Toronto: Cooped by Spymonkey
Photo credit: Sean DennieA British comedy troupe, a horrifying display of naked ballet, and a play about a play add up to an unexpected eyeful in SpyMonkey's Cooped.
I had the pleasure of attending their opening show at the Harbourfront Premiere Dance Theatre. It was theatre in it's rawest form that had the audience alternately roaring with laughter and covering their eyes.
I'll admit I had a few moments early in where I didn't know quite what to make of it. It does not follow a traditional sequence where you can get lost in the story. It begins with an introduction of the cast, who play an odd assortment of amateur actors in a play with pretty much zero plot. Loaded with physical comedy, a keen sense of timing and plenty of raunchiness, it is a farce with balls. Both kinds.
Together since 1997, the four members of this UK troupe have toured more than 17 countries and are running their Cooped production in Toronto for the first time. They were a critical and fan favourite at last year's Just for Laughs festival and attained an international profile while working in Las Vegas for two years as part of the Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity erotic cabaret.
All Cooped performances take place at 8 p.m. from March 5 through March 14 at the Harbourfront Premiere Dance Theatre. There will also be matinee performances on March 8 and March 9 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $40 but if you're a student you can take advantage of their 13 -$13 deal where students can purchase a ticket from the theatre box office for only $13—13 minutes before curtain (subject to availability, valid ID required, cash only). Get Tickets
* Warning: prudes may be traumatized
Update: Went again with the hubby on Friday and he loved it!
I had the pleasure of attending their opening show at the Harbourfront Premiere Dance Theatre. It was theatre in it's rawest form that had the audience alternately roaring with laughter and covering their eyes.
I'll admit I had a few moments early in where I didn't know quite what to make of it. It does not follow a traditional sequence where you can get lost in the story. It begins with an introduction of the cast, who play an odd assortment of amateur actors in a play with pretty much zero plot. Loaded with physical comedy, a keen sense of timing and plenty of raunchiness, it is a farce with balls. Both kinds.
Together since 1997, the four members of this UK troupe have toured more than 17 countries and are running their Cooped production in Toronto for the first time. They were a critical and fan favourite at last year's Just for Laughs festival and attained an international profile while working in Las Vegas for two years as part of the Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity erotic cabaret.
All Cooped performances take place at 8 p.m. from March 5 through March 14 at the Harbourfront Premiere Dance Theatre. There will also be matinee performances on March 8 and March 9 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $40 but if you're a student you can take advantage of their 13 -$13 deal where students can purchase a ticket from the theatre box office for only $13—13 minutes before curtain (subject to availability, valid ID required, cash only). Get Tickets
* Warning: prudes may be traumatized
Update: Went again with the hubby on Friday and he loved it!
Related Articles
Previous Articles
