Rat Mass

By Colin Flaherty

Welcome to The Church of Ratology. Pastors Perry and Joseph are here to guide and instruct in our devotion to the rat. With enough prayer and devotion, you too can evolve like our rattus brothers.

We are each handed a running order booklet upon entry. The performance is structured like a church service with sermon, hymn (yes, singular. you’ll be humming it for days), communion (we down “rat juice”), a collection and even baptism for the lucky converts (“rat juice” again).

Some sacraments are given a fun interactive twist. Rosary becomes an eating contest, confession is a game of bingo and the collection gathers items appealing to rats rather than cash.

This isn’t a parody of religion, instead it’s a bizarro world version of a religion. Even though it is mentioned that some terms in the script are carefully worded so as not to offend Christians in the US, there is nothing making fun of churches or their congregations. The service has a kind of silly spiritual euphoria… it’s just focused on rats rather than any deity.

Audience participation is encouraged but you are free to opt out and simply observe. The show certainly works best when everyone is on board but the more challenging acts of devotion are best left to the true believers.

There are some moments that veer into solemnity, explanation or just weird performance art – the complete opposite of a high energy Baptist service. Although we aren’t laughing at every line uttered, the ridiculousness of the situation ensures that we are smiling throughout.

This a unique comedy experience. It’s a silly fun show that fully embodies the spirit of the Fringe.

Four stars!

Rat Mass is on at C ARTS | C venues | C aquila until August 18

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/rat-mass