Category: Local Events

Popurrí Unleashed! Plastik Theatrik May Be Victoria Fringe 2025’s Most Bizarre

Plastik Theatrik’s Popurrí may well be the most strangest piece of performance theatre at Victoria Fringe 2025, and that’s how we like it!

Popurrí by Plastik Theatrik at Victoria Fringe 2025 – surreal experimental theatre stillRemaining Show:
Aug 29, 7:30 pm
Intrepid Studio

Although little is known about the Victoria-based performance troupe Plastik Theatrik, their play Popurrí is easily the most surreal show I’ve seen this year. It offers more than a series of strange ideas—it felt like watching The Muppet Show on acid, complete with a few Beaker-style moments that had me laughing out loud. As for the fly-like scenes at a dining table or heads poking out of a pool of plastic… I won’t even attempt to make sense of them.

I raised an eyebrow higher than Mr. Spock more than once. A surgical, alien-like set piece clearly functions as metaphor, with parts of a human body (represented by a doll) removed. The bizarre creatures conducting the operation meep and emit odd sounds, making me wonder if uno, dos, tres carries a hidden meaning. The numeral references are obvious even to those who don’t speak Spanish. During a scene reminiscent of an alien abduction, a deck of cards marked “uno” appears—later research revealed it’s apparently a game.

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Juicy Woo Woo! A Mind-Bending Cosmic Cabaret at Victoria Fringe 2025

In what makes John Sobol’s Juicy Woo Woo – the UFO Cabaret – unique is that he’s up to date with the latest facts, theories and disguises. And he encourages everyone to look at the facts too!

juicy woo woo
Remaining Shows Aug 26 8:00 pm

Some conspiracies about the alien agenda lean into Juicy Woo Woo! territory—and if John Sobol has any say, that’s exactly where he wants to lead us. As a storyteller and musician, he mixes UFO lore, pop culture, and cosmic musings into a 60-minute journey that moves from fear to acceptance. With his show, he wants audiences to feel they are in the experience. Here, they also get caught up in the latest reports too.

There are no cameos from the jazz greats I usually spin, but I swear Pharoah Sanders might have heard the call.Anything tied to cosmic consciousness or “The One” could appear, though that might overwhelm a casual Fringe crowd. As for the Lemurians of Mt. Shasta or why some people live in a shared bubble, that depends on which studies you trust.

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Ghost Month 2025: Chinese Horror Picks & New Teasers

Although no films were made specifically for Ghost Month 2025, there’s plenty of support from releases earlier this year and following!

Ghost Month 2025The second half of August is shaping up to be very spooky and Fringey. Ghost Month 2025 starts on Aug. 23 and runs until Sept. 21. As for Hungry Ghost Festival, that will be on Sept 6!

Although there’s no mandate about releasing films during this time–that’s reserved for Chinese New Year–some fans of horror always like to look at what’s on the cinematic slate to be reminded about what the Hungry Ghost Festival will entail. Some years have seen releases made specifically for this celebration as it’s a time not to be afraid of, but honour!

But for those who want to know what’s happening this year, we got a guide!

Fresh Releases, Teasers & Trailers
Plus Where to Watch

  • The Dark Mysteries (China, 2025) — A new horror/sci-fi teaser has dropped, hinting at eerie supernatural disturbances and a mystery to unravel. A late-summer digital or theatrical drop feels likely—stay tuned!
  • Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio:
    Curious Tales of a Temple (China, July 2025) —     Just when this film will manifest in other countries is still in question, but for those fans of Chinese Ghost Story, and Pu Songling’s classic collection “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio,” this animated take will please! Technically, Ghost Month 2025 can’t be complete with this film. There are six stories, and our coverage can be found by searching our archives with this link.
  • Ghost Killer — Available on Digital via WELL GO USA — Geared toward Asian horror fans, this trailer teases a ghostly revenge story packed with atmosphere and tension.

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A Nerds’s Guide to the 2025 Victoria Fringe Festival

We offer our top ten picks on what to see at the 2025 Victoria Fringe Festival, and they span a wide range that includes comedy, burlesque and sci-fi!

2025 Victoria Fringe FestivalThe 2025 Victoria Fringe Festival will soon take over the Garden City and while I’m divided since it’s the start of Ghost Month, I’ll handle both in my own super and natural way.  This year’s lineup promises a fantastic mix of comedy, drama, sci-fi, and musicals from both local and touring artists. To help you navigate the packed schedule, I’ve put together a list of must-see picks that cover everything from improvised Shakespeare to a musical about Rapunzel and a drag sci-fi show. Whether you’re looking for something spooky, silly, or seriously thought-provoking, this guide has you covered.

20 QUESTIONS

20 QuestionsHINOX/TY WESLEY Victoria, BC
Created by: Hinox/Ty Wesley

Two paranormal investigators try to save their jobs until an annoying mysterious entity comes along and lures them into playing a game to save them from their ‘horrible fate’. Can they save themselves before their first date?

  • Showtimes: August 22 at 7:30 pm, August 31 at 5:00 pm.

THE DISNEY DELUSION

The Disney DelusionLEIF OLESON-CORMACK Edmonton, AB
Written by: Leif Oleson-Cormack

A hit at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe, this (unfortunately) true story follows a disastrous Disneyland trip that spirals into crime, delusion, and chaos on the night of the 2008 US election—featuring sinister sugar daddies, Sinatra impersonators, and a LOT of magical thinking along the way.

  • Showtimes: August 27 at 6:00 pm, August 28 at 7:15 pm, August 29 at 5:30 pm, August 30 at 12:00 pm, August 31 at 4:15 pm.

ESCAPE FROM VICTORIA

Escape from VictoriaTAMLYNN BRYSON Toronto, ON
Created by: Tamlynn Bryson & Rod Peter Jr.

It’s 1997, the future. Snake must clear his name and save Canada! The Canadian comedy hit of 2024 finally comes to Victoria.

  • Show Dates: August 20-31, 2025. Specific showtimes are not yet listed.

JUICY WOO-WOO!

juicy woo wooSOBOLTALK Burritt Rapids, ON
Created by: John Sobol

Juicy Woo-Woo! – the UFO Cabaret – features funky saxman and high-octane action poet John Sobol in a dazzling one-man show that offers a cogent and mind-expanding recap of the latest stunning developments in the weird and wild realm of UFOs.

 

  • Showtimes: August 21 at 7:45 pm, August 22 at 6:00 pm, August 23 at 3:15 pm & 2:00 pm, August 26 at 8:00 pm.

KIN

KinBECOMING THEATER Victoria, BC
Created by: Andrew Sawyer

An original musical based on the story of Rapunzel. When she learns she isn’t who she thought she is, Rapunzel travels down into the magical forest below her tower to find her name.

  • Showtimes: August 21 at 8:00 pm, August 27 at 8:00 pm, August 28 at 8:00 pm.

ORIGINS OF THE COAST

Origins of the CoastALECTORIA PRODUCTIONS Victoria, BC
Created by: Alectoria Productions

The creatures that live in those hidden places all around us have crawled out of the ocean and the forest and the mountains to speak with you at Macauley Point. They have been here since time began, and they are ready to share their story.

  • Show Dates: August 20-31, 2025. Specific showtimes are not yet listed.

POPURRÍ

PopurríPLASTIK THEATRIK Victoria, BC
Created by: Lore Andrea

From the nightmarish visions of an outcast Latina comes this surreal collection of short vignettes blended together with a whimsical and eerie flavour.

  • Show Dates: August 20-31, 2025. Specific showtimes are not yet listed.

RUBY’S POP UP PEEPSHOW

RUBY ENTERTAINMENTS AND EVENTS Victoria, BC
Created by: Ruby a.k.a Sarah Smith

By donation at the venue. People are pleasure! Doomsday got you down? Practice “radical joy” with us! Our travelling carnival-style entertainment has body-positive vibes. A community of celebration, with performances in the Pop Up circus caravan, accompanied by novel elements like popcorn, games, and prizes. It’s go-go on the go!

SPACE QUEEN

SPACE QUEENDRAG SUNDAY PRODUCTIONS Victoria, BC
Created by: Aaron Nickol/Shelita Cox

What do you do when the stories you needed growing up didn’t exist? This one-person sci-fi drag musical is a love letter to the queer futures we dream of, and a fight song for the histories we’ve lost. Sequins. Synths. And outer space.

  • Show Dates: August 23-30, 2025. Specific showtimes are not yet listed.

TRAGEDY OR TRIUMPH:
AN IMPROVISED SHAKESPEAREAN EPIC

Tragedy or Triumph- An Improvised Shakespearean EpicTHE SPONTANEOUS SHAKESPEARE COMPANY Vancouver, BC
Created by: The Spontaneous Shakespeare Company

Come see a once-in-a-lifetime Shakespearian epic, inspired by your story. Will it be a heart-rending tragedy or an epic romance? Join and find out!

  • Show Dates: August 20-31, 2025. Specific showtimes are not yet listed.

Why Balls Monster Catchin Musical is an Irresistible Must-Catch Show

From catchy numbers to pop culture winks, Balls Monster Catchin Musical delivers a wild ride for theatre fans and Pokémon lovers alike.

Balls Monster Catchin Musical Comedy PosterOfficial Website

It’s safe to say BALLS The Monster-Catchin’ Musical Comédy will be back following its return engagement over the summer. This show—sometimes referred to online as Balls Monster Catchin Musical for search ease—blends Pokémon-inspired parody, campy fun, and full-on musical theatre energy. Created by Brandon Zelman and Harrison Bryan, it’s become a cult hit! With a cast that knows exactly how to play to the fans, it’s less Sesame Street and more Fraggle Rock meets Saturday morning cartoons. When the latter half bursts with Collectabuddies moments, the passion is unmistakable—and I’m sure Satoshi Tajiri, the franchise’s creator, would love it too. I’d even like to see the show perform in Japan, Pokémon’s birthplace.

Failing that, there’s always Bellevue, Washington—home to The Pokémon Company International HQ. The most likely option? A streaming release. This quirky show premiered April 18–19, 2025, at Caveat on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and returned over the summer, charming both nerds and theatre fans.

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Godzilla’s Powering Through San Diego Comic Con 2025: What Spectacular Surprises Await?

When San Diego Comic Con is home to many a pop culture icon to graze it shores, the question of what exclusives attendees want will vary. But here, we love our Godzilla!

godzilla at San Diego Comic ConWith San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2025 right around the corner, the exclusives offered are many, and just what must be sought after will depend on personal tastes. I had to take a look at this year since last year was terrific with a Godzilla miniature offered by CMON that came packaged with a comic. Although the latter is a tale that’s amusing to jive with marketing the game, I had to take a look to see if there’s a similar offering. 

When I have to construct a list of what’s been announced so far regarding this kaiju, hopefully this will help fans going to this show.

Comics & Publications:

    • IDW Exclusives:
      • Godzilla #1 SDCC exclusive cover by Attack Peter
      • Godzilla 70th SDCC exclusive gold foil cover by Art Adams
      • Starship Godzilla #1 black & white version (Early Access)
      • Godzilla: Escape The Deadzone #1 black & white version (Early Access)

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