Island Echo’s theatre and arts columnist, Maureen Sullivan, takes a look at the much-awaited Ventnor Fringe Festival, which is set to host an array of entertainment later this year.
It’s back! After a hiatus last year, Ventnor Fringe Festival will be running from 23rd July to 1st August, hopefully just in time to be free of the delayed lifting of restrictions.
However, prepared for any eventuality, a few changes have been made – just in case. Once the ‘socially distanced capacity’ tickets for an event have all been sold, you will be able to book standby tickets: if, as we hope, 21st July brings the anticipated ‘Freedom Day’, these tickets will be valid; if not, a full refund will be given.
Due to possible changes of venue in the light of ongoing Government advice there will be no printed brochure: instead, keep up with events online or pick up a venue timetable from Ventnor Exchange after 12th July.
The line up of events is as always varied, eclectic, and tantalising – so much to see, and something for everyone. My love of the bard prompts me to recommend Impromptu Shakespeare, a unique ‘Shakespeare’ play inspired by audience suggestions to delight Shakespeare nerds and newbies alike.
Still in the realms of classic literature, Blue Orange Arts’ Jane Eyre, based on Charlotte Brontë’s tale of a young woman’s courageous fight through injustice and hardship is a story that continues to inspire and enthral. Less traditionally, Potatohead is a hilariously bizarre adaptation of Doctor Faustus and the Seven Deadly Sin by puppeteer Freddie Hayes. How does a couch potato grow to become a golden wonder?
Praised for its ‘confrontation of the criminal justice system’ and exploration of ‘psychological terror that several instances of electrifying goosebumps’ VOiD is an empowering and gut-wrenching drama that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Just a Few Words presents a darkly comic grapple with the awkward task of expression, inviting you into the mind of a person who stammers, staged by an international, award-winning theatre company yet made on the Isle of Wight. Culinary delights are on the menu for RedTIE theatre as they serve up The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband, a cordon bleu comedy for those who like their humour rich and dark.
Back in Georgian times, we got our news from poetry. Before papers, broadcasts, or the internet, ballad sellers would hawk their doggerel on street corners for a penny. Scandalous affairs, grisly crimes, and colourful characters were brought to life in rhyming verse long before the first tabloid was printed. Now Luke Wright’s The Ballad Seller rewrites the very best of these stories for the modern ear.
Time has a habit of taking its revenges… and having the last laugh. 2 men, 2 women. And a few closely guarded secrets. The 3 linked short plays, Weatherman, Still Dancers and An Occasional Cup of Tea can be seen in pairs or all together as 1 complete play, After All These Years.
Ever since Isabella de Fortibus was duped into handing over the Island to Edward I on her deathbed in 1293, the Isle of Wight has been under English rule. It’s about time that changed! Joe Plumb will stop at nothing until he is made King of The People’s Republic of the Isle of Wight!
But Ventnor Fringe is not just for plays! If you’re bringing the family, there are plenty of shows aimed at the younger Fringe-goers – and their parents.
Long John Silver and his crew of salty old sea dogs are weighing anchor at Ventnor Botanic Garden with the pirate classic, Treasure Island. Join the Mini Fringers Funday in the park with special guest, children’s presenter Andy Day and his brilliant Dino Raps show. Newcastle’s finest Let’s Circus bring The Greatest Showpeople! to Ventnor Fringe.
Expect acrobatics, trapeze, comedy and juggling in this family friendly extravaganza. The Lost Colour is the first custom designed show from The Puppet Van, an energy fuelled physical show full of clowning, puppets, and paint, entirely performed on the roof of a van!
We’ll shortly be taking a look at all else that the Fringe has to offer, including cacophonous comedy and crazy crafts. You can find more information on Ventnor Fringe Festival and all of the performances, artists, and events mentioned in this article on the official website, here.
Maureen Sullivan is a regular contributor to Island Echo’s coverage of the Arts on the Isle of Wight. Maureen has been actively involved in the Island’s amateur dramatics scene for several years, appearing in many different roles and guises with several theatre companies. In her free time, Maureen also writes and reviews at iwtheatre.org.
Catch Maureen’s column each month for the latest theatre and art happenings...
