Advertisement

Culture Theatre

Fringe review: The Break-Up Diet

THE BREAK-UP DIET by Tamara WIlliamson (Angus Blue/Fringe). At the Robert Gill Theatre. Jul 9 at 1 pm, Jul 11 at 8:30 pm, Jul 12 at 9:45 pm, Jul 14 at 1:45 pm. See listing. Rating: NNNNN


The Break-Up Diet is listed as a Fringe musical, but don’t come expecting jazz hands. Tamara Williamson‘s show isn’t exactly theatre – it’s more like an autobiographical alt-rock concert. But the tale of infidelity, breakup, denial and recovery (as well as the ensuing weight-loss indicated in the title) is still gripping. It belongs with Nora Ephron’s Heartburn as a great work of art about splitting up. 

In nine concise, evocative chapters, Williamson, the lead singer of 90s band Mrs. Torrance (who accompany her here), recounts the end of her 15-year-marriage, punctuating each section with songs that thrash with anger or throb with pain. While living on her farm outside Toronto, Williamson suspects something’s wrong with her marriage then, one night, her husband’s casual glance at his cellphone before taking a shower makes her think he may be seeing someone. She investigates and discovers he’s been cheating on her with a neighbour.

Williamson delivers her wry observations with minimal self-pity and maximum insights. Her behaviour isn’t always pleasant, but she owns up to it with frank honesty. And her music – even casual zigzags on her electric guitar – suggests the range of emotions she’s experiencing. 

While Williamson is solidly backed by drummer Steve Pitkin and bassist Chris Waller, she gets the most support from guitarist Sarah Fazackerley, who occasionally harmonizes and adds snatches of dialogue to evoke an internal voice or conscience. 

I wish this had been performed in a site-specific venue – perhaps a bar – but Williamson’s fierce, vulnerable and inspiring musical confessions would work in any setting. 

Advertisement

Exclusive content and events straight to your inbox

Subscribe to our Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By signing up, I agree to receive emails from Now Toronto and to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Recently Posted