The (Un)Happy Medium

Rating: Review

Company: Kiss The Giraffe Productions

Genre: Play-Dramedy

Venue: 10 Planetarium Auditorium

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The lead in The (Un)Happy Medium is trying to figure out what to do about the two worst roommates in the world: depression and anxiety.

This may not sound like the most welcoming concept for a Fringe show, but thanks to a clever script, creative direction, and fun performances, this play proves the value of having some laughs while shedding light on mental illness.

• Winnipeg Fringe 2017: read our reviews

Heather Madill convincingly creates a character not only anxious and depressed but also easy to empathize with. Most of the laughs, however, go to Scott Douglas's hangdog Depressionall towering lank and mopey line readings, and Laura Kolisnyk's Anxiety, frantically providing perky suggestions, alarmist reminders, and backhanded compliments. ImproVision's Alan MacKenzie keeps the pace brisk and demonstrates an eye for funny visuals (his "lying-in-bed" scenes are especially inspired).

If you're going to spend some time with depression and anxiety, this is the way to do it.- Kelly Stifora

If you're going to spend some time with depression and anxiety, this is the way to do it.