Toronto Fringe Review: Dead Broke

Courtney Keir and Will King. Photo by Calvin Petersen and Will King

What begins as a run of the mill dark comedy — a struggling university student, unable to pay for his education, maybe getting involved with an illegal grow-op to get by — quickly takes a turn for the weird in Dead Broke. The surreal tale is the inaugural production of the Lost Dreams Collective.

Broke and having a bit of an identity crisis, Oliver (Will King, playwright) opts to squat in an abandoned house rather than moving in with his loving girlfriend Charlotte (Courtney Keir) and her pistol toting roommate, Laura (Elle Reimer). The house is a great spot for the grow-op that dealer Johnny (Gordon Harper) is getting going, but a discovery in the basement leaves joint roller extraordinaire Irina (Claire Shenstone-Harris) in a crisis of her own. Unfortunately things get supernatural, before anyone can profit from this unorthodox living arrangement.

Though there are some elements of the supernatural universe to be ironed out — elements of the mystery could use a bit more cohesion — overall it’s an incredibly creative and well executed first effort! The banter between the well developed characters is sharp and funny, the cast work well together and it patches up the logistical issues. The relationship between Johnny and Irina is particularly entertaining as they discuss what is excessive drug use over a box of Count Chocula.

Dead Broke is a highly creative and fun first effort, making the Lost Dreams Collective one to watch this year and keep your eye on for what’s to come!

Dead Broke is on now until July 17 as part of the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Find show times and tickets here.