The 2021 Ventnor Fringe Festival audience have spoken !
Ventnor Fringe are pleased to announce that Horsebox Theatre have won the first ever Audience Choice Award sponsored by Rouse Ltd Financial Planning with the majority of votes for best show at the fringe going to satirical comedy The People’s Republic of the Isle of Wight.
Horsebox Theatre Company headed up by artistic director Joe Plumb have been creating theatre shows and experiences for all ages from the back of their red curtained horsebox since 2018, popping up at Tapnell farm’s summer shindigs and The Nuffield Theatre as well as adapting during lockdown by commissioning online plays.
Isle of Wight in-jokes and citizenship tests
The People’s Republic of the IW show follows a campaign for IW Independence including plenty of Isle of Wight in-jokes and audience interaction in the form of citizenship tests.
The show featuring Joe Plumb and Drag artist Fanny Quivers got laughs from Caulkheads and Overners alike, with sellouts at Ventnor Fringe’s Comedy and Cabaret Tent.
Award and cash prize
The award, an artwork in itself, was designed and created by artist Brian Marriott using fused glass and carved wood, accompanied by a cash prize for the winner donated by Rouse Ltd to help support future creative commissioning on the Island.
Plumb: Overwhelming support for Independence on the Isle of Wight
Joe Plumb (pictured) said,
“Thank you so much to all the beautiful Islanders who voted! It goes to show the overwhelming support there is for Independence on the Isle of Wight.
“This is just the beginning. First Ventnor, next… the world!”
Rouse: Wanted to help support this fantastic event
Ben Rouse said,
“The Fringe is the culmination of so much hard work and vision and provides much needed joy and happiness to more and more people.
“Rouse Ltd, like the Fringe, is Isle of Wight-grown and we just wanted to help support this fantastic event with the Audience Choice Award.
“Well done to Joe on being the first winner and thank you Mhairi, Jack and all the team for letting us contribute in some small way. Fringe on!”
Dates for 2022
Ventnor Fringe will return over ten days from Friday July 22nd – Sunday 31st July 2022.
Registrations for artists to take part will open soon, keep an eye out on our social media or join our newsletter via the Website for updates.
News shared by Mhairi on behalf of Ventnor Fringe Festival. Ed
