Tragedy + Time Served = Comedy

Rating:

Company: Tragedy + Time Served = Comedy

Genre: Storytelling

Venue: 11 Red River College Roblin Centre

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In this case, unfortunately, that equation is unproven.

• Winnipeg Fringe 2017: read our reviews

Mark Hughes opens with an anecdote about being asked "Why do you think this stuff is funny?" in response to his act. A validquestion, given that his topic is a life of emotional isolation, drug addiction, crime, serial incarceration and sexual victimization.

Setting aside whether any of this stuff should be fodder for comedy (that's a question for the ages, not a short review), we're left with whether or not Hughes can write and deliver jokes about all these things that, in the moment, get the laughs. (Jokes + audience laughing = comedy.) Again, unproven.

No matter how harrowing and inspirational Hughes'story may be, he just hasn't unlocked the formula heneeds to make it funny.- Kelly Stifora

In fairness, Hughes'opening performance was to a small and reserved house. However, I think the most significant variable here is Hughes' approach to the material. No matter how harrowing and inspirational his story may be, he just hasn't unlocked the formula he needs to make it funny.