Toronto Fringe Review: Self Helpless - The Sketch Show

Self Helpless: The Sketch Show by Pretty Better Productions delves into the world of therapy and self-improvement to ask: is change possible? Framed as a therapy appointment in which the therapist thoroughly breaks confidentiality to tell his client stories of his other client’s successes and failures on their journeys to better themselves, in hopes that he will be able to learn from them and apply it to his own life. However, his clients are a bit unusual, including colonel who strategizes and deploys dating app messages, a Frankenstein, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 

The show plays with common therapy and wellness concepts. For example, one woman has manifested her inner child into an extremely creepy life-sized doll that has a tendency to murder people when upset. Another scene features an oracle with a mirror of affirmations. There’s even a sketch that plays with the idea of how apps and social media rank our social standing.

The use of music by Karan Viegas is a nice way to underscore the scenes and really added to certain moments. The show is funny but sometimes dark, leaning into the existential dread side of things. One scene in particular was quite sad, which was part of the punchline, however it felt a bit long given the abrupt change in tone.

Self Helpless is definitely relatable to anyone who has strived to improve themselves, tried to use a dating app, or has anxieties about the future. Perhaps not a replacement for actual therapy but still a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Self Helpless: The Sketch Show is on now until July 13 as part of Toronto Fringe. Schedule and Tickets.