By Jay Menard

Out of tragedy comes comedy. And though a childhood — and well into the teen years — filled with bedwetting may not be the classic definition of tragedy, for any youth going through it, it would be a devastating, confidence-draining experience.

Fortunately, Tamlynn Bryson came out of her experience stronger, more confident, and able to look back with a laugh at her experience. And Fringe goers are all the richer for the experience.

Bedwetter is a wonderfully crafted, funny, and touching coming of age story that features the added complication of a life filled with bed wetting. Bryson, and her cowrite Kyle Kimmerly, take us through a series of vignettes, explaining how Bryson dealt with potentially embarrassing situations, and how she went from a confident, proud youth who embraced her situation, to a frustrated teen looking at future without dry nights.

From boyfriends, to sleepovers, to buying diapers in the pharmacy, Bryson shares her tales with grace, flair, and humour. She connects immediately with the audience and reinforces that connection throughout the show. She’s clever, quirky, and — most importantly — hilariously funny.

And a interpretive dance number featuring her period to Britney Spears’ I’m Not Just, Not Yet a Woman is something to be seen.

Bryson’s show is another must-see on the circuit. More importantly, Bryson’s one of those artists to watch in the future as her blend of charm, wit, and sensitivity bodes well for many more wonderful stories in the future.

***** — five out of five stars

This review initially appeared on theatreinlondon.ca