Keeping all of the children, parents and grandparents entertained can be a challenge, so we’ve taken a look though the programme to pick 4 shows that we think will keep every generation captivated.
From pirates to acrobats, musketeers to puppets these are shows that will make you laugh and cheer as we celebrate the return of live performances!
1.) Treasure Island
Long John Silver and his crew of salty old sea dogs are weighing anchor at Ventnor Botanic Garden with the pirate classic, Treasure Island. Quantum Theatre’s performances are always popular at the Fringe and this year will no doubt be the same. Packed full of action, drama, sword fights and sea shanties this is an open air theatre show that worth setting sail for! Book Tickets
Where? Ventnor Botanic Garden
When? Wednesday 28th July, 6pm
2.) The Three Musketeers
Sharpen your swords, lace up your boots, and stick a great big feather in your hat! Magicians and performers Morgan&West present a fun for all the family retelling of Alexadre Dumas ‘The Three Musketeers’ and we can’t wait! Can the dashing Musketeers retrieve the Queen’s prize diamonds? Will the nefarious Cardinal Richelieu get away with his dastardly scheme? Is it an enormous mistake to wear such elaborate costumes at the height of British summer? Morgan & West have performed all over the UK as and on TV in Penn & Teller: Fools Us, The Slammer and The Next Great Magician. Book Tickets
Where? The Magpie, Parkside
When? Saturday 31st July & Sunday 1st August, 3pm
3.) The Greatest Showpeople!
Back in 2019 Parkside become the home of a beautiful new black and white Big Top called The Magpie. It hosted some brilliant shows but there was a notable lack of circus for a circus tent! Well, no more, as Newcastle’s finest Let’s Circus bring The Greatest Showpeople! to Ventnor Fringe. Expect acrobatics, trapeze, comedy and juggling in this family friendly extravaganza. There is more capacity for this one, but tickets are selling fast and it looks likely to be one of this year’s best sellers. Book Tickets
Where? The Magpie, Parkside
When? Wednesday 28th July 3pm + 7pm, Thursday 29th + Friday 30th July 7pm
4.) The Puppet Van Presents The Lost Colour
Join Malcolm Brushell, a professional painter and amateur alchemist, on his quest to find the pinky-est pink paint on the planet! Through cracking rocks, mashing every conceivable vegetable, and even bottling and fermenting his own cow’s wee, he has created every colour imaginable, except this one.
The Lost Colour is the first custom designed show from The Puppet Van, a show entirely performed on the roof of a van which sounds brilliantly suited to Ventnor Fringe. An energy fuelled physical show full of clowning, puppets, and paint, aimed at younger children but we think this one is charming enough to keep the whole family entertained. The show has its roots in the history of pigment making and follows a loveable independent artist up against a huge corporate pigment making conglomerate. Book Tickets
Where? Parkside
When? Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July 11am & 3pm