Vancouver Fringe Festival review: Gametes and Gonads presents copulation as entertainingly clever intergalactic battle

It’s sperm’s time to shine. In one of the most original premises you’ll find at this year’s Fringe, playwright-performer Jeff Leard reimagines copulation as an intergalactic battle.

Captain Spunk and Colonel Gamete lead the 156th infantry of the Sperm Army of the Left Testicle on a mission to destroy the “gigantic orb of terror” that hates their freedom. Meanwhile, the Ovary’s high priestess is preparing one egg for the monthly sacrifice.

Leard’s script wittily wrings every possible joke from his material, without ever devolving into predictable groaners. Using nothing but his body and some lighting cues, he works his butt off to create an epic adventure, complete with a romantic subplot and terrific sci-fi sound effects.

At False Creek Gym on September 9 (8 p.m.), 11 (5:15 p.m.), 14 (8:30 p.m.), 15 (3 p.m.), 16 (9 p.m.).