Let’s Travel in Time (My Theatre Company) 2016 Toronto Fringe Review

Photo from Let's Travel in Time provided by the company.

Let’s Travel in Time, currently playing at the Fringe Club, is an unabashed parody of that special subsection in science fiction where an over-confident time traveler and his exasperated companion goes on adventures together throughout time and space. This production may be messy, irreverent, and ridiculous, but it is also one of the most hilarious experiences I’ve had at Fringe so far.

We entered into the shed – I mean, “time machine” – led by an enigmatic time-traveling “Professor.” It soon turns out that not only is the Professor unfamiliar with the basic rules of physics, but he also carelessly messes with the time-space continuum much to the chagrin of his female companion (who should get a medal just for enduring all of his mansplaining). And yes, as promised in the content warning, Hitler does play a fairly large role in the plot.

Unfortunately I can’t tell you more than that because the rest of the plot is just as confusing and convoluted as Steven Moffat’s work on Doctor Who. Besides, I wouldn’t want to reveal much else anyway as most of the comedy in the show comes from wondering what wacky twists and turns will come next.

I’m not going to lie to you: the acting can be cheesy and melodramatic at times, some of the jokes are an eye-roll, and certain scenes outstay their welcome. However, the actors are so obviously having the time of their lives that I couldn’t help but be charmed by it all.

I was also mighty impressed with the expansiveness of the production design. There were a lot more props, costumes, and cast members than I would expect from your average Shed Show. They also pulled some neat tricks with sound and movement that made me sort of feel like I was actually traveling somewhere.

I really want to hear someone else’s opinion on that whole Hitler bit, but I got to admit, I had a lot of fun watching Let’s Travel in Time.

Details

  • Let’s Travel in Time is a Shed Show and plays at the Fringe Club, located in Honest Ed’s parking lot (581 Bloor St. West).
  • All Shed Shows are Pay What You Can (PWYC).
  • This show is approximately 20 minutes long.
  • Outdoor seating.
  • Content Warnings:  Hitler is a character, loud noises.
  • The venue is listed as not wheelchair accessible.

Performances

  • July 4th,  7.00, 7.30, 8.00 PM
  • July 6th, 5.00, 5.30, 6.00 PM
  • July 9th, 5.00, 5.30, 6.00 PM
  • July 10th, 7.00, 7.30, 8.00 PM

Image provided by the company.