Toronto Fringe Review: Sex T-Rex Presents Sketch T-Rex

Photo by Paul Aihoshi featuring Seann Murray, Conor Bradbury, Kait Morrow, Julian Frid

A sheer spectacle of comedic lunacy takes centre stage during Sex T-Rex’s Sketch T-Rex. From beginning to end, Sketch T-Rex fills the stage with one unexpected gag after the other at a consistently strong pace and tone. In a world wrought with a litany of problems, Sketch T-Rex reminds us we can still live and learn if we give ourselves permission to enjoy nonsense for the sake of nonsense. 

A prevailing strength of this sketch revue is it maintains a consistent voice of absurdity and quirkiness while offering a balance of diverse sketches that may resonate more with different audiences. Some sketches are supported by a political focus, such as in their “Confidence Man” sketch that dissects white male privilege to great comedic effect. Other sketches exist for the sake of unabashed silliness, featuring Muppets, Looney Tunes, and barbershop quartet. 

Threading the show together is a collection of repeated touchstones that grow funnier and funnier each time they are explored. This element is especially true with a certain sketch involving a specific piece of furniture - suffice it to say, it may make some individuals double-check their seats before sitting down. 

Overall, the stagecraft of the show was simple and efficient, with the company more than capable of keeping the playing space alive and animated while trusting the audience’s imagination to help build the world around them. At many times, the simpleness gave way to stunning originality, particularly during a dream sequence sketch presented without dialogue.

Creators Conor Bradbury, Julian Frid, Kait Morrow, and Seann Murray have together unlocked an amazing stage chemistry that makes Sketch T-Rex equal parts hilarious and satisfying. It is devilishly silly and undeniably absurd - and that is meant with total affection. 

Sex T-Rex Presents Sketch T-Rex is on now until July 16 as part of the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Find shows times and tickets here.