One reason I love Fringe theatre so much is because of how artists express big, ambitious ideas on a shoestring budget. That spirit is exactly what makes Escape from Victoria so hilarious. The name alone evokes memories of John Carpenter’s Escape from New York and Escape from LA. After a successful run in Ontario as Escape from Toronto, this show has been performed with a few tweaks tailored for each city. I suppose this show’s collective name is simply Escape from Canada. For my performance, there was plenty to marvel—and gawk—at!
Local references are a highlight. In Victoria, it’s the original Hudson’s Bay Building (now the Victoria Public Market). Instead of simply admiring these sites, the play brings their history vividly to life—sometimes with biting commentary, especially concerning this landmark of the city’s history. I haven’t seen the other versions, so I don’t know if this company was intentionally targeted.
Continue reading “Escape From Victoria: An Unforgettable Fringe Festival Hit!”