Jinny and Jack vs The Thoughts in Their Heads
Created by Chantalyne Beausoleil and Ryan Sutherland
Produced by RYANcomedy
40m
Content warning: Mature language, Sexual content, Mental health
By Eve Beauchamp
“Please don’t hate the show yet,” the characters beg us. “We promise it gets better!”
If you’re looking for a boring, low-energy, drawn out show, JINNY AND JACK VS THE THOUGHTS IN THEIR HEADS is not the place for you. Starring comedy duo Chantalyne Beausoleil and Ryan Sutherland, this show is 40 minutes of pure, unadulterated hilarity and enthusiasm.
Jinny and Jack are two best friends, or at least they were, until they decided to take their relationship to the next level and become boyfriend and girlfriend. What could possibly go wrong for these two definitely-straight-not-at-all-remotely-questioning pals? Cue Katy Perry wet dreams, Tom Holland fantasies, and a surprising amount of dance numbers as Jinny and Jack grapple with both each other and the thoughts in their heads.
The most entertaining aspect of the show is probably just how much fun the performers seem to be having doing it. (Did I mention the amazing dance numbers?) And despite the handful of opening night tech and set mishaps, Beausoleil and Sutherland never miss a beat. The audience is almost challenged to keep up with the two actors as we’re met with punchline after punchline. A constant hum of laughter served as the soundtrack for the entire performance.
The audience presence is a welcome one as the play not only breaks the fourth wall, but completely demolishes it. Through self-referential jokes and audience participation, the actors know they’re in a play just as much as we do and the experience is all the better for it. It’s shows like these – ones that allow us to be an active part of the comedic action – that really embody the spirit of the Fringe.
Funny and contemporary, JINNY AND JACK VS THE THOUGHTS IN THEIR HEAD is a quirky comedy lover’s dream that never fails to entertain.
Jinny and Jack vs The Thoughts in Their Heads is playing at LabO until June 25, 2023. Visit ottawafringe.com/fringe/ for the schedule and box office info. Read more reviews at https://apt613.ca/category/festival/fringe/.
