The Churchill Protocol
A gem at the Toronto Fringe
The Churchill Protocol challenges you to open your mind to other possibilities – not just what you see in front of you.
At any Fringe festival, you are likely to see a show that has one or more of those qualities, but few can be proud of being all of those, wrapped into one production. The Churchill Protocol, which many (including this writer) consider the sleeper hit of this year’s edition of the Toronto Fringe, is one of those shows.
Conceived, written and performed by Kris Joseph and Patrick Gauthier, The Churchill Protocol won Best In Venue at the Ottawa Fringe Festival this year, and is no doubt going to be a hit as it travels across Canada, taking part in the Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Vancouver Fringe Festivals before they get to head home, back to Ottawa.
The Churchill Protocol tells the story of a journalist from the Globe & Mail who embarks on a journey to Churchill, Manitoba, to research a story involving the Canadian military flying cargo planes back from Afghanistan to the northern Alberta city. What he discovers though is that the cargo is in fact, live, and a top-secret operation headed up by a Colonel from the Canadian army.
To divulge any further details of the plot would ruin the surprise and some of the best moments of the piece.
The strengths of this production lie in the performances and in the script.
Kris Joseph, who plays the mad-cap Colonel, is one of the most interesting characters that this reviewer has seen on stage. Part J. Peterman, part General Patton, Joseph commands the stage with his presence, his booming voice, and his slick comedic timing. His counterpart, played by Patrick Gauthier, is just as much his equal. While he may not have as many funny moments as Joseph, it doesn’t matter. Gauthier brings a unique and interesting flavour to the show, and it balances out with his co-star.
The script is tight and concise, and it raises some interesting questions for the audience. We are all (or should be) aware of the state of the Canadian army and the role that they play in various conflicts around the world – yet the ideas presented in The Churchill Protocol are not so far fetched by Canadian army standards. It’s sad, but it’s true.
Natalie Joy Quesnel helmed the production, and it was designed by Sarah Feely.
My only regret is that I didn’t see the show earlier – it was one of the best Fringe shows that I have seen in the many years of attending. Great script, great performances, who could ask for anything more?
The Churchill Protocol
By Kris Joseph and Patrick Gauthier
****1/2 (out of five)
For information on their touring schedule, click on the Gruppo Rubato website.
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