Mal – One-woman comedy a great way to let off some steam

When an actor is making jokes about the people who came in late and lets the audience know that they will be attending a “circus of life and love”, one knows that they’re in for an amusing time. From the colourful and cutesy setting to the outlandish costume Rachelle Elie wears for her initial role of Susan, everything about MAL signals a show that is meant to be taken light-heartedly and not too seriously. The overall tone of the show is in contrast to its title, which as Susan informs us, means such things as “dark” and “bad” in French. Susan states that she is here to make the audience forget about “mal” (with a few digs at unpopular political figures such as Doug Ford and Trump); Elie is able to do just that throughout the course of the show, with a combination of old-fashioned gags and tricks and dirty humour about peoples’ sex lives.

In spite of the presence of the latter, MAL never feels overly vulgar. As Susan, Elie is able to make the raunchiest jokes seem like innocent pleasantries being exchanged by a kindly grandma. Spectators be warned: audience participation is a guarantee, and should one find themselves sitting close enough to the stage, they may be invited up to take part in one of Susan’s cleansing rituals. Halfway during the show, the audience is introduced to Joe, her boyfriend. Elie’s skill as a comedian is remarkable here, in how she easily changes her voice and appearance to suit that of a nerdy middle-aged man. Both characters are undeniably funny and delightful, giving a show that serves a nice break from all the serious matters of the world.

Amidst the more serious and experimental works at the Fringe, MAL is a perfect option for those who are just looking to have some good-natured laughs.