoy!

Where possible, we have included a review or two as these shows also played at the Victoria Fringe Theatre show too!

B The Wiz Presents
A Storytelling Hip-Hop Experience

B The Wiz Presents A Storytelling Hip-Hop ExperienceHip-Hop artist B The Wiz uses his storytelling ability to create music with a positive message. The Thunder Bay MC has been working organizing hip-hop shows since 2015. When checking out a B The Wiz performance, you can expect to see smiles, laughter and appreciation from the artist. Conversing with the crowd and feeling the energy in the room, B The Wiz will perform songs that can carry messages and teachings that he has learnt throughout his life.

Beginning his journey with street art before creating music, B The Wiz believes it’s important to hold reverence for the elements of Hip-Hop.

False Tour of False Creek

False Tour of False CreekThe False Creek Ferries Players are proud to present their False Tour of False Creek. Get misinformed by a Completely Believable and Not-At-All-Full-Of-Baloney skipper as you set sail around the harbour on a comfortable, silent, electric boat. Sights include Science World, the world’s largest Tesla Coil, the False Creek Ray Gun, and a skyline of non-Euclidean madness.

A maximum of twelve seats are available for each trip. Reality itself is liable to warp as facts are bent, twisted, and finally made to walk the plank. We solemnly guarantee that this tour will be untrue, phoney, and entirely made-up.

When Fern Flowers Bloom

When Fern Flowers Bloom(for a review, please visit our sister site’s post here)

When Fern Flowers Bloom is a tale of love, loss, and transitions told through traditional Latvian folklore, poetry, and symbolism. Nāve, the Goddess of Death, has just received word that Fall is coming but struggles to follow through with her responsibility when she discovers that the time has also come for her lover Jāņis, the incarnation of Summer and its Solstice celebration. Over the course of one last intimate date night, we see how each character processes and finally accepts their fate by either holding on to their traditions or creating new ones.

The Law of Gravity

The Law of Gravity

Dom has had a rough go of things so far. At fourteen, he has the hardened look of someone who’s had to fight for everything. Fred has just moved to Not-The-City, a new place to try to disappear. But he didn’t expect to actually make friends. He just hopes he’s accepted for how he looks. When Dom and Fred meet on a hill overlooking a bridge that connects Not-The-City to The City, a place where anyone can be anything they want, the two find a refuge in one another and make a pact: they’ll cross the bridge at the end of the school year. They’ll be free. What could happen by then? Who will they be? And will the bridge even let them cross?

Hot Dog!

Devon More Music Hot Dog!Devon More Music presents an outdoor art-rock show… for the dogs! Canines and their human companions can enjoy Devon’s infectious originals alongside curious cover songs in the open air – under the cover of Granville Island’s Picnic Pavilion. This show aims to turn the old adage “never work with children or animals” on its head, and prove that anything is paw-sible! All well-socialized dogs and humans, big or small, young or old are welcome to join in the pet-a-palooza. Parade your pet and earn tasty treats for tremendous tricks (provided by the Granville Island Pet Treatery). Have a ball with Devon’s Doggy Dance Party. Regardless of how ruff your day is going, this is sure to be a chance to unleash yourself and raise the woof!

Jon Bennett: AMERICAN’T

Jon Bennett- AMERICAN’TAfter nomadically touring the world for the last 10 years, Renowned Australian comedic storyteller, Jon Bennett (Fire in the Meth Lab) finally has a home: The US of A. Or does he? COVID forced him back to his childhood home in the outback of Australia with his conservative, religious family for the next year and a half. After jumping through every hoop imaginable, Jon was finally able to leave Australia and come to the USA. Only to be arrested at the airport upon landing. This is THAT story.

seaMAN

2 Sleepy RatGuys SeaMAN Promotional CardYARGH! Join the saltiest sea captain ever on a “30min scenic boat tour” This queer nautical comedy is like the deranged love child of Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse and Gilligan’s Island. This show is a whirlwind of revenge-fueled sea-venture combining outrageous physical comedy with a few dark twists and turns. Alternately played by two actors, it’s a one-man-show by two featuring the saltiest sailor to ever set sail on the several seas. Prepare yourself for a hilarious on-stage scenic boat tour that promises fishing, the ocean breeze … and SO much more.

Full Metal Comedy

Full Metal Comedy Full Metal ComedyFull Metal Comedy is a stand up comedy show based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It was started by Shawn Cuthand and Danny Knight as a way to get stage time in Saskatchewan. In the prairies you can literally see that there is no stage time for miles and days! The show works like an open mic to encourage new comedians to give it a try, but for the Vancouver Fringe, we’re bringing our best! Shawn Cuthand is a writer/comedian and producer based in Treaty 6 Territory from Little Pine First Nation.

He is a part of The Feather News on APTN Lumi and has been doing stand up for 6 years. Danny Knight is an actor/writer/comedian and director from Muskoday First Nation and is the host of The Feather News on APTN Lumi. Ryan Moccasin is a writer/comedian and producer from Saskatoon, SK and is the CEO of The Feather News. he is also a novelist with the book “Suicide Empire” in his credits. Cheyenna Sapp will be at the first half of the shows as well. Cheyenna is a stand up comedian/actress/writer from Little Pine First Nation. She plays “Rose” on CTV’s Acting Good and performs all over Canada making communities laugh. Local comedian Sasha Mark will also be helping curate from the local talent pool to provide guest spots and hosting opportunities for the festival.

Camp Goneaway

Ragamuffin Productions Camp Goneaway Promotional CardWhat’s lurking in the lake? Margot and Evie are best friends. When they hear a legendary sea monster is hiding in the depths of their camp waters, they are determined to uncover its secrets. For fans of Gravity Falls and The Babysitters Club Mysteries, this heartfelt campfire jamboree explores the relationship between girlhood and eco-anxiety. This is a new work from award winning company Ragamuffin Productions: June Bug, FRANK.

Proximity: The Space Between Us

Theatre Terrific Proximity- The Space Between UsAmidst the improbability of connections forming around us, “Proximity: The Space Between Us” , co-created by an all-abilities cast, delves into the delicate balance of distance and connection. Through a series of interconnected narratives that open into a realm of infinite possibility, this physical theatre piece embraces the emotional and physical complexities that define our shared humanity, inviting audiences to reflect on the threads that unite and separate us.

Top 10 Picks of the 2024 Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival!

Victoria Fringe Theatre FestivalThe Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival is back in full form! A few acts from afar that didn’t make the lottery last year are here this year, and as for others, now that some acts of nature are behind us, fans of this type of entertainment can enjoy it in full force!

From the Press Release:

Dance, comedy, drama, spoken word, kids programming, or late-night cabarets, try a bit of everything this summer at the Fringe! This event will feature local, national and international artists again this summer as the Fringe returns for 12 days of indie theatre at 5 traditional venues and 4 unconventional venues across the city. We are excited to be back with live events and shows, including the Fringe Eve Preview and FringeKids Fest and a nightly Fringe Club bringing post-show vibes, libations, and pop-up programming throughout the festival. We can’t wait for you to try out all Fringe has to offer and join us for our 38th year of Fringe fun.

Last year, we introduced a bunch of new and exciting elements to the Victoria Fringe, and we’re excited to continue them forward into this year’s festival. Unconventional Venue shows are once again featured at the 2024 Victoria Fringe: four off-site, site-specific venues provided by the artists, highlighting non-traditional theatre experiences involving walking/moving shows, outdoor shows, and even a familiar neighbourhood coffee shop.

What we offer are a look at ten shows that I feel are must-sees and the links go to Intrepid Theatre’s website so tickets can be gought in advance. Presented in no particular order are:

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[Vancouver, BC] The Fast and the Furious with Ramen Danbo on Robson St.

20240216_2203321333 Robson St
Vancouver, BC

Hours: Daily from 11p.m to 11 p.m.
Menu: ramendanbo.com
Phone: (604) 559-8112

On a chilly night, sometimes a warm dish of ramen is required to chase the blues away. Technically, we’re now in summer, and it’s a great time to explore the big city, or the adjacent municipality like Richmond. Trying to find a bite late at night isn’t all that tough, but when my appetite strikes closer to midnight, the options are fewer. Thankfully, Ramen Danbo came to the rescue! With this chain opening operations all around the world (almost), I had to check out this operation. Every time I’m on the Robson strip, I see lineups. 

The buzz is in the broth, and it’s all about what’s in the white tonkotsu (pork bone) soup. Part of the process is now “mass-produced” so that it can be shipped to outlets so it can be brewed properly in house. Unlike open window operations, I couldn’t get to see how it’s made (when compared to another place I hit while in town).

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[Seattle, WA] A Doh at The Dough Zone

20240301_165356815 Pine St
Seattle, WA

Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Website: doughzonedumplinghouse.com
Phone: (206) 682-6666

I don’t find the trend of choosing what you want to eat in advance all that unusual these days. This is more common in metropolises than anyplace else, and when operations like The Dough Zone to be as speedy as possible, I wonder if diner satisfaction is on top of the restaurant manager’s mind? I get the feeling they’re trying to the McDonalds of the Asian fast food scene when considering it is a franchise operation stretching from Washington State to California (and Texas).

If anyone wants to grab a quick bite here during the busy hours, I don’t recommend it. It’s best to reserve in advance. When the operation I went to is in the beating heart of the convention centre alley, they’re very popular. Also, when I didn’t want to stray too far when there were evening activities, they were pretty much the only choice unless I wanted to pay more at the bar that’s located at the Summit Building.

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[Seattle, WA] Just Chillin’ at Ohana Belltown

Screen Shot 2024-06-12 at 3.32.37 PM2207 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98121

Hours: 3 pm to 1:30 am (12pm Tues)
Phone: (206) 956-9329
Menu: http://www.ohanasushigrill.com/menu.html

Hawaiian food can be unique, and to say it’s a fusion of other culinary styles brought to the island depends on who you ask. I’m sure most folks agree it really is a combination of ideas from other regions and when I’m craving something authentic, I just have to visit Hawaii and hope I get invited to a Lūʻau. I want to experience that true Ohana spirit, and this operation is so aptly named, I want to come back!

What’s provided at Coco Grill (review) is “real” but it’s not the food I’m looking for. Where’s the poi? As for all the pokes, they’re a dime a dozen and while they come from humble island origins, that’s not what I’m after. There’s always going to be some pork dish at all diners, but what about the seafood? With eel, having enough to feed the masses can be problematic. And who would’ve thought Seattle would have the ideal outlet to get my Japanese and local flavour right. At Ohana, the environment felt just right, and I dived right into the ocean blue as easily as a dolphin into water.

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Just Another Block Kitchen & Bar on the Yates Dining Strip

Block Kitchen - The DonBlock Kitchen & Bar
538 Yates St #101
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily from 3 to 9 pm (10pm weekends)
Phone: (250) 590-6744
Menu: blockvictoria.ca

DK:This is the type of place you feel out of place if you aren’t drinking. Not so much because the waitress acts stunned when you order water, but because really if you’re not here to drop $60 on a few cocktails, why are you here? Tell me Ed, why?

ES: Although I’m not sure how to follow up on Don’s opener, I was just as baffled too. Yes, Block Kitchen & Bar is very much a place to get a drink after work and have a light meal. I don’t think I can get filled unless I spend $100 or more, and even on a former student’s mindset and budget, I’m not willing to spend that much!

However, I did get a cocktail to go with my sort of Japanese meal. I always wanted to try the Birds of Paradise and it was a flavourful drink. The Akvavit is the foundation where more fruity flavours are put on top, and although it’s not a layered drink, it certainly gave me a good buzz when the dishes finally arrived.

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