THE TRUTH – Winnipeg Free Press Review
The Output at Video Pool Media Arts Centre (Venue 9) to July 24
The Truth will set you free. But it can also make life worse and messier. At least according to Toronto’s Adam Bailey. Take, for example, the time a friend’s girlfriend told Bailey that Coldplay’s Yellow was her favourite love song. The performer was all too eager to tell her that it was actually about death and a funeral. Years later, they bumped into one another, and the woman was still mad at Bailey for ruining her favourite song; he’d long since forgotten the initial interaction.
Bailey’s a talented storyteller whose personality bubbles but never boils over. A self-described “former gifted student,” he delves into myriad topics — philosophy, LGBTTQ+ history, religion, anthropology, biology, addiction — as he comedically wrestles with what it means to be honest and true to thine own self.
His central thesis isn’t new, but it is meaningful, especially in what some refer to as a “post-truth” era: Facts don’t move people. Stories do. What a pleasure to listen to someone equally adept in sharing both. 4/5
— Ben Waldman
The Jenny Revue
The Truth ™
Still Your Friend—The Output at Video Pool Media Arts Centre
With humour and flair Adam Bailey draws upon personal anecdotes and historical references to get to The Truth.
Does the truth set us free? Should we correct someone when their truth is less than accurate? When does the truth matter and when is it unwarranted? Adam has a gift for words and weaving thought provoking tales. If you’ve ever said or received a “well, actually…” then this show is for you. Entertaining and recommended.
UMFM Review – Justin Olynyk
In our fractured society, Adam Bailey explores what is the truth and does telling the truth matter any more? He explores how the truth has been obscured, sometimes even for good purposes. Using examples from history and his own life, combined with philosophy and sociology, Bailey presents a compelling look into the truth. An interesting story told with energy makes for a wonderful Fringe show that I recommend you see.
FRINGE REVIEW: The Truth questions more than it tells
Therein Bailey unravels the questions of what is the truth, does it matter and how it is perceived by others. Can the truth set you free?
Author of the article:
4 Stars out of 5
Stage 5, Acacia Hall (10433 83 Ave.)
It’s impressive to command the stage for a solid hour with exuberant energy and gratifying personal stories about telling the truth. If Adam Bailey didn’t let his audience know he suffered severe heat stroke days ago, you wouldn’t have guessed it as Bailey delivered his performance without missing a beat.
Bailey starts off their performance with this wild tale of calling in sick to work to attend the premiere of Snakes on a Plane due to a marketing gimmick that involved the actor Samuel L. Jackson. The next day, Bailey, expecting to be punished for their lie, realizes nobody cared.
Therein Bailey unravels the questions of what is the truth, does it matter and how it is perceived by others. Can the truth set you free?
As a self-proclaimed former gifted child, Bailey shines as an extremely talented, bubbly storyteller. During their university days, Bailey quickly learned that talking about their family’s past was construed as an exaggeration among their peers. Bailey’s attempt to point out historical inaccuracies about the infamous 1969 Stonewall Riots was met with contempt by a Black friend.
Bailey effortlessly jumps in and out with pop culture references such as Jack Nicholson’s infamous line, “You can’t handle the truth!” from the movie A Few Good Men to quotes from Plato and anecdotes from his personal life.
THE BEER TENT REVEIWS
THE TRUTH ™: How allusive it can be when we need it the most.
By: Jill Pollock
The Truth(tm), written & performed by Adam Bailey, aims to uncover the eternally significant questions of truth—how it helps us, how it harms us, and how allusive it can be when we need it the most. However, the truth is that “The Truth(tm)” understandably misses the difficult mark.
Bailey’s show has the potential to dive deep into the profound search for truth, but it only skims the surface. There were several laugh-out-loud moments and thoughtful anecdotes relating to the evocative nature of the subject, but overall, the through-line lacked a sense of sentiment and purpose. The script was abundant with overly specific examples that would require some previous knowledge in order to follow, making one feel like they missed out on an inside joke.
However, where continuity lacks, Bailey’s eagerness and refined storytelling skills keep the audience engaged. Their sharp comedic timing brings genuine laughter amidst the struggles that truth can bring. The highlight was the last story Bailey shares about balancing logical truth with emotional truth, reminding us that sometimes we need to let go of being right and just revel in the moment.
Still Your Friend 