The Isle of Wight’s biggest arts festival, Ventnor Fringe, returns for its eighth consecutive outing between 8th and 13th August. As well as it’s colourful array of performances from across the creative arts, the Fringe hosts a whole host of shows and activities aimed specifically at families. Free Fringe Producer Luke Joynes takes a look at four of the best:
The Adventures of Prince Achmed
Parkside. Tuesday 8th August – 7:30pm. BOOK NOW
This beautiful shadow puppet performance follows the journey of Prince Achmed as he travels across the Middle East, to China and beyond. Musician Chris Davies reinvigorates the film with his skillful composition and live performance using a spectacular array of instruments from around the world. This unique performance is guaranteed to be loved by children and adults alike.
Bottled Up
St. Catherine’s Church. Saturday 12th (12pm) Sunday 13th (2pm) BOOK NOW
This contemporary circus piece uses juggling, cyr wheel and theatre to leave you both laughing and amazed. Bottled Up tells the humorous journey of two friends stranded on an island and what they did with half a bottle of water to share between them.
SESKA – Fruit Salad!!!
Pier Street Playhouse. Saturday 12th (2:30pm/4:30pm) Sunday 13th (2:30pm) BOOK NOW
Magic, mayhem and happiness are just three words that can be used to describe the comedy-magic genius that is SESKA. He leaves the whole family in stitches, making his performances at the Fringe always very popular.
The Water Babies
Trinity Theatre. Sunday 13th August (11am, 1pm & 4pm) BOOK NOW
Using long string marionettes and ghostly shadows, String Theatre perform a beautiful production following the life of a chimney sweep who becomes a water baby. Performed entirely to specially commissioned music, this show explores loss, friendship and transformation.
Of course this is just a few shows in amongst workshops, buskers, circus performers, musicians and a whole range of weird and wonderful surprises taking place across the Fringe, between 8th and 13th August. For the full programme of events click here