Reviews - Fringe 2015

Fringe 2015 Review: The Cockwhisperer ... A Love Story

By Ryan McGreal
Published July 18, 2015


"My mother would be so proud right now."

Colette Kendall has served up a marvel: an uproariously funny, raunchy and profoundly touching coming-of-age story that runs the emotional gamut, expertly plumbing a well-worn comic fixture for fresh visualizations on timeless insights.

The classic sexual double standard gets unpacked through a hilarious narrative that employs the titular subject as a foil for Kendall's own self-discovery.

Kendall is an excellent comedian, and she delivers her one-woman monologue with lively cadence, perfect comic timing and inspired physicality. Her comic chops are on full display, as when she worries that she might not be able to keep up with her insatiable teenage boyfriend: "Unlike Sudbury, I don't have a giant metal beaver."

She also skilfully employs multiple audio and visual media to enrich the story and deliver some of the biggest laughs.

Her performance weaves in an array of cultural touchstones including the CBC, The Shuffle, Wranglers, ParticipAction, John Diefenbaker and a very well placed wad of gum.

If the title hasn't already scared you off, you won't be disappointed.

Ryan McGreal, the editor of Raise the Hammer, lives in Hamilton with his family and works as a programmer, writer and consultant. Ryan volunteers with Hamilton Light Rail, a citizen group dedicated to bringing light rail transit to Hamilton. Ryan wrote a city affairs column in Hamilton Magazine, and several of his articles have been published in the Hamilton Spectator. His articles have also been published in The Walrus, HuffPost and Behind the Numbers. He maintains a personal website, has been known to share passing thoughts on Twitter and Facebook, and posts the occasional cat photo on Instagram.

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By Studio Babette Puppet Theatre (anonymous) | Posted July 20, 2015 at 06:55:21

We would love to have you review Where Are You Cinderella?, part of the Family Fringe in the Theatre Aquarius Studio

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