The second round of shows for this year’s Ventnor Fringe have been revealed, teasing as to what’s ahead with the full programme launching in just a few week’s time.
The Isle of Wight’s largest arts festival, which features gigs, comedy, circus, theatre and performances in all kinds of spaces around Ventnor, is set to return from 21st-30th July, with a huge programme of over 150 events to choose from this year!
An Evening Without Kate Bush
From the raft of new events highlights include acclaimed performer Sarah-Louise Young (Fascinating Aida, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical) who brings her cult cabaret smash hit An Evening Without Kate Bush inspired by the music and fans of Kate Bush to the festival’s clifftop Big Top, direct from performances in Australia.
Meanwhile The Aretha Franklin Story explores the life and music of the Queen of Soul, with Cleopatra Higgins of 90s girl group sensation Cleopatra and a full live band in a show that will have you singing in the aisles!
Latest immersive audio experience
For those interested in a more unusual offering there will be exclusive/first-look previews of the latest immersive audio experience by radical theatre innovators Darkfield.
Inspired by the nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic of 1980’s video games, ARCADE is a choose-your-own-path experience that will fully immerse players in alternate environments in a completely dark shipping container, using 360 degree binaural sound and sensory effects. Players will be asked to address deep existential questions about free will and consciousness in a world where some may win and some may lose.
Comedy shows
Previewing new work ahead of Edinburgh Fringe runs, comedians with shows at the festival this year include Sophie Duker, Geoff Norcott, Janine Harouni, Ahir Shah, Luke Kempner, Josh Baulf, Vittorio Angelone, Ania Magliano, Glenn Moore, Rob Auton, Huge Davies, Sara Barron, Freya Parker and Heidi Regan with more to be announced shortly.
Other comedy to look out for includes the multimedia mayhem of the Mr. Thing Show which invites you to become part of the studio audience as Tom and Owen, Puppet Steve and a crew of Things pull together a live TV show every night – broadcasting nowhere to nobody! It’s precisely the sort of anarchic show you’d expect at the Fringe, perfect for fans of shows like Channel 4’s Taskmaster.
Whitewood: I genuinely think we’re punching well above our weight
Festival Co-Director Jack Whitewood said,
“It’s always tempting to say that this is the best lineup we’ve had, but this year I genuinely think we’re punching well above our weight, with a programme to envy many of the country’s major international arts festivals in big cities.
“There’s still so much more to come, spanning music, comedy, cabaret, theatre, circus, visual arts, literature and everything in between. For anyone that still says nothing ever happens on the Island, I challenge you to explore Ventnor Fringe this year.”
Find out more
You can explore all of the events announced so far on the Website.
New additions to the programme will be added regularly and audience members looking for advice or recommendations can also visit the festival box office at Ventnor Exchange (open 7 days a week from 10am) or by calling (01983) 716767.
News shared by Jack on behalf of Ventnor Fringe. Ed
