Toronto Fringe Review: Banana Room Stand-Up Variety Hour

Edworld B. Kim

Banana Room Stand-Up Variety Hour began as backyard-based performances during lockdown. Performing in a room with a ceiling, according to Ian Stewart at the top of the show, is a major upgrade for the troupe. 

Banana Room lives up to its name as a variety hour. What I love about this show is its diversity of performers, not just in broad stylistic terms (“impression comedian” vs. “character comedian” vs. “musical comedian” vs. “physical comedian”), but in its four unique stage presences. Between Stewart’s grounded silliness, Nate Friedman’s deadpan (yet breakneck) delivery, Edworld B. Kim’s sardonic permasmile, and Evan Dubois’ pristinely crafted juvenility, this show is anything but monotonous. 

I didn’t consistently laugh out loud for all four comedians (Kim probably got the most out of me), but I’m still impressed by their sense of putting on a smooth revue. The comedians rarely allow any dead air to hang in the room, even between sets. 

That said, I feel like I could have done without the brief improv scene between Stewart and Friedman, which had an amusing premise that lasted a little too long. The variety hour shines in its dynamism, and this scene felt like a noticeable drop in energy. 

Overall, though, this is an hour of some good, silly fun. Banana Room doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel (in content or style), but simply puts on a solid show. 

Banana Room Stand-Up Variety Hour is on now until July 16 as part of the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Find show times and tickets here.