Westralia’s own Fringe World Festival has kicked off with an epic program of events for younglings and grown-ups alike, brimming with free and fun entertainment to keep the whole family entertained, there is something for everyone.
“Fringe is the best time of year in Perth, when there’s so much entertainment to choose from and the weather and atmosphere is just Perthect,” says Festival Director Amber Hasler.
Highlights from the month-long festival of entertainment delights include: Michael Griffiths IS Madonna. No accent, costume or wig. Just ‘Madge’ leading you on a journey through her tough life and tender songs in In Vogue: Songs By Madonna.
Piece For Person and Ghetto Blaster is the story of a man, a woman and a duck. It is about the excruciating realms of human behavior. It is an attempt to navigate the complexities of trying to become a better person. This new show from the riveting and subversive creator/performer Nicola Gunn, choreographer Jo Lloyd and composer Kelly Ryall – tries to understand how we can all get along.
Fringe favourite Le Gateau Chocolat (UK) returning with two brand new shows; Icons – a cabaret of eclectic music, and Duckie – a reimagining a childhood favourite The Ugly Duckling, for the little ones. This international Fringe superstar is joined by other overseas Fringe favourites descending upon Perth for the Summer season, including ‘global phenomenon’ Frisky and Mannish with a brand new show CabaRIOT; and fresh from a sell-out run at 2015’s Edinburgh Fringe, Puddles the Clown invites us to join the Pity Party – a must-see for his melodramatic anthems and unique comedic hijinks.
Crossing the Nullabor to bask in the Fringe-uary fabulousness is the woman notoriously known as Australia’s Queen of Burlesque, Imogen Kelly – will take audiences on a time travel ride to the judged and damned women of history’s pages in Herstory.
After a dazzling, sell-out run in 2015, the larger-than-life BRIEFS boys return to Perth with their jaw-dropping, eye-popping mix of vaudeville, acrobatics and burlesque. Eccentric siblings The Kransky Sisters are bringing their unique style of musical comedy back to town by popular demand in The Kransky Sisters: Piece of Cake.
2015’s home of comedy, The Gold Digger is back and bursting with even more laughs, playing host to some of the country’s best funny-people. Dave Callan (A Little Less Conversation 2), Sammy J (The Sammy J Songbook) and Janelle Koenig (Flashback) are just some of the leading comedians you can expect to see there.
Fringe World is the perfect opportunity to embrace all this fine city has to offer, including some of our talented local artists. The Last Great Hunt bring back their 2015 Martin Sims Award performance, Monroe and Associates for another season alongside new works, The Great Ridolphi and The Crossing. Matt Hale will have you clucking like a chicken in no time and the company that brought you 10,000 Beers, now presents 7 Needs – 7 short plays from 7 of Australia’s most lauded writers by 7 Perth directors.
The 2016 Fringe footprint extends well beyond the city giving you the opportunity to have a taste of Fringe-uary both in the city and in your local neighbourhood. Sunset Veranda (Scarborough) returns to the Fringe family with their second season plus Freo Royale (Fremantle), Midlandia (Midland) and Mandurah are all returning with fabulous offerings. For the first time, Geraldton will be joining in the fun with a ship load of comedy and cabaret entertainment delights held in the Funtavia.
Back in the 1920’s the river’s edge in front of the city was home to an amazing Fairground. Fringe is heading down to the river at Elizabeth Quay and bringing back the fun with the brand new Fringe World Fairground! Opening on Friday 29 January with amusements, treats and frivolity for all ages, it’s the place to be with free fringe performances including the Fringe World Mermaids, acrobats, face painting fairies, a vintage carousel plus live music and dance displays.
Record-breaking and award-winning circus-cabaret sensation Limbo will settle in for the season at the Palais des Glaces Spiegeltent, right next door to The Urban Roller Club – Perth’s first outdoor roller rink, rolling into town complete with skates, bass, beats and eats.
The 2016 Fringe World Festival runs to Saturday 21 February. For more information, visit: www.fringeworld.com.au for details.
Image: Fringe World – photo by Jason Matz