Raw, real, and relatable, Alex Wood Quits Everything is a trip that you’ll want to be on. It is currently playing in the Terragon Solo Room as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival.

Before Alex Wood Quits Everything begins, he enters the theatre to give a land acknowledgment speech that is just as honest and impactful as the rest of the show. Wood implores his audience to contact a member of parliament to urge them to action against the injustices against the Indigenous people of Canada. Every show should start with this passion.

As the show started, I was taken aback: Alex Wood, a known Canadian comedian, was not delivering a stand-up set. The story of his addictions, in fact, begins quite seriously. Wood is very direct, and very honest in his delivery throughout the performance. This is a personal account, and it is clear – even through jokes and punchlines – that the events he shares have deeply affected him, and by extension, affect the audience as well.

What could come off as a boastful and arrogant success story is instead a modest and down to earth retelling of Wood’s struggles, victories, and failures in the face of addiction. 60 minutes fly by as Wood effortlessly commands the room with sharp delivery and tastefully placed bits of comedy. His stand-up roots are evident, but make no mistake: this show has grit and authenticity of its own accord without ever having to rely on a cheap joke or bit.

Ultimately, Alex Wood Quits Everything is inspring, genuine, and wonderfully captivating. You won’t want to miss this show. It is playing in the Terragon Theatre Solo Room until July 14th,

Details

• Alex Wood Quits Everything plays at the Tarragon Theatre Solo Room. (30 Bridgman Ave.)
• Tickets are $13, including a $2 service charge. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes and discounts for serious Fringers.
• Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone (416-966-1062), from the Festival Box Office at Scadding Court (707 Dundas St. W.), and — if any remain — from the venue’s box office starting one hour before curtain.
• Content Warnings: Mature language; Sexual content; Unsuitable for minors.
• This venue is wheelchair-accessible through a secondary route. Check in at the venue box office at least 15 minutes before showtime, and a staff member will escort you to the venue. Accessible seating is in the front row.
• Be aware that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and that latecomers are never admitted.

Performances

• Thursday July 5th, 9:30 pm
• Friday July 6th, 6:30 pm
• Saturday July 7th, 5:00 pm
• Sunday July 8th, 2:45 pm
• Monday July 9th, 4:00 pm
• Tuesday July 10th, 6:45 pm
• Thursday July 12th, 4:30 pm
• Saturday July 14th, 8:00 pm

 

 

Photo of Alex Wood by Ryan Dillon, Artwork by Oliver Gross