Fringe World to delight in 2017

Djuki MalaIn what has fast become a Perth summer institution, the 2017 Fringe World Festival kicked off over the weekend offering Westralians the opportunity to escape the everyday and soak up Perth’s balmy evenings with good friends at the Fringe.

The 2017 program sees the return of entertainment and venues that are already well known and loved, plus a treasure trove of new events and performance spaces. With over 700 events at more than 150 venues, the Fringe is the largest annual event in Western Australia and recognised as the third largest Fringe in the world.

Festival Director Amber Hasler said that Fringe World is an annual opportunity to leave your troubles behind and find good times every night of the 31 day Festival. “Fringe means something special to so many people in Perth,” said Hasler. “Audiences love that Fringe World gives them the opportunity to choose their own adventure and find entertainment to enjoy with all the special people in their lives.”

The best place to start your Fringe adventure is Fringe Central at the Perth Cultural Centre. It’s the centre of the Fringe World universe and a short stroll from the huge variety of Fringe venues in Perth and Northbridge. Perth’s favourite Fringe playground, The Pleasure Garden, promises a veritable smorgasbord of ticketed entertainment and buskers, an outdoor BBQ and of course the mesmerising Fringe World mermaids.

For the first time Fringe World is going luxe in the historic heart of Perth, with a new hub at the fabulous Cathedral Square precinct. Shows will be popping up at some of Perth’s oldest buildings including the Perth Town Hall and St George’s Cathedral plus The Edith Spiegeltent will house the sell-out show, La Soirée.

Returning for another round of rapturous audiences will be Fringe World regulars Briefs, the world-wide smash hit cabaret show Limbo and the fabulous Uta Uber Koool Ya. Big on laughs, some of Australia’s most-loved comedians will tread the Fringe boards in 2017, including Rove McManus marking his return to stand-up comedy back here at home; Aussie comic royalty Dave Hughes and Peter and Bambi Heaven – fresh from their success on France’s Got Talent.

Sure to get crowds boogieing and tapping their toes will be the Western Australian premiere of Velvet the musical, starring Marcia Hines; Djuki Mala – a high energy fusion of traditional Indigenous culture, contemporary dance and storytelling; and the outrageously funny, camp, cabaret, Rueben Kaye Success Story.

For audiences who like their Fringe on the wild side, there’s the surreal showgirl Betty Grumble: Sex Clown Saves the World, the audacious Canadian circus performance, Barbu, and danger and freaks combine in El Bizarro.

Western Australian events and performers continue to be the heart and soul of Fringe World including the magical circus show Fearless, Aria and Helpmann award-winning star iOTA in The Average Joe as part of The Blue Room’s Summer Nights program.

2017 is also bursting with family friendly options for the kids with its most comprehensive program yet and there are plenty of free community events to round out the program. The best way to experience the Festival is to become a Fringe World Friend and get access to awesome treats and insider tips to help you navigate your way through the Festival program.

The 2017 Fringe World Festival continues to Sunday 19 February. For more information and complete program, visit: www.fringeworld.com.au for details.

Image: Djuki Mala (supplied)