Fringe Review: “Worst Show Ever”

They picked the title, not me.

“Worst Show Ever” is written and performed by Toronto actors/comedians James Hartnett and David West Read, with Susannah Kiernan as the third-wheel-actress cum token-chick (who despite this unfortunate subjugation has some great acting chops). I was really excited to see it, since back in Uni I’d both performed with and produced for these two boys in Canada’s longest running sketch comedy show, “The Bob.” Throughout my time at the wonderful Victoria College in the U of T, Dave and James were famous for their hilarious writing and brilliant performances. They really stood out as exceptional comedians.

They are no less talented now. But I feel that this show could have used a lot more rehearsal time, and simply more care in general. The series of sketches showed a lot of promise. However, the physical comedy and comedic timing, skills that come so naturally to these actors, could have been way more polished and precise. I kept comparing this show to Thunderspank, Montreal Fringe’s award-winning sketch comedy show. There was no comparison - both troupes are equally talented, but Thunderspank was simply better rehearsed, more professional, and an overall stronger actualization of their potential.

I was less an adoring fan of “Worst Show Ever” as I would have liked to be. The Toronto Fringe is serious business, and a way bigger pond than the campus stage where I’d last seen Hartnett and Read perform. Sure, I laughed some, possibly even lots. I’d just love to see them push themselves.