Review: The Soaps - A Live Improvised Soap Opera (Fringe)

by Dave Ross

“… and you can’t find a good brunch!” is one of the most memorable lines from this afternoon’s performance of The Soaps: A Live Improvised Soap Opera (“no brunch” is the last of three reasons given why one of the characters should not go off to war). Not that you can expect to hear that line again, as the show is (as the title implies) heavily improvised. You won’t find this production in the Fringe program either, as it was a last minute addition. 

Set in 1812 and billed as “a story 200 years in the making,” the rather large cast does a great job, adhering to the whims of the director. The show is very informal, as most improv work is. The actors are frequently seen restraining their own laughter as the director throws curveballs at them. The overall effect was successful, with the crowd laughing heartily at pretty much everything. I was impressed at how the humour stayed varied, without relying too heavily on clichés or repeated humour. My only criticism is with the pacing of the show at the beginning. It takes a long time to gain momentum, which is a problem in a show only an hour long. Once the show gets rolling, it’s a comedic romp through love in the time of war. Unfortunately, the cast of characters is quite large with hilariously convoluted names, and without attribution in the program, I can’t single anyone out for mention.

This was a good show. I enjoyed myself, the audience did as well, and the performers were having a ball as well. The play is loosely historical, but don’t let that scare you away—history takes some unexpected turns in this tale of love and romance in York (“too new to be New York, too old to be Old York, just York”). Grab a friend, and head on down to St. Vlad’s Theatre (it’s air conditioned, and how!). You’ll be sure to enjoy the show.

Tickets

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