Martin Dockery: Forbidden City!

Fringe 2026

Martin Dockery: Forbidden City!

A hilarious, true, and off-the-rails "storytelling experience" about a Chinese audio guide and the birth of Dockery’s daughter. A ridiculous alt-comedy mash-up of storytelling and stand-up from the creator of 1 SMALL LIE, TRUTH, THE STAKEOUT, THE REVIEW, and EVERY GOOD STORY ENDS WITH ONE.
“CRITIC’S PICK: Laugh-out-loud funny.” -City Beat, Cincinnati.
“A+... His best show yet. His trademark energy, disarming affability, inventive writing, and goofball sincerity come together to beautiful effect.” -My Entertainment World, Toronto.
“Of the many, many storytellers on the fringe circuit, Dockery remains the best.” -Orlando Sentinel.
“A marvel of a performance.” -The Georgia Straight, Vancouver.
Throughout 18 years of touring, Dockery’s won over 70 worldwide festival awards.

Plain Language Description

Do you like funny storytelling? Do you like stand-up comedy? Do you like it when they both get a little ridiculous? Well, then, pull up a chair because this funny, true story is about two things that seem to have nothing to do with each other: a Chinese audio guide and the birth of Dockery’s daughter. Guaranteed you’ve never seen a show like this. It’s original, weird, and completely sincere.
The writer and performer of this show has been coming to the Edmonton Fringe since 2010.
He's won 70 worldwide fringe awards.
Recent shows include 1 SMALL LIE, TRUTH, THE STAKEOUT, EVERY GOOD STORY ENDS WITH ONE, and THE REVIEW.
Here are some reviews of the show:
“CRITIC’S PICK: Laugh-out-loud funny.” -City Beat, Cincinnati.
“A+... His best show yet. His trademark energy, disarming affability, inventive writing, and goofball sincerity come together to beautiful effect.” -My Entertainment World, Toronto.
“Of the many, many storytellers on the fringe circuit, Dockery remains the best.” -Orlando Sentinel.
“A marvel of a performance.” -The Georgia Straight, Vancouver.