Reviews to help you through the hit-or-miss loveliness that is the Calgary Fringe Festival

The Power of Ignorance

Posted by Drew Anderson in Fast Forward Fringe Blog

The Power of Ignorance, Lantern Church Basement, Sunday, 5:30

I don't want to pre-judge, because I haven't seen all the shows yet, or even half of them, but I find it hard to believe that this one can be topped. I haven't laughed this hard, for this long, in a long time.

Chris Gibbs was flawless playing the role of a motivational speaker giving a seminar on, well, the power of ignorance. The writing was witty and the delivery was perfect. If comedy is all about timing, Gibbs has it nailed.

As Vaguen, he tries to sell us on his formula. After telling us the most negative word in the English language is no he enlightens us to this fact: "The opposite of no, is don't know." I wish I had more quotes, but I didn't want to miss anything and put my notebook down.

The improvisation and interaction with the audience was just as good, or better, than the prepared text. Gibbs is quick on his feet. The audience was eager and involved, so that definitely helped.

The humour here is weird and often very subtle (a word Vaguen cannot pronounce).
A slight reaction on Gibbs' face is sometimes all it takes to get the crowd laughing.

I can't recommend this enough. Just go see it.

-Drew Anderson


more in Theatre     |     posted Aug 2nd, 2009 at 11:38pm     


All Content Copyright © Fast Forward Weekly 1995-2011

About Us Contact Us Careers Privacy Policy Terms of Use