Fellow Jaysuits, as I’m finding my way through the Fringe Festival, I was reminded once again of the amazing and unpredictable magic of “Fringing“
It’s that feeling when you’re just wandering around Granville Island after a show, buzzing with creative energy, and you have no idea what you will find next?
Well, that’s exactly what happened to me. After experiencing a hypnotic performance (The COMEDY HYPNOSIS SHOW at The NEST), I had a chance encounter with the incredible Sara Mayfield, the solo performer and writer behind Who Drinks Mocktails on the Beach?!, and that’s how this show came across my radar.
Among the many amazing productions currently on stage, this one has been making waves across the country on its cross-Canada tour, winning awards and collecting rave reviews.
Based on what I’ve learned, it is a story that is so relatable, so funny, and so poignant all at once, it’ll be just chatting with a close friend.
So, get ready to dive into the world of party-girl Candace with me.
A Pop-Punk Story with a Poignant Beat
So, what is this show all about?
Think of it as a one-woman play in the style of
“Fleabag“
If you haven’t seen it, the show’s known for its unique narrative style where the main character often breaks the “fourth wall” and speaks directly to the audience, sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings, creating an intimate, almost conspiratorial bond with the viewer.
Adapted from Waller-Bridge’s 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe one-woman play
The show itself was a major critical success, winning multiple awards, including the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series and Golden Globe for Best Television Series, with many calling it one of the greatest shows of all time. (No pressure!)
So now we’ve come back full circle to Fringing, but this time with an amazing early 2000s pop-punk soundtrack.
It’s a one-of-a-kind production that follows the story of Candace, a quintessential “party-girl.” The show drops us right into her wild journey as she travels to Mexico for her best friend’s destination wedding.
On the surface, it seems like a hilarious, booze-fueled adventure. But as she navigates her way through karaoke bars, hotel parties, and all the chaos of a destination wedding, a deeper, more poignant story is set to unfold…
Beneath all the laughs and spirited escapades, we see a more vulnerable side to Candace as she grapples with the feeling of being an outsider, realizing that everyone else has moved on and “grown up.”
It is a comedy with a lot of heart, exploring themes of loneliness, arrested development, and finding your place in a world that feels like it’s leaving you behind.
A story that promises to be relatable and surprisingly moving.
A Powerhouse Performance : Why us Vancouverites cant miss it
First off, there is Sara Mayfield’s incredible performance. The reviews have been unanimous; she’s a force on stage.
Critics have called her comic timing “flawless” and her presence “terrific,” noting her ability to make you laugh one moment and feel a pang of sadness the next.
She makes the character of Candace, who could easily be a caricature, feel completely real and three-dimensional, bringing genuine emotionality to the role.
Then there is the unique storytelling. The use of a
“Fleabag-style narrative”
As I mentioned earlier, with its direct-to-audience moments and witty asides, making you feel like you’re in on a secret, pulling you right into her world.
Add in the nostalgic pop-punk soundtrack, and it becomes a perfect blend of humor, heart, and a little bit of beautiful chaos.
This is for anyone who has ever felt a little out of place, who knows what it is like to cling to their past, or someone who simply loves a good story told with incredible energy and charm.
It is a must-see for a reason, and you would not want to miss out.
The Buzz is Real
You don’t have to just take my word for it. The show’s been on a cross-Canada tour, and the buzz from critics and audiences alike has been phenomenal.
It is not every day a show wins multiple awards, especially among the hundreds and hundreds of performances, so you know it must be something special.
The play won Outstanding Production and Audience Choice at the On the Edge Fringe Festival.
These are significant wins because they highlight not only the quality, but also its ability to connect with the people who matter most: US
One review from the Edmonton Journal gave it a 4-star rating, calling Sara’s performance “stellar” and “one worth watching.”
Your Fringe Survival Guide: Where and When to Go
This award-winning Painted Fern Productions show is an intimate experience, with a runtime of just 55 minutes, perfect for fitting into your Fringe schedule and our fast paced Vancouverite lifestyle.
Now that you’re just as excited as I am to see this show, here are the essential details to make sure you do not miss it.
You can find Who Drinks Mocktails on the Beach?! at Off the Tracks, a cozy venue located on Granville Island.
Tickets are only $20, and you can purchase them online or by phone. It is important to note that tickets are not available for purchase at the venue door.
The festival also offers a number of ways to save money, including MultiBuy passes if you plan on seeing multiple shows.
You will find a full list of the show’s dates and times on the Vancouver Fringe website. The show has dates scheduled for September 10, 11, 12, and 14.