The 2nd 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 weeks’ time.
The Island’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!
From the raft of new events highlights include acclaimed performer Sarah-Louise Young (Fascinating Aïda, 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!
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 & 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.
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.”
