Getting prepped for Fringe? Me too! To help you all get to know some of the artists better and learn a bit about their shows, I’ve made up the Fringe Five: it’s a series of five questions which I’ve distributed to several Fringe artists. All of their answers will be compiled here, along with the links to their Fringe show page. I hope you have fun reading through their responses and finding out more about Fringe!

Humpty Dumpty Theatre – Doctor Dolittle

1. Could you please introduce yourself to my readers?

We are the Humpty Dumpty Puppet Theatre, a dedicated team of puppeteers based in Toronto. Founded 15 years ago by the visionary Slava Yasau, we specialize in bringing timeless tales to life through the magical art of puppetry. Our mission is to enchant audiences of all ages with beautifully crafted puppets, captivating stories, and original music. We’re thrilled to be part of this year’s Toronto Fringe Festival!

2. Please tell us more about your upcoming show in the Toronto Fringe Festival!

We are excited to present “Doctor Dolittle” at the Toronto Fringe Festival this July! Our show tells the charming story of Doctor Dolittle, a kind-hearted physician who discovers he can talk to animals. With his animal friends, he embarks on whimsical adventures that highlight themes of empathy, understanding, and the beauty of the natural world. Featuring vibrant puppets, engaging storytelling, and delightful music, “Doctor Dolittle” promises to be a magical experience for the entire family.

3. Describe the essence of your show in 3 words.

Magical, Heartwarming, Whimsical

4. What’s your favourite part of performing in a Fringe Festival?

Our favorite part of performing in a Fringe Festival is the opportunity to connect with a diverse and enthusiastic audience. The festival atmosphere is vibrant and full of creative energy, allowing us to share our passion for puppetry with new and returning theatergoers. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy and wonder on the faces of our audience members as they experience the magic of our shows.

5. What’s another show that you’re looking forward to seeing at the Toronto Fringe Festival?

The Toronto Fringe Festival is always full of incredible talent and unique performances. We are excited to explore the wide variety of shows this year and discover new favorites. The festival’s lineup offers such diverse and innovative productions that there’s always something inspiring and entertaining to see!

https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/doctor-dolittle

Tim Motley – Barry Potter and the Magic of Wizardry

1.Could you please introduce yourself to my readers?

Hi, I’m Tim Motley.  I’m a professional touring comedian and magician, and I’ve performed at nearly every Fringe Festival in the English speaking world.  I’ve been to Toronto Fringe twice before, and had great runs with two of  my previous shows in the character of film-noir psychic detective, “Dirk Darrow”.  My last time there was 2017 with the show “6 Quick Dick Tricks” in the Randolph Theatre. 

2. Please tell us more about your upcoming show in the Toronto Fringe Festival! 

Muggles hide your eyes… for this is the only Harry Potter parody themed stage magic show in existence!   The fusion of magic content with the Harry Potter wizarding theme has turned out to be a winning combination.  This show has already proven very popular with sold out full runs at Edinburgh, Adelaide, & Winnipeg Fringe Festivals in 2023.

It’s partly a funny magic show, and partly an autobiographical story-telling show by fictional character “Barry Potter”, the supposed real life basis for the famous books & movies (implied), who is relegated to performing at fringe festivals after a tragic fall from grace. 

In this show, I weave magic effects into a long form storyline just as I previously did with my award winning film noir detective Dirk Darrow adult shows, but for a new audience of millennials and families. 

3. Describe the essence of your show in 3 words.

Comedy Magic Wizard

4. What’s your favourite part of performing in a Fringe Festival?

The freedom to perform whatever I want, not restricted by having to play it safe, pleasing a corporate administrator, impressing a random industry curator, or patronizing any particular political inclinations.  I also really like the way they’re generally accessible to audiences with reasonable ticket prices, and the total honesty of those audiences who express themselves through the make or break crucible of ticket sales. 

5. What’s another show that you’re looking forward to seeing at the Toronto Fringe Festival?  

Crime After Crime (After Crime).  I’ve seen previous shows by Sex-T-Rex at other festivals, and laughed my butt off.  I feel like they have a similar silly sense of humour to my own. 🙂 

https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/barry-potter-and-magic-wizardry

Iris Bahr – See You Tomorrow

1.Could you please introduce yourself to my readers?

Hi, My name is Iris (e-reese) Bahr. You may know me from Curb your Enthusiasm, where I play the recurring Orthodox Jewish chick that gets stuck on the ski lift with Larry, or on Hacks where I play Perla,  or my various voice work on the Star Trek video game and others.  I’ve been a solo performer for a longgggg time, and am bringing my fifth show to Toronto this year and I’m super excited to share it with the Toronto crowd. 

2. Please tell us more about your upcoming show in the Toronto Fringe Festival!

See You Tomorrow is a funny and moving true story about a very dramatic life event and its consequences. I don’t want to give too much away but it has a lot of mother daughter love guilt enmeshment more guilt awkward dating stories caregiving and meaning of memory involved that is sure to resonate. 

3. Describe the essence of your show in 3 words.

Love Guilt Memory

4. What’s your favourite part of performing in a Fringe Festival?

Connecting with a new audience and spending time with other theatre artists and experiencing their work. 

5. What’s another show that you’re looking forward to seeing at the Toronto Fringe Festival?  

I’m looking forward to seeing 86 me, All of our Parents are Immigrants, and Snacey. 

https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/see-you-tomorrow-true-story