London Fringe — Delamont’s Dropped “God” But Shows Much More Soul

By Jay Menard

For years, Mike Delamont has elicited tears from his audience — tears of laughter and tears of joy. As the cross-dressing deity with a brogue, Delamont has delighted fans and sent them home with a smile on their lips and (unfortunately) that damn Proclaimers’ song in their hearts.

Delamont again elicits a strong reaction with his new show, Mike Delamont: Mama’s Boy — but the tears are of sadness, commiseration, and pathos. And as he finishes with a mournful rendition of The Nylon’s Rock and Roll Lullabye, the audience is left with a feeling of connection, appreciation, and a strong desire to call your mom. Continue reading →

London Fringe – James & Jamesy Shine Brighter than Ever

By Jay Menard

James & Jamesy are back, returning their James & Jamesy In the Dark show to the McManus Theatre. And this remount, with two years of refinement under its belt, shines brighter than ever and will undoubtedly be a clear highlight of the Fringe again.

The duo, who have brought their 2 for Tea and High Tea shows to London Fringe in the past, present a masterclass in simplicity, elegance, and comedic refinement, that’s only amplified by its sweetness and warmth.

The story, basically, is about a he and a he, toiling away in individuality, until the he and he suddenly become a they. They are joined by us. And then we all become a we in the now. A now we’ll always have, even if we aren’t always a we.

It makes sense when you see it. Continue reading →

Access to London Culture Can Start at the Fringes

By Jay Menard

Interested in dipping your toes into London’s theatre scene? It can be intimidating jumping in with two feet — so why not approach theatre from the Fringe?

The London Fringe Festival kicks off tomorrow and it’s a great opportunity for you to explore theatre in a relaxed, low-barrier-of-entry way. And I wanted to take this opportunity to share my experiences, both specific to Fringe and as someone who has seen (and reviewed) my fair share of theatre over the years.

I’ll be reviewing some of this year’s plays at theatreinlondon.ca. And I’d like to encourage you to get out and see a show or 12. Here’s why:

But First — The Name is Misleading

Let’s just get this out of the way. The term “Fringe” is a potential barrier for the mainstream theatregoer. The average casual attendee who thinks nothing of dropping serious money on multiple mountings of Elf or The Buddy Holly story at The Grand, or are lining up for the remount of Rocky Horror (third time’s the charm, I guess!) often blanch at the idea of a Fringe play. Continue reading →