I recall tuning in to some broadcasts of Kids In The Hall on CBC a couple of decades ago. Finding spare moments to catch full episodes proved extraordinarily challenging back then.
In hindsight, missing out remains a regret, particularly if Scott Thompson’s stage prowess reflects the underlying ingenuity of that iconic series.
An audacious world premiere, The Last Glory Hole is an all-new one-person show featuring Scott as his legendary alter ego, Buddy Cole, a flamboyant and sometimes bitchy gay bar fly renowned for his wit, style, and razor-sharp commentary that fearlessly cuts straight to core truths. From the opening moment, Buddy shatters the fourth wall with a hilarious, raunchy barrage that addresses modern sensitivity concerns alongside his wild globetrotting exploits.
What’s noteworthy about this opening night production?
Three principal artists shape the production. Kyle Derek selects appropriate 60s and 70s barfly music to accompany the brief scene changes. Matt Hallworth keeps Thompson well lit throughout his monologues. Directed by Ed Roy, who makes good choices to keep Buddy still when necessary as he speaks to the audience, the production works thanks to Thompson’s quick wit and sharp ability to improvise when he momentarily breaks character upon hearing contagious laughter.
Thompson leaves no holds barred. The subject material is nicely timed for comic effect, and Thompson’s Buddy builds to a heightened, hilarious climax. Everything is up for a delicious, pointed skewering that sometimes made the audience groan in recognition of the many references to modern culture. Scott doesn’t leave himself out of the poking fun either. He gets how important it is to be self-deprecating about who he is, who Buddy is, and how the world sees them.
A word of caution: be prepared if you’re sitting in the front row, as Thompson makes eye contact with every single person there.
Ultimately, The Last Glory Hole succeeds because Thompson understands precisely how to use Buddy Cole’s outrageous personality to expose the absurdities, contradictions and sensitivities of contemporary culture. Audiences comfortable with unapologetically adult humour should find much to enjoy.
Running time: approximately 80 minutes with no intermission.
The production runs to November 8 on Factory Theatre’s Mainstage, 125 Bathurst Street. For tickets, call (416) 504-9971
MIGHTIER PRODUCTIONS presents
The Last Glory Hole
Written and performed by Scott Thompson
Directed by Ed Roy
Stage Manager/Lighting Designer: Matt Hallworth
Producer/Audio Design: Kyle Derek
