July 8, 2015
Resplendent in their Union Jack jockey shorts, the English Gents demonstrated their acrobatic savvy for delighted kids and families at the Comedy Cares street performers’ show at Stollery Children’s Hospital
Story and photo by Sharman Hnatiuk
Sometimes laughter is the best medicine.
A group of amazing performers from this year’s Edmonton International Street Performer’s Festival proved just that when they used their sundry talents to bring smiles, chuckles and giggles to patients, family and staff at the Stollery Children’s Hospital during their Comedy Cares show.
“This show is such a fun event that the patients and their families look forward to,” says Lois Wolgemuth, manager of child life services at the Stollery.
“A lot of our families can’t get out of the hospital for day trips, so having the performers come perform here lets them experience a wonderful event in our community.”
Brightening the lives of those who cannot join the performers in Sir Winston Churchill Square is a priority and a privilege for the festival and its performers.
This year’s show included ballet and hip-hop dances, juggling routines, bubble blowing and a series of jokes that had both children and adults laughing.
For Stollery patient Connor McGrath, 12, the best part of the show was when acrobatic entertainers the English Gents stripped down to British underwear during their act.
“The whole show was awesome but when the English Gents pulled their clothes off it was quite an experience,” says McGrath. “I think it is amazing that so many street performers take time out of their day to come and see us.”
The Comedy Cares show at the Stollery has become an annual event during the Edmonton International Street Performer’s Festival.
