The weather is still looking a little grey today, but don’t let that put you off heading to Ventnor to soak up all that the incredible Ventnor Fringe Festival has to offer.
From cabaret to comedy, live music to theatre, kid’s shows to workshops, there’s loads on offer, all inside tents to keep you dry and warm.
Brighter skies and warmer temperatures are on the cards for Saturday and Sunday, making it an ideal occasion to bring the whole family along and watch the outdoor shows.
Ventnor Fringe: More than a festival
The Ventnor Fringe Festival is more than a platform for artists to showcase their talents.
It represents community spirit, a testament to the unity and resilience of Islanders, and extends an invitation to visitors to be a part of this unique cultural event.
Bright prospects for the weekend
So, if you’re musing over how to spend the next three days, don’t let today’s weather deter you. The Ventnor Fringe Festival promises to be a fulfilling cultural experience.
Check out Events OnTheWight for the range of shows on offer and consider the booking for the recommended events below.
A journey through six decades of albedo marz’s artistic journey
art_house_life @ 35 Madeira Road opens this year on two floors with a (free) tour of recent paintings, collages, assemblages, drawings and 3d artworks by albedo marz exclusively for Ventnor Fringe 2023.
albedo marz is celebrating six decades as an artist this year, and in addition to a stunningly coherent display of artworks produced within the last two years on the ground floor, he will also be giving visitors a rare opportunity to access his upper floor studio.
There will be two talks by albedo marz on Sun 23rd and Sun 30th July 3pm-4pm, open to everyone.
art_house_life @ 35 Madeira Road is open daily until 30th July, 11am – 1pm and 2.30pm – 4.30pm: Book tickets
Unwanted Objects
Old teddy bears, abandoned chess sets and ships-in-bottles… Every item in this mysterious and magical secondhand shop has its own history to share and tale to tell.
Unwanted Objects, a new story and song show from acclaimed duo David Head and Matt Glover – we absolutely loved this show, which has been playing all week!
Unwanted Objects takes place at The Magpie, Ventnor Park on Friday 28th July between 5.30pm and 7pm: Book tickets
The Molly Downer Musical
Scripted and orchestrated by Time Nor Tide Players CIC, this musical is a bona fide Isle of Wight production, written by Islanders for the show.
The narrative addresses hard-hitting themes of inequality and superstition, rooted in an 18th-century backdrop where the protagonist, Molly Downer, grapples with societal judgment and alienation.
The performance takes place on Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July from 12.30pm-2pm at St Boniface Studios. Book tickets
Experience soulful melodies with Oliver Hipkins and Casino Moon
Transforming unheard narratives into contemporary music and spoken word. This is a deep exploration of the human condition and a search for meaning by unearthing the stories that connect people with places.
It’s more than folk. It’s soul-stirring poetry fused with dynamic and energetic melodies. Casino Moon embrace the unexpected and unconventional, creating a sound that’s uniquely their own.
Oliver Hipkins and Friends will be performing at St Catherine’s Church, Ventnor on Friday 28th July from 7.30pm: Book tickets
Stepping out with ‘Out of the Box’
Circomedia veteran, Darryl J Carrington, is set to charm the Ventnor Fringe Festival with his extraordinary show, ‘Out of the Box’. Filled with excitement and unpredictability, the show features a masterful blend of improbable situations and challenging interactions. Audiences can expect a fusion of world-class juggling, skillful manipulation, and creative TikTok trick shots, all delivered through the gentle art of non-verbal clowning.
The show will take place on the 28th, 29th, and 30th July 2023, each day between 11am – 12pm at The Big Top, Steephill Road: Book tickets
A tribute to theatre with ‘Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend’
Honouring a Victorian theatre legend, ‘Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend’, written and performed by Mark Stratford, delves into the fascinating world of Victorian theatre. This compelling new show tells the story of the great Victorian actor-manager, Macready, the man to whom Charles Dickens dedicated ‘Nicholas Nickleby’. It’s an intriguing journey filled with passion, humour, emotion, and an array of characters.
The performance will take place on Saturday 29th July at 5pm at Boniface Studio, St Catherine’s College: Book tickets
Three Cheese Straws for a Pound
Now nearly 30, he should be getting his act together, but it’s hard when the world doesn’t make any sense. What do you mean you can’t walk through a drive-thru?!
Ben Ashurst is going back to a simpler time, back to when three cheese straws were a pound. This warm, light-hearted stand-up comedy show hilariously highlights the things in life that Ben thinks should be simple… but aren’t.
Three Cheese Straws for a Pound will be performed at Ventnor Arts Club on Saturday 29th July between 6pm-7pm.
Generously Ben is inviting you to ‘Pay what you can’ – although please remember that artists have to pay registration and venue fees: Book tickets
A flight of magical fancy with Midsummer Night’s Dream
Quantum Theatre presents a brand new production of Shakespeare’s most enduringly popular play of love and intrigue, magic and celebration set on that most dangerous of nights when fairies are abroad and nothing is as it seems… With a quarrel raging between Oberon, King of the fairies and his Queen, Titania, four young lovers become entangled in their magical affray and soon no mortals are safe in those bewitched and bewitching woods outside Athens.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed from 6pm on Saturday 29th July 2023 at Ventnor Botanic Garden – on the top lawn by the Visitor’s Centre: Book tickets
Quantum Theatre returns with Beatrix Potter’s magical tales
Enjoy this enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved tales: The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon they find themselves in all sorts of scrapes, caught In a net, trapped by a snarling cat and face to face with Mr McGregor himself! How will they ever escape? Can Old Mr Bunny come to the rescue in time? And whatever will Mr McGregor make of all those footprints in the flower beds?
The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny will be performed between 3pm and 4.30pm on Sunday 30th July 2023 at Ventnor Botanic Garden: Book tickets
Don’t miss out
Don’t miss this chance to experience an unforgettable summer of performances at the Ventnor Fringe Festival. Book your tickets now and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and inspiration.
Enjoy the magic of live music, comedy, theatre and more.
See Events OnTheWight for full listings of what’s taking place at Ventnor Fringe Website in 2023.
Image: © Julian Winslow
