Not content to simply dwell in the squalid splendour of the Fantasyland Hotel and WEM in general, this year’s Soap-a-thon is a celebration of international proportions says the too, too divine Davina Stewart.

She and the impishly improvisational Dana Anderson jetted to London last December at the behest of Improv giant Ken Campbell to set up a 36-hour Soap marathon. "There were 23 people who did whole thing. It was exciting to watch them go through the stargate; the moment where it all makes sense." Lest one think Soap-a-thon is some TomKat Scientologist exercise, Stewart hastens to assure one and all, it’s just a bizarre reality where "your brain kind of clicks off but more than ever it’s all real." Call it the vision quest of theatre.

Some of those loquacious Limeys will be in Edmonton to facilitate the celebration. "They are determined to do the whole 53 hours! They won’t get to see Edmonton: we’ll have to bring it to them on stage. West Edmonton Mall’s got it all–even Pirates." Also joining are visitors from Toronto, Los Angeles, and Australia–not to mention a return appearance by Ron Pederson and a bevy of locals.

Why a wedding? Simply because it’s an event that can last several days and gives massive scope for wild and wacky characterizations. "Weddings are strange all those "from away relationships" people you haven’t seen for years — there’s that cousin you had baths with but you don’t actually know who they are."

All the gory stages from the Bachelor Party and Stagette on Friday at Midnight, to the Gift Opening on Sunday at Noon are present. "It’s a chance for the audience to get involved," says Stewart, "we’re asking that they bring a wrapped wedding gift and they’ll get $2 off the ticket price." Add in the Hours of Gratuitous Nudity (Saturday 4am — 6am), then the Hours of Uninvited Guests (Sunday 4am-6am) and it’s a wedding everyone will remember.

The show starts Friday at 6 pm and runs until Sunday at 11 pm. Tickets go on sale at 5 pm: $30 for a pass, $12 during prime time (6 pm to Midnight) and $10 the rest of the time. The shenanigans take place in The Varscona Theatre.