Dead in the Water
5 Stars out of 5
Stage 8, Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, 8426 Gateway Blvd.
A Tierce de Picardie is a major chord at the end of a musical piece written in a minor key. It’s an uplifting end to generally sombre music.
Ruth Alexander tells her life’s story through music in Dead in the Water, a darkly comedic piece about life, love and making a living through music.
Alexander is British, which it’s important to note because her show has a very British outlook on life, very British references and a very British sense of humour and language. There are a few well-placed curse words — used sparingly and to make a point — but be aware for those with sensitive ears.
For everyone else, it’s an absolutely uproarious romp through the life of a middle-aged British woman, telling some of the funniest stories through the medium of song. She launches into a brilliant rendition of “How many frogs must I (fornicate with)” to lament the state of her love life, and nothing makes a tale about a bag of poop funnier than setting it to a brilliant, uptempo tune.
It is a dark comedy, and things don’t always turn out brilliantly for Alexander, but you would do well to remember what we mentioned off the top. Sometimes it’s darkest before the dawn, made easier to take with a great song.
Related
Check out all of our reviews from the 2025 Edmotnon International Fringe Theatre Festival here.
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