THE 2022 IFES WINNERS

Stay tuned for an upcoming run of Afghanistan Is Not Funny!

AFGHANISTAN IS NOT FUNNY

Written by Henry Naylor | Directed by Darren Lee Cole & Martha Lott

Discovered at: Hollywood Fringe

In 2002, UK comedian and 3-time Edinburgh Fringe First winner Henry Naylor (2018 Hollywood Fringe Best International nominee for “Echoes”) went to the Afghan Warzone with photographer Sam Maynard to conduct research for Naylor’s Edinburgh Fringe play “Finding Bin Laden.” They were threatened by a war criminal, captured by the Mujhadeen, and almost blown up by the Taliban. Now, as the Taliban return to power, Naylor incisively asks: what has been lost in the ruins of Kabul?

“The best memoirs have a critical eye for the context, helping us to understand the way institutions and events shape our lives, documenting the unequal way the world works. Such a memoir is Henry Naylor’s “Afghanistan is Not Funny.” It has the dramatic pull of an adventure story, the eye for a telling image (one of which left the woman sitting beside me in tears at the end of the performance) and the believable moments of absurdity that a seasoned stand-up comedian of Henry’s experience knows how to deliver.” - British Theatre Guide

Troy Hawke: The Greeters’ Guild ran from Oct. 8 - Nov. 4, 2023.

TROY HAWKE: SIGMUND TROY’D

Written & Directed by Milo McCabe

Discovered at: Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Raised and home schooled in her favourite era by his overprotective mother, Troy was finally released into the world and now dedicates his time to uncovering everyday dangers and conspiracies that other people seem to take for granted. Last year he found the nefarious link between IKEA, the Nazis and Kanye West. Now 1930’s throwback home-schooled investigator Troy Hawke returns to battle a new enemy on behalf of all people everywhere…PSYCHOTHERAPY! Troy Hawke creator Milo McCabe trained to be a psychotherapist before abandoning his studies to pursue comedy. This show is an affectionate reverse love-letter reflecting the effectiveness of therapy as well as all the reasons clients will find to avoid the home truths they really need to hear. It takes in Imposter Syndrome, narcissistic parents, helpers high, denial and dis-placement via a system of scrabble-based numerology and ‘character comedy at its best’. As Troy Hawke, Milo McCabe has delivered numerous viral videos which have subsequently led to sell out national and international tours.

“Milo McCabe in the guise of 1930s styled, home-schooled, infectiously enthusiastic character Troy Hawke takes the audience on an hilarious Scrabble-assisted, social media-fused, flight of fancy into a world of coincidence, conspiracy and so much more.” - Fringe Review UK

THE STAKEOUT

Written by Martin Dockery | Directed by Vanessa Quesnelle

Discovered at: Edmonton Fringe

A comedy/drama about two men on a stakeout of two men on a stakeout of them. Fresh, funny, & fearless. A head trip about fathers, sons, and one’s sense of self. Wild, dramatically ambitious, and disorienting in the best possible way. The best new play of the year. “4.5 STARS: A phenomenal story told with impeccable cadence.” -Winnipeg Free Press. “Biting humor and remarkably poignant.” -Calgary Herald. “5 STARS: The Stakeout is comedy and drama, magic and wonder, all wrapped up in one of the best performances of the year.” -Edmonton Journal.

SIX CHICK FLICKS

Written & Directed by Kerry Ipema and TJ Dawe

Discovered at: Orlando Fringe

Six Chick Flicks parodies your favorite movies in one hysterical, fast-paced show. Kerry Ipema (One Woman Sex and the City) and KK Apple (UCB) bring all the most iconic moments and montages to life with songs, dance breaks, and plenty of pop culture hilarity. Written by Kerry Ipema and TJ Dawe (A Canadian Bartender at Butlins). Winner of Orlando Fringe Patrons Pick 2022, Toronto Fringe Patrons Pick 2022, and Edmonton Fringe Holdover Series. “This is pop culture parody at its best.” - NOW Magazine