Theatre actors are amazing. To go on stage and do what they do takes a special person with an impressive skill set. This phenomenon was on full and wonderful display Wednesday night at Procunier Hall (Palace Theatre), at Fringe ’25!
The first show, written and performed by Jenn Weatherall, ‘No Lilies’, is a tight, visceral monologue. It is performed on a razor’s edge, definitely without a net! The writing and performance are exemplary. And while the second show, ‘everything I didn’t get to say (in a collection of petals)’, written and performed by Maria Colonescu, is as effective as ‘No Lilies’, it is in a different key entirely.
The pain and longing for connection are very strong. Vital theatre! A wonderful end to the evening was another script, a two-hander by Maria Colonescu, ‘The Companion.’ Ms Colonescu is joined on stage by Andre Furlong, and the fire and connection between the two characters is evident from the first moments. The tone is reminiscent of a Sam Shepard play. The tension is, at times, almost unbearable. But so effective dramatically!
Taken together, these shows are a must-see. They are real, and gritty, and deftly presented, with simple sets and props. It’s all about the characters!
Tickets for all London Fringe shows can be purchased at palacetheatre.ca/london-fringe
The Beat Magazine 2025 