FringeTO REVIEW: Samkon & Francis Go Swimming

Samkon & Francis Go Swimming 
My Rating: 4/5 Stars Lawrence and Kobonga are a dynamic comic duo. The politically incorrect Francis is deftly played by Shawn Lawrence, who delivers  Vladimir Jon Cubrt 's off colour (pun intended!) remarks and know-it-all opinions with an ease that immediately establishes his character. Like Samkon, actor, Emmanuel Kobonga is Congolese (or as Francis puts it, "Congolian"). Kobonga's portrayal of a newcomer to Canada necessitates a certain level of ignorance of some things said by Francis. Cubrt script has endowed Samkon with enough English to sometimes outwit and contradict Francis, and Kobonga's expressive face brings an innocence and awareness that prevents the role of Samkon from sliding into buffoonery. Actress Birgitte Solem rounds out the trio, as the stressed housewife who comes home to find an unexpected delivery in her driveway. The show belongs to the men, but Solem provides a nice balance between the duo, and even manages to hold the audiences' attention with her unexpected response to her situation.


Director, Vladimir Jon Cubrt on his play, Samkon & Francis Go Swimming.
Actors, Emmanuel Kobonga (Samkon) and Shawn Lawrence (Francis) talk about their roles.
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REMAINING SHOWS: Tarragon Theatre (30 Bridgman Ave., one block north of Dupont, east of Bathurst)
July 11 02:15 PM
July 13 03:30 PM
July 14 08:00 PM


TORONTO FRINGE FESTIVAL
July 4 - 15, 2012

TICKETS at-the-door tickets ($10) Available at a show’s venue starting one hour prior to show time, cash sales only, limit of 4/person. advance tickets ($9 + $2 service charge) Available up to three hours prior to the start of a performance: Online at www.fringetoronto.com By Phone at 416-966-1062 In person at the Festival Box Office July 4th – 15th, 12 – 10pm @ The Fringe Club, 581 Bloor St. W.