Dead Cat Bounce: good story, unfortunate venue

Watercourse Theatre’s Dead Cat Bounce falls victim to the unfortunate circumstance of being a good story told at an unfortunate venue. A stock broker and aspiring musician make up the core characters in a classic opposites attract romance that is mediated, narrated and obfuscated by an ever-present hobo. The story unfolds on and around the patio of Kos Restaurant, which is positioned on an unluckily busy corner of Kensington Market.

Catherine Frid’s script had a good deal of potential, but every other line was lost to the roar of a passing truck or music pumping from neighbouring businesses. Confused passers-by getting trapped on the action were no less distracting – at least when said action was visible, against a retina-scarring backdrop of a low-hanging sun. It was a constant battle to stay focused, which was a shame given the glimpses of chemistry I caught between Steven Burley and Sochi Fried as the central couple.

The intentions were good, but not all Bring Your Own Venues are meant to pan out – even when they come with the option of a beer and burger while you view.

Dead Cat Bounce continues until July 11th as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival. For more information check out the Fringe website.