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Ventnor Fringe: First Shows Announced!
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Today we’re excited to reveal the first shows to be confirmed for this year’s Ventnor Fringe!

Ventnor Fringe, the Island’s multi award winning arts festival, which features gigs, comedy and performances in unusual spaces around Ventnor, will return for its 12th edition from 22nd – 31st July, with the first wave of shows on sale today.

One of the first events to take place after COVID restrictions were lifted last summer, last year the festival broke its pre-covid box office record with over 8,500 attendees exploring the myriad of venues which pop up throughout Ventnor for the Fringe.

In the new ‘Big Top’ be sure to catch the enchanting ‘Hotel Paradiso’ where circus company Lost In Translation’s highly skilled acrobats, clowns and jugglers tell the story of one chaotic hotel and the eccentric staff’s battle to save their home and livelihood from repossession by the dastardly Banker. Will they manage to stay open, or will they be forced to move on?

Meanwhile in the boutique Magpie Tent Let’s Circus follow up on last year’s sold out run and one of the most talked about experiences at the Fringe with a fantastic new production ‘The Good Times Show’ which brings together artists from Japan, Australia and the UK. This comedy driven variety show is a genuine all-ages experience. Expect acrobatics, aerial, comedy, unicycling and a gigantic red balloon!

Dubbed the “Ebony and Ivory of drag” Le Gateau Chocolat and Queen of the Alternative Drag scene, Jonny Woo, deliver hilarious hijinks and shady shenanigans as they ‘Les Misérmassacre’ all the musicals you know and love in ‘A Night At The Musicals’. A celebrated baritone, Le Gateau Chocolat has performed at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Centre, Sydney Opera House, and as part of the Olivier- winning La Clique/La Soiree.

For those after comedy the Fringe doesn’t disappoint with stand up from the likes of Taskmaster Champion Lou Sanders, TV regular Jayde Adams, creator of Lee Nelson and the man who famously handed Theresa May a P45 Simon Brodkin just the tip of the iceberg with many more to come. Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee Ahir Shah will also be returning to host the ever popular Pick of the Fringe showcase.

For music fans ‘Fringe Fridays’ will present a new opportunity to see a whole roster of new bands over the course of a single day. London post punk outfit Goat Girl are the first headliner to be confirmed, alongside American psychedelic noise rock duo Tonstartssbandht, formed of Edwin and Andy White, long time guitarist in Mac Demarco’s band.

Local music promoters Ears Peeled will also be hosting a whole day of live music headlined by the Island’s very own Plastic Mermaids and Coach Party.

With around 150 shows expected to take part, new additions to the programme will be added regularly at vfringe.co.uk and audience members looking for advice or recommendations can also visit the festival box office at Ventnor Exchange (open 7 days a week from 11am) or by calling (01983) 716767.

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King Stammers wins Spirit of the Fringe Award
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We are excited to announce that Tim Martin, better known as King Stammers, has won the first ever Ray Durham Spirit of the Fringe Award, sponsored by Plumridge Self Storage.

Created to recognise an artist who truly embodies the principles and values of  Ventnor Fringe, the inaugural Ray Durham Spirit of the Fringe Award, made possible with the generous support of Plumridges, follows in the footsteps of the first Rouse Ltd Audience Choice Award.

It was unanimous decision within the Ventnor Fringe team that King Stammers, the stage name of Tim Martin should receive this accolade, for his unwavering dedication, commitment and enthusiasm both directly at the Fringe and throughout each year.

Tim is responsible for inspiring new poets through the fortnightly Ventnor Exchange Spoken Word Collective, and his boundless energy kept momentum going throughout lockdown, and resulted in the poets’ first performance together at the Fringe. On top of that, his stage persona King Stammers was able to step in at the very last minute with his thoughtful and hilarious poetry to entertain a sell out crowd for an entire hour after a fellow act missed a ferry!

On receiving the award Tim said “Receiving this award from Ventnor Fringe not only restores my confidence in myself as an artist, but also supported me at a time it was desperately needed.”

The Spirit of the Fringe Award trophy was created by Ventnor artist Paradox Paul, and the trophy is given alongside a cash prize to the winner. Ventnor Fringe would like to thank all of its sponsors for their ongoing and vital support.

Ray Durham (1934 – 2019) , born in Suffolk, had fought in the Korean war, then lived with his family in N. Ireland, before arriving in Ventnor in the 1990’s.  He was a loquacious, friendly and engaging person, well known and liked throughout the town. He loved his music, entertained on the piano, did a mean Freddie Mercury impersonation, and enjoyed any visit to Shanklin Theatre, The award in his memory is sponsored by Plumridge Self Storage where, over 20 years, his humour and engaging character were much appreciated by customers and colleagues alike.

Ventnor Fringe will return over 10 days from Friday July 22nd – Sunday 31st July 2022.

The deadline for artists to register to perform at the festival is midnight on Monday 18th April 2022

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Artist Registrations Now Open!
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Every July, the tiny coastal town of Ventnor on the sourthern tip of the Isle of Wight, is transformed for ten days into a unique natural stage for theatre, dance, art installations and music. Registrations are now open for any artist to bring work to present at the festival. 

The Isle of Wight’s largest mixed arts festival Ventnor Fringe has confirmed it will return from 22nd- 31st July 2022 and has now opened registrations for artists looking to take part in this year’s event.

It’s the chance to join creatives and performers from across the UK and beyond at the twelfth edition of this growing and award winning festival. After what has been a difficult time for everyone, this year’s event hopes to once again bring back the joy of live events and shared creative experiences.

The deadline for artists to register to perform at the festival is midnight on Monday 18th April 2022

Against all the odds Ventnor Fringe had its most successful year yet in 2021, breaking all box office records. The event featured over 100 different shows spanning the best new comedy, cabaret, music and theatre with highlights including comedy from Flo & Joan, Lou Sanders and Tez Ilyas, families enthralled by The Greatest Showpeople circus and Cbeebie’s Andy Day and music fans heading to gigs from the likes of Genghar, Los Bitchos and Do Nothing.

Creatives working in all disciplines and at any stage in their career are encouraged to take part in the festival, which has become a real showcase of emerging talent. The Fringe offers support and guidance at every step of the way and anyone interested in performing at Ventnor Fringe 2022 should read the Performers’ Handbook, Venue Pack and register here

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Horsebox Theatre Wins Inaugural Audience Choice Award
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The Ventnor Fringe audience have spoken!

We’re thrilled to announce that Horsebox Theatre have won the first ever Audience Choice Award sponsored by Rouse Ltd Financial Planning with the majority of votes for best show at the fringe going to satirical comedy ‘The People’s Republic of the Isle of Wight’

Horsebox Theatre Company, led by Artistic Director Joe Plumb have been creating theatre shows and experiences for all ages from the back of their red curtained horsebox since 2018, popping up at Tapnell farms summer shindigs and The Nuffield Theatre as well as adapting during lockdown by commissioning online plays.

The People’s Republic of the Isle of Wight follows a campaign for IW Independence including plenty of Island in-jokes and audience interaction in the form of citizenship tests. The show also featured Drag artist Fanny Quivers and got laughs from caulkheads and overners alike with multiple sell out performances at Ventnor Fringe’s Comedy & Cabaret Tent.

The award, an artwork in itself, was designed and created by artist Brian Marriott using fused glass and carved wood accompanied by a cash prize for the winner donated by Rouse Ltd to help support future creative commissioning on the Island.

Joe Plumb pictured said “Thank you so much to all the beautiful islanders who voted! It goes to show the overwhelming support there is for Independence on the Isle of Wight. This is just the beginning. First Ventnor, next… the world! “

Ben Rouse said “The Fringe is the culmination of so much hard work and vision and provides much needed joy and happiness to more and more people. Rouse Ltd like the Fringe is Isle of Wight grown and we just wanted to help support this fantastic event with the Audience Choice Award. Well done to Joe on being the first winner and thank you Mhairi, Jack and all the team for letting us contribute in some small way. Fringe on!”

Ventnor Fringe will return over 10 days from Friday July 22nd – Sunday 31st July 2022. Registrations for artists to take part will open soon, keep an eye out on our social media or join our newsletter at ventnorexchange.co.uk for updates.

 

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Ventnor Fringe Announces Inaugural Awards
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Ventnor Fringe is excited to announce the introduction of its first ever Festival Awards, and we need your help!

For the first time we’re offering audiences the chance to vote for their favourite show to win the prestigious Audience Choice Award, generously sponsored by local financial advisers Rouse Limited. A second ‘Spirit of the Fringe Award’, named in memory of local resident Ray Durham, will be awarded to an artist, selected by the staff and volunteer team, who most embodies the spirit and ethos of the festival. Specially commissioned trophies have been designed for both awards, which will also come with £500 cash prizes.

Festival Co-Director Jack Whitewood said: “With hundreds of shows and artists to see over the ten days of Ventnor Fringe, and many artists showcasing and testing new material, we wanted to find a way to celebrate audiences’ favourite acts, as well as those performers that go above and beyond to make the event the eccentric, creative feast that it is!

Ben Rouse from Rouse Limited explained: “I have always enjoyed coming to the Fringe not just for the entertainment but also because it provides a much-needed opportunity to showcase the talent of the many bright and original acts that are essentially waiting in the wings for their big break. The arts and entertainment industry has been particularly badly hit over the last 18 months and Rouse Limited is delighted to be able to support this home-grown event that draws on the unique creativity of Ventnor and creates a platform for others to grow. To re-use an old saying: ‘the show must go on!’ – and we want to do what we can to make that happen!

Audiences will be able to vote through the festival website here or using QR codes placed across the event.

 

 

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Introducing the Free Fringe!
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Alongside the ticketed shows at the Fringe, there’s also a whole feast of free events and performances to discover in the Free Fringe.

There are more than 100 acts performing around Ventnor in addition the main programme. We take a look at what to expect and where to find them!

Harbourside Stage

The Harbourside Stage is located on the waters edge at Ventnor Harbour. Here you can watch live music every day from 12pm – 5pm. You don’t need to book tickets to any of the performances during the day, just pay what you want at the entrance. There are often ticketed gigs in the evening, with acts like Gengahr, Los Bitchos, Do Nothing and Billy Nomates. After around 9pm there are DJs playing for £3 entry.

You can see the timetable for the Harbourside Stage by clicking here.

 


Parkside Bandstand

The Parkside Bandstand is at Ventnor Park, it’s also full of live music every day from 12pm -5pm. No need to book tickets – just pay what you want at the entrance to the park and then you can stay and watch whichever performances you like. There’s also a variety of workshops and other activities taking place from yoga to ukulele.

You can see the timetable for the Parkside Bandstand by clicking here.

The Book Bus (Tuesday 27th – Saturday 31st July) 

A real Fringe favourite, The Book Bus is set in the grounds of St Catherine’s Church, just opposite the Ventnor Exchange. After browsing this beautiful pop up book shop set in a 1930’s Parisian bus, you can watch a variety of literary and acoustic events in the little garden next door. All of the events here are free and you don’t need to book any tickets or pay to enter. 

You can see the timetable for the Parkside Bandstand by clicking here.

 

Street Theatre & Buskers 

During the Fringe performances often spill out into the streets of Ventnor with buskers and street theatre taking place around the town centre and esplanade. In particular we’d recommend keeping an eye out for Rimski with his Bicycle Piano & Handkerchief, the Double Bassicle as well as roaming Pirates and Giant Seagulls!

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Variety Is The Spice Of Life!
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Introducing the very first Big Fringe Variety Show – A spectacular night of revellery and laughter from a selection of some of the finest acts at this year’s festival.

Can’t decide what to go and see? Join us in the Big Top on Sunday 25th July at 6.30pm for this unique extravaganza as we present a mixed bill of six new acts you wont want to miss, bundled together for the perfect night out! 

Your host for the evening… Joe Black!

Dark cabaret DRAG darling, musical comedy misfit and vintage vaudeville villain Joe Black will be master of ceremonies. Living somewhere between the stages of music, theatre and comedy, Joe Black takes an audience firmly by the hand and guides them into a place where the strange and unusual reign supreme. Sounds very Ventnor Fringe!

Eslie

Elsie Diamond 

Elsie Diamond is an international burlesque performer, cabaret singer and compere. Inspired by the music hall tradition of comic song, opera, pop culture and her background in costume design, Miss Diamond has an eclectic repertoire of sultry routines. Be it wartime classics, 18th-century satire or classic fan dance, Elsie will add a vintage sparkle to grace any occasion. We can’t wait to see what she brings to Ventnor! (You can also catch her full length solo show at the festival)

The Ventnor Darlings

Ventnor’s very own Darlings have been knocking about this old town for a long long … long time. They are regularly to be found in local establishments butchering the classics. Singing along is encouraged, if only just to massage their egos. Often to be described as ‘musically adequate, but always well dressed’, VD isn’t just an malady, it’s a lifestyle!

Fanny Quivers

Fanny Quivers is the Isle of Wight’s very own cross-dressing clown who needs practically no encouragement. This handsome woman is here to make you laugh and bring you some joy. Her specific talents are yet to be determined, but she can guarantee you’ll get a show… whether you want it or not!

The Oddfellas 

Having recently fled from Parts Unknown, The Oddfellas are returning to the stage once more! With their unnatural blend of magic, mischief, and mayhem we’re excited to be amazed and amused by their antics!

And Special Guest… Pat Gently

Last but by no means least, this is the one and only Pat Gently. We’re delighted to hear she’s coming out of retirement for a very special guest performance as part of the The Big Fringe Variety Show. Created by Ventnor Exchange especially for the festival. What an honour! 😂

Don’t miss out, book your tickets online here

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Explore The Art Trail
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One of the many wonderful things about Ventnor Fringe is all of the art on display for you to see. There are exhibition spaces across the festival, all of which are free to view!

Here is our top picks of some of the best pop up exhibitions to visit during the Fringe.

Art_house_life @ 35 Madeira Road is back this year with a tour of recent artworks that reflect loss, change & transformation for 7 featured artists. Tickets are free, but you must book in advance.

When? Everyday – 11am & 4pm
Where? 35 Madeira Road

Looking Out From Lockdown is Independent Art’s exhibition celebrating community creativity through Covid. The exhibition features works of mixed mediums, from sketches and paintings, to floristry, cake baking & installations, submitted by a wide range of artists aged from 7 – 87.

When? Everyday – 10am-5pm
Where? Ventnor Baptist Church, Pier Street

The Ventnor Artists Collective have an exhibition of paintings, sculpture, textile art, ceramics, and studio jewellery, all of which are for sale. There is free parking for visitors to the exhibition with access to the Cafe, and a separate paid entrance for the Gardens.

When? Friday 23rd July – Friday 30th July – 10am-5pm
Where? Ventnor Botanic Garden

Paradox Island is a print shop and alternative exhibition space featuring creative-recycling art and posters by award-winning model-maker Paradox Paul.

When? Everyday except Monday – 11am-4pm
Where? Paradox Island, Ventnor High Street

The Shed is a creative space in the courtyard off Church Street, where you can see and buy Arts and Crafts, cyanotypes, ceramics, succulents, and lots more. There’s also a mini exhibition celebrating the Greenham Common Peace Protest as it’s the 40th anniversary of the Women’s Walk from Cardiff in 1981.

When? Friday 23rd July – Saturday 31st July – 11am-4pm
Where? The courtyard off Church Street, through the alleyway next to Honeybourne Jewellery.

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Ventnor Fringe 2021: Everything You Need To Know
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With the Government confirming all legal restrictions on social distancing to end, we wanted to provide additional information on exactly what to expect at this year’s Ventnor Fringe.

We can’t wait to welcome you back with ten days of inspiring creativity after 15 difficult months. It’s going to be a particularly memorable moment and an extra special celebration this year. However, we know not everyone feels able to be among large crowds and while we are a relatively small event, we’ve been putting lots of planning in place to ensure everyone can take part, at a level that feels comfortable for them.

1.)  The Return Of Live Music

The lifting of restrictions means the return of standing gigs and dancing! It means shows with the likes of Gengahr, Do Nothing, Los Bitchos & Billy Nomates among others are all set to go ahead. We’ll only be operating one standing venue, Harbourside, and we’ll be recommending all audiences use the NHS Track & Trace QR Code provided at the venue. We’ll also be creating an extra seating space for those who’d prefer to remain further away from the stage but still listen to the music.

2.)  An Expanded Parkside

This year we’ve extended Parkside into more of Ventnor Park (It’s approx 3x the size!) to provide lots of open space for those wanting to soak up the atmosphere but keep away from the crowds. There’s lots to see and do, with live music on the Bandstand each day, a new bar, wellbeing sessions and an ever rotating selection of street theatre, buskers and traders or check out the ticketed shows in our tents.

 

3.)  Standby Tickets Are Valid!

If you’ve bought a ‘Standby Ticket’ for any event at the Fringe, these are now valid. Venues will return to full capacity, but we’re working hard to ensure good ventilation in all of our spaces, a maximum capacity in any one indoor venue of 200, and extra hand washing facilities available across the festival.

The vast majority of performances at the Festival are under 90mins, as recommended by medical experts, and while not compulsory the wearing of masks is very much encouraged for those who would like to.

4.)  More Street Theatre & Busking

If indoor venues or even tented spaces are still uncomfortable for you fear not as this year there will be more outdoor theatre and busking than ever before! Alongside daily music at Harbourside and the Bandstand in Parkside (Ventnor Park) performers will be spilling out across the town so keep your eyes peeled for acts in every direction. We’ll be publishing more information in the coming days.

There’s also ticketed open air theatre taking place in both Parkside and Ventnor Botanic Garden with shows like The Three Musketeers, The Puppet Van, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Treasure Island.

5.)  No Tickets On The Door – But A New Box Office In Parkside

To avoid congestion at the entrance of venues tickets for events will no longer be available on the door. You will be able to book right up until the performance online or in person from Ventnor Exchange (located 2mins walk from St. Catherine’s Church and Ventnor Arts Club) or our new Parkside Box Office, located near the main entrance to Ventnor Park and a few mins walk from The Magpie, Parkside Playhouse and Comedy & Cabaret Tent. Both festival box offices will have dedicated team members able to help you select shows to see, answer enquires and book tickets. Both will be open from 9am – 10pm each day.

6.)  Looking After One Another

It goes without saying that we all need to look out for each other in these unprecedented times. Please respect those who wish to keep their distance or avoid physical contact, as well as our amazing crew and volunteers who have had to learn many new processes and work exceptionally hard this year to be able to make Ventnor Fringe take place. If you feel unwell or start displaying COVID symptoms, please don’t attend the event and seek a test first. Test kits are available completely free of charge from any chemists and a list of common symptoms can be seen on the NHS website here. 

It is not compulsory to have been double vaccinated to attend the festival, but please do test regularly and whenever displaying symptoms.

7.)  Support The Fringe

Love the Fringe? Please do support the event this year. As with many arts organisations around the country it has been an incredibly difficult period and despite financial support from Arts Council England and the DCMS, which we are very grateful for, there has been considerable additional costs in putting on this year’s event, and losses from the cancelled 2020 festival. Every ticket sold, drink purchased or donation made makes a huge difference and this year is more important than ever to ensure our survival and recovery for years to come. There’s nothing on the Island (heck – maybe the world!) quite like the Ventnor Fringe. With your help we can keep this truly independent, creative and community minded event for the future.

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4 Shows That You Can Pay What You Like For!
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We know that everyone loves a cheap night out, so we’ve picked out four shows that you can pay what you want to see!

There’s plenty of funny, wallet-friendly shows to choose from at the Fringe! Here are four shows with ‘Pay What You Can’ tickets. Just book your free ticket online, and then make a donation of what you’d like to contribute at the venue.

Jimmy Andrex: For One Night Only…
Northern Beat Poet Jimmy Andrex presents a poetry double-header in our intimate venue, Ventnor Arts Club. Featuring Billy Baggins There and Back where Gawain meets Broadchurch meets Shameless. A Leeds burglar seeks redemption via the search for a missing toddler. A modern picaresque tale in Anglo-Saxon Verse form. And Stupidity is Not the Problem, based on Utopia for Realists by Rutger Bregman. A polemic in music and verse as to how poverty and inequality might be addressed via a Universal Basic Income. Book Tickets

When? Wednesday 28th, 7pm & 9pm
Where? Ventnor Arts Club

Emma Ashley-King: Accio Fandom
Straight from premiering at Brighton Fringe, Emma Ashley-King brings her pit-stop tour of fandom told through comedy and cabaret to the Ventnor Fringe. Accio Fandom is a show that pokes fun at herself/other geeks while being accessible to those who know little about it. A little surreal, lots of heart and all performed while cosplaying as She Hulk. Book Tickets

When? Friday 23rd July, 6.30pm
Where? Comedy & Cabaret Tent

Glen Maney
Glen Maney has played most of the top comedy clubs at home and abroad and has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy. He brings his unique look at how our lives have changed over his fifty odd years on the planet to the Ventnor Fringe Festival, in his one man stand-up show, A Dinosaur on the Isle. Book Tickets

When? Sunday 1st August, 10pm
Where? Comedy & Cabaret Tent

Kym Kym Nash: Talked Too Much, Stayed Too Long

Join comedian Kym Nash on a rollercoaster ride on how he grew up (physically), occasionally Talked Too Much & Stayed Too Long, and discovered we all have a dark side and are all equal… even you… laughs along the way too. Book Tickets

When? Friday 23rd July, 3pm
Where? Comedy & Cabaret Tent

 

The full ‘Free Fringe’ programme will be announced next week after the Government’s announcement on COVID Guidelines.   

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