Venue: Tarragon Theatre Extraspace, 30 Bridgman Ave.
Remaining shows: July 10, 11, 12 (various times, see Fringe site for more info)
Spotify, looking for the next big thing in true crime podcasts, makes an offer to three podcast hosts who are best friends. It’s an offer they can’t refuse. Looking for something intimate, the trio begin investigating the unsolved murder of their own high school best friend, dredging up dark memories and repressed fears.
Olivia Quinn-Smith’s Honey Never Spoils is suspenseful, with surprising twists and turns. Although there are plot issues, with external obstacles resolving themselves a bit too easily, the broader focus on the ethics of true crime podcasting and the emotional toll the subjects can experience balances that out. The audience is asked to consider at what point telling a story becomes exploitation versus keeping the victims alive and honoured.
Turning the storytellers into the subjects makes for both an engaging and thoughtful story.
Actors Chantel Winters, Emery Nguyen, Jada Rifkin, and Jacob Klick work well together, capturing my attention and holding it until the end.
For all you Dark Poutine, Canadian True Crime, or My Favourite Murder fans out there, grab a ticket, get yourself a double double, stay out of the forest, and enjoy the show!