Ventnor Exchange has announced the launch of a brand new touring venue for the Isle of Wight, with the Ventnor Exchange Arena set to debut during a special ‘Preview Season’ at this year’s Ventnor Fringe between 18th-27th July 2025.
The new venue – a multi-purpose ‘Big Top’ tent – will complement Ventnor Exchange’s current building by bringing a diverse and high-quality programme of theatre, circus, cabaret and live music directly to communities across the Isle of Wight.
Highlights from the 10-day Preview Season include:
- Murder, She Didn’t Write – an improvised comedy take on the classic murder mystery, straight from the West End and Edinburgh Fringe.
- Receptionists by Finnish company Kallo Collective – a physical comedy performance tackling customer service and hospitality with no words needed.
- RPM from Gorilla Circus – featuring roller skating, street dance and acrobatics set on a giant moving treadmill.
- Sunny Side by Northern Rascals – a raw and emotional look at modern masculinity, created with input from over 750 young people across the UK.
- Performances from cabaret star Le Gateau Chocolat, comedians Simon Brodkin and Geoff Norcott, and a new Night Owl Show titled The Elton John Story.
Jack Whitewood, Creative & Development Director, has said:
“We hope this will be transformative for the Island, a professional venue that can move between all of our towns and villages, giving every community, especially those without a theatre, an opportunity to see and host incredible live events.”
The bespoke arena is currently under construction and has been designed to host both seated and standing events, with capacities ranging from 200 to 1,000. Its creation has been supported by a £225,000 grant from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme.
