Toronto Fringe Review: Our Exes Are Dead: Vol 1

Rachelle Mazzilli and Maggie Chafe (Photo by: Charlie Ebbs Photography)

As Fringe went digital this year, there were a lot of groups that were left to adapt something that was meant to be seen live into a video format. There’s a distinct energy when seeing live theatre—specifically sketch comedy—vs on your computer, and often that switch takes something away from that show. While they tried to bring this show into a digital space through a quirky sitcom intro and bumpers, Our Exes Are Dead: Vol. 1 would have probably been better serviced on a stage.

Comedy gal-pals Rachelle Mazzilli and Maggie Chafe brought a lot of charm to the show, over acting in premises that felt like they came from an improv set. From the “proper” pronunciation of poutine, a balloon animal sketch artist, and the art of being a theatre stagehand; each sketch had Mazzilli and Chafe trudging through, trying to make it work.

The standout sketch was the Nathan Fielder dating service, which turned from something that could’ve been a one-note joke into a beautiful play on words spiraling out of control. This sketch was so fun and silly in the best way possible, very well written, and played to this duo’s strengths. Unfortunately, it made the rest of the show feel a little lackluster in comparison.

It’s such a shame that Fringe wasn’t in person this year, because Our Exes Are Dead: Vol. 1 had a lot of potential. There were the makings of a good sketch comedy show in there, but the lack of direction and focus made it fall flat.

Our Exes Are Dead: Vol 1 is part of the Digital Toronto Fringe Festival July 21 - 31, 2021.
Find tickets and show info here.