FRINGE: Theatre – Confessions of a Grindr Addict – Bakehouse Theatre – 4K

Felix (Gavin Roach) has met a romantic love interest the old fashioned way (in actual real life!) for the first time in a long time, and he is counting down the hours until their first date.  He’s a little unsure of exactly how to play out this situation, given that all of his hook-ups for the last year or more have been via the mobile phone application, Grindr. To fill in the time and try to work out how to proceed, he cracks open a bottle of bubbly and muses about his history with online hook-ups, both the good and the bad, and the way such technology has changed the face of dating.

This is an entertaining hour. Roach is likeable and natural in the role; it’s like having a great catch-up with a really good friend who you haven’t seen in ages. Each of the stories is animated and funny, and Felix’s encounter with a foot fetishist in particular, shows off Roach’s comic talent. There’s a good overall flow to the show and some of the most hilarious metaphors you’ll come across are sprinkled throughout. At the same time, there’s a sweet sadness to some of the tales and Roach also works well with these emotions.

Although the content is focused on Grindr in particular, the topic of casual relationships without any real attachment, which are easily facilitated by online connections, is relevant to a much wider audience than just gay men. On the other hand, if it’s not a scene you’re familiar with, prepare to have your eyes opened as to the antics of the users of these sites.

Kryztoff Rating: 4K

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