- James & Jamesy
🙂 FOOL’S GAMBIT is a high-energy improv showdown starring Aaron Malkin and Alastair Knowles (James & Jamesy) and Nayana Fielkov (Ragmop Theatre). They dive headfirst into the unknown, transforming nothing into something hilarious, absurd and delightfully unpredictable. Movement, mischief and comedic risk-taking collide in a game where the only rule is to keep playing. Who wins? Who loses? Who cares? The joke is always on us.
Praise for James & Jamesy and Ragmop Theatre:
“Are shows this good just a fantasy? Not anymore.” – Winnipeg Free Press
30+ Best of Fest Awards
Canadian Comedy Award
3x London Impresario Awards
5 STARS – Winnipeg Free Press
5 STARS – CBC
5 STARS – Global News
5 STARS – London Free Press
5 STARS – Theatre in London
5 STARS – Edmonton Journal
5 STARS – Stage Door
WOWZA! How they make a whole story out of an impulse is absolute golden! So glad I had a chance to catch this team in action this fringe! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love these guys and was so excited to see their new show but really? It was surprisingly terrible. I kept waiting for them to stop the silliness and start but it never happened.
Sad to say I agree with the other reviews. I had high expectations for these performers, but the show didn’t hold my attention. I know they have something better in them, sadly this was a miss.
This show was such a letdown from a long-time Fringe favorite. It lacked vision, had no plot or clear concept, and the entire performance felt aimless. The awkward transitions, primitive jokes and subpar clowning made its 52-minute duration, 51 minutes too long. It was sloppy, disgusting and ultimately, disrespectful of the audience time.
We were excited to see this show and have enjoyed James & Jamesy in the past. We were so disappointed in this production. Firstly, it wasn’t funny. Secondly, whoever decided to bring their young children needs to rethink their decision. The first couple of shout outs were ok but they wouldn’t shut up. I actually think they took the performers out of their characters. One lady was laughing hysterically while most sat silent. It came off as amateurish which we don’t expect from pros like J&J.
We have seen some great performances by these talented actors, so Friday’s performance was very disappointing. After an entertaining opening, they had few good ideas on how to carry on with the selected topic. Perhaps they should pick another suggestion if they stall on the first one. Spontaneous noises and words from the audience seemed to spark their creativity, so if you go to this show, your participation may be helpful.
I’ve loved James & Jamesy’s previous shows, but this one was quite different. They’re very talented physical comedians, and while there were some genuinely funny moments, it wasn’t as packed with laughs as I was expecting.
You can’t deny the amusement of the physical antics of this group-if that’s what you are looking for, you will not be disappointed. If you want a story with cohesiveness and connection, this won’t be your show.
Was beyond excited to see this act back again after no scheduled shows last year, however was left very disappointed! This is not at all what I had come to love about James and Jamesy over the years. Not funny at all. Please go back to your roots and bring back what we have come to love about James and Jamesy!
Labeled as an improv show, this was more like a warm up you would see in a drama class. A poor improv show, it was more of an unfunny mime/clown show. The biggest laugh of the show came from an audience member making a cat noise. If you think random movement and noises are funny, I guess this is the show for you. Don’t waste your time and money!
From a company with established name that show was the worst we have ever seen in 15 years of fringing. No substance, not funny, very poor improvisation. We would have left it, if we weren’t stuck in a middle of the row. Avoid!