Mind the Gaps

Reviewed by Brian Morton

The vibe of this show is autonomy and agency. 

At first, I wasn't sure, but now that I have attended a performance of "Mind the Gaps", the one-person show featuring Nathan Lise, I can confirm without a doubt that "it's him," the legendary co-anchor of the only two-person high school improv team in Theatresports history.

As I have written before, one-person shows are a mainstay of the Fringe Festival movement, and this year is no exception. This production is a sequel to a show that was done last year, and is very different from most of the other monologues on offer. While all of them feature some form of storytelling, often with interactions from the audience, this one was much more personal and improvised based upon Lise's specific skill set.

Nathan scrambles onto stage, dumping an assortment of boxes containing the ephemera of his life, going all the way back to childhood.  Using those items as found objects, each one randomly inspires a story. So no two performances of the play will ever be exactly the same.

We get a glimpse into the life of a man born into a small town with a religious conservative background. Who attends a succession of Christian high schools, leading to graduation from Redeemer University in Ancaster. While on this academic journey, of course, he discovers improv, and it totally changes his life. 

It is often very hard for disabled performers to find a venue to strut their stuff. It is admirable that the Hamilton Fringe accommodates performers in achieving their shot at "Fame". Indeed, Debbie Allen's famous speech from the eighties television show of the same name is referenced. 

It's wonderful to discover that we theatre nerds have the same cultural touchstones to recall. 

There is some talk about religious faith, and finding acceptance from a community that often is very traditional and rejects non-conformity.  These days, Lise has found acceptance in the Quaker community. So we are all on some kind of spiritual journey, and it is refreshing to share that with an audience.

"Mind the Gaps" is something very unique, but I celebrate difference and diversity, so it is well worth attending. Near the very end of the performance, Nathan mentioned that last year's show had a big chunk of it about Doctor Who. Since I'm a huge fan, it made me wish, of course, that I had attended that as well. 

Event Details

Age Suitability: Parental Guidance (ages 13+)

Genre: Sketch Comedy/Improv, Storytelling/Solo Show

Run Time: 50 mins

Performer/Creator

Nathan Lise

Producers

Will Erskine/Nathan Lise

Warnings

Coarse Language, Other

Mention of Suicide