writer | performer

PHIL RICKABY

Storyteller, creator, performer. Phil is the writer and performer of The Commandment, and a founding a member of Keystone Theatre, a Toronto company that creates plays inspired by silent film. This summer, see Phil’s hit play The Commandment at the Toronto Fringe Festival.

THEATRE RESUME

Past Projects

The Belle of Winnipeg

2009

Creator/Performer

Keystone Theatre’s inaugural production: an epic adventure through the Prairies at the start of the Canadian railroad age.

The Last Man on Earth

2010-2013

Creator/Performer

Keystone Theatre’s second production, performed to sold out houses across Canada, tells the story of The Devil as he tries to corrupt the last innocent man on earth.

Gold Fever

2013-2014

Creator/Performer

Keystone Theatre’s third production, premiering at the Toronto Festival of Clowns, followed by a successful run at the 2014 Toronto Fringe Festival.

The Commandment

2016-2018

Writer/Performer

Eight years in the making, this solo play has been a favourite of audiences and critics at Fringe Festivals across Canada.

Reviews

Amanda Campbell

Theatre Reviewer: TWISI Theatre Blog

Phil Rickaby has commanding stage presence and storytelling prowess and The Commandment is surprising in its ability to oscillate between between being very light and funny, and then taking a more somber turn

Mackenzie Kristjon Jenkyns

Theatre Reviewer: Raise the Hammer

As someone who has now seen more Fringe theatre than most people I know and also as a musician who performs, I have a lot of respect for one-man shows, especially with limited or minimal props. The ability to hold an audience for an hour is a true compliment to Phil Rickaby’s skills as both a performer and writer.

Daniel Ganepy

Theatre Reviewer: The View

In the Commandment, Phil Rickaby literally bursts onto the stage and his energy does not flag at any point in the proceedings. Although the story is presented as an impromptu stand-up comedy routine, its solid writing and performing chops cannot be hidden. Rickabyâ€™s timing and body language speak more of good stage craft than standup experience