Patrice Forbes is a creative goddamn lunatic.
The sheer creativity on display in ECPD is such a treat, and the talent put on display is so ready and willing to tackle any challenge that it makes me jealous I'm not a part of it.
From the beginning this madhouse retelling of Hamlet goes hard and doesn't stop. The combination of detective story meets Shakespeare is goofy, silly and raucous, and fully committed to the bit.
Props must be given to the cast who are so invested and committed and a delight to watch. The cast, some balancing many roles simultaneously, are all working together to create something fun, dynamic and profoundly stupid in the best way.
The biggest strength of the show is undoubtedly the creativity on display. The puppetry is fun and add a new level of hilarious levity to something that could easily be gruesome and distasteful.
This is a show packed full of smart choices in a slick package. The entire cast has a camaraderie that is rare to find in theatre and highlights how well a vision can be executed when it's presented by people who care.
Special shout-outs need to be given to Jeannie and Kyle who spend almost the entire show on stage, with Kyle in particular juggling many parts. I do feel a concession could be made with a few one off characters like mortician who could've easily been played by someone else if only to give Kyle a break, but his willingness to dive in is absolutely commendable.
Of particular note in this piece are the credits which isn't something usually done on stage, but in this case are an absolute highlight and set the actors up for success before the smoke has even cleared.
Overall this is a fun, funny and deeply stupid (in the best way) show. An absolute not to be missed adventure into Ottawa Fringe and the perfect way to start the set.