Reviews - Fringe 2019

Bushtits, Shihtzus & Private Dicks: All's Fur in Love & Noir

By Bryan Boodhoo
Published July 27, 2019


This play definitely wins the contest for weirdest title at the Fringe, not that there is actually a prize for weirdest title...or a contest. And if you don't actually know what a Bushtit is, all I have to say is go to the play.

Theatrically Obsessed, the theatre company that has brought us this play, is a young company from Calgary with a lot of energy. Between the two cast members, they manage to play fourteen characters.

Les (Trevor Matheson) is a regular Joe obsessed with film noir. When given the opportunity comes to bid on a hat that was used in a film noir movie, Les gets a little bit out of control, two-thousand dollars out of control. That's right, Les spends two grand on a hat, but it might actually be worth it. When Les puts on the hat, he's transformed into a Private Dick...for pets.

The costume changes and the use of the mobile door are great. The pace and energy are high. At times, it went a little bit over the top. Still, this show is worth seeing for Melissa Dorsey's many characters alone, and together with Matheson, there is real chemistry on stage.

There certainly are a lot of genre and detective shows at the Fringe this year. If you only see one, the would be a good choice.

Bryan Boodhoo is a Hamilton-based playwright, director, short fiction writer and lawyer. His plays have been produced in Edmonton, Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo and Hamilton. He is also part of the Theatre Aquarius Playwright's Unit. His most recent play, "G-Star Live's Notes from IKEA Burlington" is playing at Evergreen Hamilton Community Storefront (294 James St. North) as part of the 2018 Hamilton Fringe Gallery series.

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