With just four weeks to go until the Ventnor Fringe returns we’re thrilled to announce our largest programme to date, with more than 200 participants performing, exhibiting and showcasing work accross the town from the 15th – 18th August, coinciding with the 123rd annual Carnival celebrations.
Spanning from theatre to the visual arts, music to film the Fringe will feature ‘pop up’ bars, venues and exhibition spaces in more then 20 locations, creating an exciting hub for artists and audiences alike.
Amongst the diverse events on offer; highlights include the Isle of Wight Film Festival, which is running as part of the Ventnor Fringe for the first time this year and will be featuring a full competative shorts sections as well as British Premiers of feature films from across the world sponsored by On the Wight.
Theatre is well represented this year with renowned new writing company Paines Plough (Love, Love, Love by Mike Barlett – Royal Court & National Tour / Wasted by Kate Tempest – National Tour) offering free workshops in producing and writing for stage, as well as hosting readings of four writers work who have been especially comissioned as part of their ‘Come To Where I’m From’ project.
A new Studio Theatre space located at St Francis’ Primary School will host work from graduates of London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, the premiere of a new play by Island writer Kevin Wilson and devised pieces by MOTUS and Replica Dance Company amongst much more.
The music offering at the Fringe this year is more diverse then ever, varying from performances by the IW Camerta Chamber Choir and a classical concert for Oboe and Piano by Suzie Shrubb in St Catherine’s Church, to ‘Lounge Around Town’ a programme of intimate shows in private houses, gardens and secret venues accross the town. These tiny shows will host carefully selected acts from accross the UK and abroad including French Kora player Stranded Horse, Rozi Plain who has supported the likes of Beach House and Devendra Banhart and talented spoken word artists Indigo Williams and Toby Thompson.
Beyond performances there are opportunites to learn from the award winning team at Prufrock Coffee who will be travelling from London’s Leather Lane to Ventnor’s Church Street to run special courses in making the finest expressos. You can also try your hand at the Charleston in the Blind Tiger Club, a 1920’s inspired speakeasy, watch the fireworks from the Observatory, our bar with a view and if your lucky you may even find one of our famous secret venues or events!
Lots more information and tickets are available on website www.vfringe.co.uk