The Worcester Fringe is back for its third year, promising an array of exciting performances and activities for family and friends. Running from Wednesday 12th to Sunday 30th July, this event takes place across multiple venues in the city, offering a diverse range of entertainment including theatre, comedy, music, workshops, and more!
The festivities kick off with an outdoor theatre performance of The Importance of Being Earnest at The Commandery’s beautiful gardens. Theatre enthusiasts will also be delighted to find a line up of captivating shows at the Swan Theatre and Swan Studio. Highlights include a screening of the acclaimed Fleabag, as well as exclusive productions such as The Young Rep’s The Unknown, Back To Life by Yaz Haroun, Diary of a Badminton Player by Steve Wilson, and many others.
Comedy fans are in for a treat with performances by renowned comedians such as Simon Brodkin, known as “The world’s most famous blagger,” along with TV regulars Matt Forde, Josh Weller, Luke Kempner, and Heidi Regan. Catch them at Huntingdon Hall before they head to the Edinburgh Fringe. For those seeking emerging talents, Arch 38 hosts over 20 promising comedians on the circuit, with each event priced at only £5!
Music lovers will find a range of options to enjoy, including performances by original artists like folk group Fairport Convention, country and hip-hop band Gangstagrass, and a special evening with the legendary Bob Harris and Martyn Joseph. Additionally, there are tribute shows such as The Guitar Icons Show, featuring rock anthems, Dreams of Fleetwood Mac, showcasing beloved Fleetwood Mac favorites, and One Night With You, celebrating the music of Elvis Presley.
The Fringe also offers plenty of fun activities for families and kids. Children can embark on daring adventures to space, ancient castles, and secret missions through the Escape and Create Workshops. Alternatively, families can join the excitement of the We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Workshop, where parents and kids can journey together.
If you’re looking for variety, there are several special showcases and performances to explore. The Debut by Crave Arts offers a platform for new writing, Taster Pots @ the Swan hosts a scratch night for emerging work, and Saucy @ the Fringe at Henry Sandon Hall presents an LGBTQ+ variety performance night. Talks at Henry Sandon Hall cover thought-provoking topics such as the role of sexuality in art, the state of modern journalism, and the psychedelic culture of the 60s and 70s.
Additionally, the Fringe features free events, including a Short Film competition titled Dog Days & Bad Luck, the Worcester Fringe Poetry Slam at the Swan Theatre, and outdoor theatre performances by acclaimed Birmingham-based Theatre Company Stan’s Café, The Commentators, and Rhubarb Theatre’s The Bombardiers at Huntingdon Hall.
This year’s events will be held at the Swan Theatre, Huntingdon Hall, Arch 38 (between The Arch Rivals and Sangers Deli on Infirmary Walk), The Commandery and Henry Sandon Hallat the Royal Porcelain Works. A full programme of all the Worcester Fringe events is available to pick up in any of the venues mentioned above or you can view a digital version on-line. To book and find out more, the Worcester Theatres website.