Culture

Earspeeled are back for the second year running after their sold out success last year with their Day at the Fringe show: a day festival within a festival! Headlined by Coventry based alt/indie band FEET, and featuring Fizzy Orange and Grandma’s House (both of which have graced the stage at Strings Bar & Venue), as well as Island favourites The Optimists, Froglands PK, and so many more. This isn’t one to be missed! – Saturday 22nd July 2pm-11pm at the Big Top (TICKETS)

Benji Waterstones is an NHS psychiatrist and award-winning comedian who’s show ‘You Don’t Have To Be Mad To Work Here’ was one of the very first to sell out this year. His top pick? “I’d say Vittorio Angelone, and not just because he’s a good egg who I play football with. He’s like the Matt Le Tissier of comedy; bags of natural talent, no censor, and only ever moments away from controversy. ” Vittorio is an Italian-Irish comedian from Belfast. In 2022 he sold out his debut run at the Edinburgh Fringe and was nominated for Best Newcomer at the prestigious Dave Comedy Awards. 

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Ahir Shah is a bit of a Ventnor veteran, performing at Ventnor Exchange and the Fringe many times over the years. He’s back with a full length solo show for the first time since 2019, which has predictably sold out ahead of the festival (although you can still get tickets see Pick of the Fringe which he curates and hosts)

Ahir told us “There are a bunch of fantastic comedians appearing at the Ventnor Fringe, and not enough space to recommend all of them, so I thought I’d recommend a show I won’t be able to see but wish I could: “Sara Barron: Why Am I Mean To My Mom?” Sara is a staggeringly funny and engaging comedian, as those who’ve seen her before or listened to her podcast Firecrotch & Normcore will know. Also we had a conversation a couple of years ago during which she described the process of falling in love with her husband, and it was so beautiful and perfect that I still think about it two or three times a week. That probably won’t be in the show though, I imagine she’ll just call him a dick and then describe a time she was mean – to her very own mom!”

Witty Look

Winner of Japan’s Children and Performing Arts Expo 2019 and featuring a former Unicycle World Champion, WITTY LOOK are taking the world by storm, with a show that fuses circus with Manga cartoons to deliver a masterclass in the universal language of laughter. 

Saturday 22nd – Sunday 23rd July / 14:30hrs / The Magpie / Book Tickets

Happy Daze Circus

Returning for a third year, come and experience a circus spectacular from Let’s Circus! Witness feats of skill, strength and awe, in a feel good cabaret to feed the soul, perfect for all ages.

The international cast returns with both familiar and new faces (Including a certain balloon act) in a brand new show! Two time Ventnor Fringe Audience Choice Award Nominees.

The company are also running FREE circus workshops. 

Tuesday 25th – Saturday 29th July / 14:30hrs  + 17:30hrs on Sat / The Magpie / Book Tickets

Darryl J. Carrington presents “Out of the Box”

Prepare to be amazed and entertained with ‘Out of the Box,’ a show that pushes the boundaries of traditional circus and takes audiences on a journey through a world of imagination and wonder.

In ‘Out of the Box,’ Darryl brings his unique style and vision to the stage, incorporating everything from traditional circus skills to modern technology to create a truly innovative and captivating performance. His juggling routines are both skillful and hilarious, and his comedic timing and physical comedy leave audiences in stitches.

Friday 28th – Sunday 30th July / 11:00hrs / The Big Top / Book Tickets

Peter Pan

Join Slapstick Picnic for a theatrical treat like no other as they whip up a three hander version of JM Barrie’s classic play Peter Pan.

Let your imagination soar as we dish out this timeless tale of hapless pirates, feral children and a particularly punctual reptile. This show isn’t just for kids, our brilliant buffoonery will have picnickers of all ages cackling into their coleslaw. Trust us, this is one flight of fancy you don’t want to miss.

Sunday 30th July / 14:30hrs & 19:30hrs / The Magpie / Book Tickets

Ticketing 

Is there a single ‘all inclusive’ Ventnor Fringe ticket? 

No, all events at Ventnor Fringe are ticketed individually so you can pick and choose whatever you’d like to see, and set your own budget. There are also loads of free shows and events to explore.

Why isn’t there the option for an all inclusive Ventnor Fringe ticket? 

Partly because the size of different venues varies considerably. Our smallest venue has a capacity of 10, and the largest 500, so we couldn’t guarantee which shows you could get into!

Secondly, the majority of the money from every ticket sold goes directly to the artist you are watching, so in choosing who to see you’re deciding who to support. Artists who do well are likely to return so the audience helps shape what the programme of the festival will look like. 

Do you charge booking fees?

No, we’re very proud to be one of the few events not to charge any booking fees at all. 

Can I get a refund/cancel my booking?

From the moment that the transaction is completed, all Ventnor Fringe tickets are non-refundable unless a show is cancelled or the particulars of the show change in a substantial way (For example, the date of the performance is changed) that results in you being unable or unwilling to attend, in which case we will let you know and reimburse the price of the tickets as soon as possible.

Can I amend by booking?

Tickets can be changed for a different date of the same show but will incur a £1 fee per ticket. This can only be done over the phone or in person at Ventnor Exhange of the Fringe Village Box Office Tent. Unfortunately we can’t exchange tickets for different shows.

Do I need to print my tickets?

In general when booking in person, over the phone or online you will be sent ‘e-tickets’ to the email address you provide. We do not post physical tickets in an effort to reduce waste.

All Ventnor Fringe venues will accept digital copies displayed on a phone or tablet to avoid you having to print tickets at home. If you loose your tickets you will need to show ID to be allowed entry. This must be a Passport, Driving Licence or Pass Card.

Physical tickets are available on request when booking in person from Ventnor Exchange if you do require these. 

Do babies need tickets?

You do not need to book tickets for babies ‘in arms’ who will be allowed into performances for free. Anyone who requires a seat will require a ticket. Generally we consider this to be those aged 2+ 

Do you offer concession prices?

Each individual show decides its own ticket prices and any concessions they want to offer. There are often discounts for children (normally this is offered right up to those aged under 25) and group bookings. 

Can I book tickets on the door?

Tickets can be booked online right up until the event, or until they sell out! If buying in person you can book tickets during the event from Ventnor Exchange or the Fringe Village Box Office tent at the main entrance to Ventnor Park. You cannot buy tickets on the doors of individual venues except for ‘Pay What You Can’ shows and the Silent Disco. 

At The Event 

Are age restrictions for events enforced? 

For theatre, comedy and arts events the age ratings of 5+, 12+ and 16+ are given as guidance to help parents, but we allow audiences to make informed decisions about what they feel is appropriate. 

For some standing gigs in the Big Top there is an age rating of 16+ and those aged under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Events which are 18+ will be enforced and ID may be required. This includes some gigs, comedy, cabaret and burlesque shows.

Can I walk between the different venues?

Most venues are centred within a 10-15mins walk from the town centre, or in the Fringe Village, which is located at Ventnor Park, approx 20mins walk from the town. 

There are a small number of ‘pop up’ venues and events slightly further apart. It’s about 40mins walk from Bonchurch (furthest east) to Ventnor Botanic Garden (furthest west) 

I’m going to arrive late, is that ok?

If you arrive late for an event for which you have tickets, you may not be allowed to enter. The venue decides whether or not to admit latecomers. It is your responsibility to arrive before or at the advertised start time. No refunds will be granted for refusal of entry to an event due to late arrival on the part of the customer.

Ventnor is particularly busy during the festival, and this affects travel times so please make sure you have enough time to get to your show. Often it will be quicker to walk than drive between venues. 

Can I bring my dog?

Well behaved dogs are welcome in all outdoor areas, bars and box offices. However only guide dogs are allowed into performance venues.  

Please note dogs will not be allowed in St Catherine’s Church for The Maker’s Market this year.

Are there any free events?

Yes, there are loads of free events taking place everyday as well as exhibitions and buskers round the town. When in doubt good locations to head to are the Fringe Square, outside St Catherine’s Church, and the Fringe Village in Ventnor Park.

You can check out listings for free events (more being added all the time) here

Culture Pass

What is the Culture Pass?

If you’re going to see a lot of shows at the festival it might be worth becoming a Culture Pass holder. This costs £29.99/year and gets you ‘2for1’ discounts to lots of events at the Fringe. You can see which events offer this to decide if it would be good value for money on the booking pages of our website.  

When booking with the Culture Pass discount you need to make sure you book using the same name and email address that you signed up with or your tickets may be void. The second person you take can be whoever you like!

What is an Unlimited Pass?

Unlimited Pass is similar to Culture Pass but offers more benefits and is designed for those who want to support Ventnor Exchange and our work. It costs £9.99/month or £14.99/month for a ‘Duo’ pass and gets you free entry to all shows at Ventnor Exchange throughout the year, as well as to a selection of events at Ventnor Fringe.  

Access

Do you offer any free tickets for personal assistants? What accessible facilities are there? 

Yes we do and we’ve created a dedicated page with information about this available here. If you have any feedback or feel there are things we could do to make the event more accessible we’d love to hear your feedback. We can be contacted by email (hello@vfringe.co.uk) phone (01983 716767) or in person at Ventnor Exchange which is open everyday from 10am.  

Join The Fringe Review Team!

14-17 Year Olds 

Aged 14-17 and interested in going backstage at Ventnor Fringe Festival? We’re offering the chance to watch a load of shows, explore the festival, and meet performers, all for free! As a member of the Fringe Review Team you’ll work in a small group to produce a podcast and online content about your experiences to be shared to Ventnor Fringe audiences.

Over the course of two days you’ll get free tickets to watch a variety of shows and learn all about how a festival works, as well as meeting artists, crew, staff, and performers who you’ll have the chance to interview.

You’ll be working together to create content for a podcast about your experience at Ventnor Fringe, as well as having the chance to write up some reviews/articles and social media posts. Your content will be published on Ventnor Fringe’s official website and social media!

This is a great opportunity to see loads of stuff for free, learn more about festivals and events, and make new friends!

Find out more and apply here

18-25 Year Olds 

For those aged over 18 we’re also offering the chance to join the Fringe Review team in a slightly different format. You’ll work in a small group to produce the Fringe Review Newspaper documenting your experiences, reviews and interviews, to be shared to Ventnor Fringe audiences.

Over the course of the festival, you’ll get to watch loads of different shows, as well as meeting artists, crew, staff, and performers who you’ll have the chance to interview. You’ll be using your time at Ventnor Fringe to put together content for the newspaper, which will be released every three days during the event.

We’ll create an itinerary for each day, but you’ll be given a press pass to give you free access to any of the events at Ventnor Fringe to be able to create content. You’ll have the freedom to go and explore the festival, with set meeting points throughout the day to come together with the rest of the team and put together your content for the newspaper.

Find out more and apply here

Volunteer At The Fringe

Another great way to get involved with the festival is to volunteer! If your over 18 you can apply to join the team, with common roles including helping out in the Box Offices and Stewarding, helping audiences in and out of venues and ensuring shows start on time.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, feel more involved with the event and a way to see lots of different shows, including some you might not otherwise have chosen to go and see. 

You don’t have to be available for the whole duration of the festival. You can volunteer on any specific days or evenings that work for you. 

Sign up here

“Extraordinary memories are made for me at each Fringe.”

2019: Experiencing the amazing Ines Sampaio perform ‘The Trial’ at Hygeia House.

2021: Stubbornly sheltering from torrential rain at Parkside Bar, drinking and chatting with wonderful creatives all day as it was the only whole day off I had that week.

2022: Telling my friends that in six months’ time I would be becoming a Dad.

This year I am very excited to be bringing my debut solo show, ‘Fake It Till You break It!’, to Fringe’s brand new venue ‘Boniface Studios’, and trying to catch as much as possible before heading up the hill to read my little man a bedtime story.

Andrew Butcher, Poet & Performer in ‘Fake It Till You break It! / Boniface Studios (The Hall) / 3pm / Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd of July / BOOK TICKETS

“Ventnor Fringe is bloomin brilliant!”

Untied Artists return to the fringe for a third time this summer, and this time it’s personal! Our show, The Head Gardener, looks into the benefits of gardening on mental health, and is performed by me and my brother Warren.

We’re Caulkhealds (born on the island), but I don’t get chance to come back much these days so it’s always great to combine performing at the fringe with a holiday back home.

Ventnor’s got everything – stunning coastal walks, the park and botanical gardens, the brilliant beach…Since we first brought a show to the fringe in 2011 it’s gone from strength to strength and we can’t wait to take advantage of seeing some of the other acts ourselves.

Jake Oldershaw, Theatre Maker and Actor performing in The Head Gardener / Boniface Studios (The Hall) / Weds 26th July / 3pm / BOOK TICKETS 

“Will definitely treat ourselves to a slap up meal at the Spyglass”

My wife and I first visited Ventnor in October when I performed at Quay Arts in Newport. It was my first time back on the Isle since a day trip when I was a student at Portsmouth 40 years ago! Our day in Ventnor was very wet so we decided to return this summer. As well as performing my show I’m looking forward to getting to know the place better. Will definitely treat ourselves to a slap up meal at the Spyglass and tea and cakes at the lovely Better Days café. Hope to take in a lot of shows too!

Mark Stratford, Writer & performer of Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend /Boniface Studios (The Hall) / 5pm / Sat 29th July / BOOK TICKETS

“I can’t wait to play the Fringe again”

… this is my second year and the band and I are really excited about trying out some tricky and playful new tunes!

As an Islander I love meeting new and previous gig goers and hearing their thoughts about the songs they’ve enjoyed afterwards. Also, this event gives me a chance to explore avenues in spoken word and the theme of nature that I love in the beautiful Ventnor location. Plus, we may switch up the traditional seating layout in Holy Trinity Church to add to the experience for those coming so watch this space!

Nina Ross. jazz singer / Holy Trinity Church / 7.30pm / Thurs 27th July / BOOK TICKETS

Day 1

Morning

Kick off the festival with a trip to Art_House_Life, a residential house at 35 Madeira Road which each year is completely transformed into an amazing pop up gallery space. This time they are opening 2 floors showcasing recent paintings, collages, assemblages, drawings & 3D artworks by Albedo Marz being displayed exclusively for Ventnor Fringe! Entry is free but you need to book here.

Afternoon

Continue the art trail with a trip past the Ventnor Giant (A three story mural created for the Fringe back in 2018) to Better Days Caffe to check out the Operation Geranium Exhibition.  Then it’s down to the seafront to watch Taroo – a free performance by Moroccan circus performer Said Mouhssine – a free runner, stage director, actor and stuntman who has created a special performance which will take place on Ventnor Esplanade to start the festival off!

Evening

Head out to the Fringe Village at Ventnor Park to see the amazing Flamingods in The Big Top! Definitely a party band that will appeal to fans of Tame Impala, Los Bitchos or King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. It’s a ‘pay what you want’ ticket price from as little as £5. We expect we won’t want the night to end so we’re budgeting to stay on for the Silent Disco afterwards! Tickets cost £3 available on the door.

Running total at the end of Day 1: £8

Day 2

Morning

Grab a cup of tea from Ventnor Exchange (£1!) then head over the road to the new Fringe Square, listen to some buskers and check for any bargains to be found at The Maker’s Market in St Catherine’s Church. Be sure to spend some time soaking up the atmosphere at The Book Bus, a beautiful 1930’s Parisian bus transformed into a book shop and quiet space to read and relax.

Afternoon

Take a stroll down to the Fringe Village in Ventnor Park and listen to some more music on The Bandstand, play some games or take part in a free circus workshop outside The Magpie at 3.30pm.

Evening

Treat yourself to a show! There’s loads to choose from but we’ve opted for ‘The Big Fringe Variety Show‘ which offers a mixed bill with a range of cabaret and burlesque acts from across the festival, hosted by breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2 Ginny Lemon. Ticket £15 with no booking fees!

Running total at the end of Day 2: £24 (including a cup of tea!) 

Tips For Keeping Costs Down

1.) £2 Bus Fares

Bus prices are currently capped at £2 per journey, so save yourself the fuel and parking costs and head to Ventnor on the bus. 

2.) Pay What You Can Shows 

Look out for a range of ‘Pay What You Can’ shows where you can choose your ticket price based on what you can afford. Most offer tickets from as little as £5. We highlighted some of the best to look out for here. 

3.) Invest in a Culture Pass 

If you’re planning to see a lot of shows and you’re good at booking in advance, it might be worth investing in a Culture Pass which costs £29.99 and gets you access to loads of ‘2for1’ deals. 

4.) Bring your friends along!

Many shows offer discounts for groups, so bring your family or friends along with you and make some big savings.

5.) Free Fringe 

Grab a copy of the Fringe Review paper from Ventnor Exchange or any of the main venues for daily listings of the free events taking place around the festival. There is live music performances in the Fringe Village and Fringe Square everyday. 

Flamingods

Combining Eastern and African influences, Flamingods are international psych explorers who will be bringing their unique sound to a special opening night concert in the Big Top.

Their 2019 release ‘Levitation’ released on Moshi Moshi Records was inspired largely by the disco, funk and psychedelic sounds coming out of the Middle East and South Asia in the 70s and a regular play in the background at Ventnor Exchange. New releases have been teased this month ahead of a new album slated for release in Autumn 2023.

Check out videos for Dreams (On The Strip), Olympia & Marigold 

Friday 21st July / 20:00hrs / The Big Top / Book Tickets

Sunday Shindig with Ushti Baba

A very special knees up the Sunday Shindig is brand new concept for 2023,  headlined by barn-stomping Bristolians Ushti Baba.

Offering riotous folk, fusing hypnotic pan-European melodies with modern dance rhythms that will get everyone moving! You can expect an energetic thrill-filled musical journey from this  Bristol-based 7-piece has been tearing up venues and festivals at home and abroad since 2013. 

They’ll be supported by The Kahunas, who use violin, guitar and vocals to create a stomping dance beat and have previously supported 3 Daft Monkeys, Tankus The Henge and The Laylines.

Check out videos for Ushti Baba & The Kahunas 

Sunday 23rd July / 20:00hrs / The Big Top / Book Tickets

St Catherine’s Gigantic Gala

A family friendly extravaganza featuring artists from across the festival in a special variety show aimed at all ages including children. This is a relaxed performance 

Even better, all proceeds from this event will be donated to St Catherine’s School, a Ventnor based charity that provides specialist care, education and therapy to young people with speech, language and communication needs.

Sunday 30th July / 17:00hrs / The Magpie / Book Tickets

2.) Bob – The Half A Sausage Musical 

Friday 21st July 2023 / 7.30pm – 8.30pm at The Magpie

After the Ventnor Fringe award-winning ‘People’s Republic of the Isle of Wight’ in 2021 and last year’s highly successful run of ‘Born to be the Weather Wizard’,  Joe Plumb is back with a bonkers new show for 2023!

This time it is bigger, better and more Isle of Wight than ever before with an all-singing, all-dancing, musical half a sausage spectacular…What could possibly go wrong?

Book Tickets

3.) Geoff Norcott – Work In Progress

Saturday 22nd July 2023 / 7.30pm – 8.30pm at The Magpie

Geoff Norcott is working up his fifth national tour show, following on the back of ‘Conswervative’, ‘Traditionalism’, ‘Taking Liberties’ and ‘I Blame The Parents’. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Geoff out on the road trying out brand-new material, ahead of it’s Edinburgh run.

BOOK TICKETS

6.) Richard Herring – Work In Progress

Thursday 27th July 2023 /5.30pm-6.30pm at The Nest

Richard Herring makes a return to stand up after a five year hiatus and will be trying out new material, probably mainly about losing a testicle, but maybe some other stuff too. Puppets may be involved. The show, Like Richard, is a work in progress.

BOOK TICKETS

7.) Drunk Women Solving Crime

Thursday 27th July 2023/ 9.15pm-10.30pm at The Magpie

Local Ventnor girl Hannah George brings her chart topping podcast Drunk Women Solving Crime to Ventnor for a live recording! With millions of downloads, sold out runs at Edinburgh Festival, and a monthly London residency, don’t miss your chance to see the Drunk Women on the Island!

BOOK TICKETS

10.) Glenn Moore – Work In Progress

Tuesday 25th July 2023 / 5.30pm-6.30pm in The Nest

Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Glenn Moore is a comedian, actor and one of the best and most prolific joke writers in the country.

Glenn’s 2022 Fringe show sold out with rave five star reviews from The Mail on Sunday, Chortle and The Courier, amongst a number of other publications. Glenn is a regular face on TV, having appeared on Mock The Week (BBC), The Russell Howard Hour (Sky), Guessable (Comedy Central), Rob Delaney’s Stand Up Central (Comedy Central) and The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2).

Now he’s back with a brand new show!

BOOK TICKETS

Families will be pleased to see the return of two time Audience Choice Award Nominees Let’s Circus to the boutique Magpie Tent with a brand new show Happy Daze. Also returning is award-winning Japanese duo Witty Look, whose on-stage characters jump right out of the world of manga and cartoons. Meanwhile The Handlebards turn their hands to JM Barrie’s Peter Pan in a special three-hander adaptation with their signature comedic style.

For fans of cabaret, breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2, Ginny Lemon explores the intersections of their working class identity, queerness, disability but with a distinct acidic wit, aesthetic and unique perspective on life have made them one of the UK’s most celebrated drag and performance artists in Pick ‘n’ Mix.