Adelaide Fringe’s highly-anticipated 2015 program has been officially launched in Adelaide today at the new psychedelic Fringe Funhouse – designed by 2015 Fringe poster competition winners Jonathon Oxlade and Chris More.
The 2015 program features a record 1,058 events – 121 cabaret shows, 37 circus and physical theatre shows, 328 comedy events, 33 dance shows, six film events, 226 music events, 109 theatre productions, 93 art exhibitions, 57 children’s events and 48 special events.
Unveiling the program for his fifth and final Fringe, Director Greg Clarke said “the 2015 Fringe is set to be the best yet with an extraordinary program of events from spectacularly talented artists from across Australia and the world”.
“This year we’re encouraging people to Experience Something New – to take a risk, see something new and maybe even discover the next big thing,” Mr Clarke said.
Another exciting addition to the 2015 Fringe are The Sirens – seven giant divas luring people to experience their respective art forms and enticing worlds of cabaret, circus, comedy, dance, theatre, music and visual art. The Sirens will appear during the Fringe Parade and the Street Theatre Festival and will pop up in secret locations during the Fringe.
Cementing Adelaide Fringe’s reputation for showcasing exciting new work, there will be 381 Australian premieres at next year’s festival. Adelaide Fringe also continues to provide a platform for young and emerging artists to present their work often for the very first time. This year there are 213 events by artists who are Fringe first timers.
With such an extensive and diverse program, the 2015 Fringe Ambassador Kitty Flanagan encouraged Fringe-goers to see at least two shows. “First of all pick your absolute favourite act, something you’ve been dying to see, then choose the opposite of that for balance,” said Flanagan.
There will be 376 venues next year, 200 in the CBD and 176 in suburban and regional areas, making the Fringe increasingly accessible to people across the state. Mr Clarke said a great way to Experience Something New at the 2015 Fringe was through BankSA’s Support Act program which provides $10 tickets to 97 shows.
The Fringe’s special free events next year include the iconic Fringe Parade on opening night, the 10th anniversary of the Fringe Street Theatre Festival over the March long weekend, Fringe at the Airport, Fringe in Goolwa, Hospital Hilarity and Desert Fringe in Port Augusta and Leigh Creek over the last weekend of the Fringe.
Adelaide Fringe’s very own television show, Adelaide Fringe Tonite!, will air on Go! this Sunday night (30 November) at 6.30pm and at 11.40pm in all other states. The show is hosted by Fringe Ambassadors Paul McDermott and Katie Noonan.
For the first time, a digital Fringe Guide can now be downloaded from adelaidefringe.com.au before the printed Guide hits the streets from 3 January 2015. Adelaide Fringe 2015 kicks off with the opening night Parade on Friday 13 February, and runs until 15 March. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefringe.com.au for details.
Image: courtesy of Adelaide Fringe