TOsketchfest23 Review: $20 Sandwich & Ajahnis Charley
$20 Sandwich, is not, as the name might suggest, a very expensive sandwich. They’re actually a fun sketch comedy team performing in The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival.
Their show, Modern Love: An Investigative Comedy Show, presents various familiar relationship situations, but with a twist. From interrupted proposals, to couple tattoos, to the hottest new dating app for middle aged women, this love romp is a lighthearted and relatable take on present-day dating highs and lows. My personal favourite was Chase Jeffels’ excellent impersonation of a dog breaking up with his human. I don’t want to spoil it but there was also a clever involvement of something that happened preshow in one of the sketches.
Up next, Ajahnis Charley: America’s Most Wanted is a whirlwind of camp, music, topical political commentary, and just overall good vibes. Ajahnis is a charming performer with energy that draws the audience in.
Sketch after sketch packs in hilarious commentary on homophobia, racism, and gender. For example, a yassified military recruitment ad trying to entice Gen Z to enlist. There’s good variation between long sketches and short, punchy skits, creating a rhythm that pulls you along. No two sketches are the same, some involving original songs or audience participation.
Ajahnis is a multi-talented performer and their sketches are timely, clever, and hilarious. They’re also great at vamping during minor technical mistakes.
Some of the pop culture references went over my head because I live under a rock but that didn’t make this show any less delightful.
The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival runs until March 19.
$20 Sandwich will perform again March 15.
Robert Watson’s Gay AF Comedy showcase at Just For Laughs Toronto was a microcosm of everything wonderful you saw at the fest this year.