June 29 – July 29. A dazzling array of poetry, burlesque, comedy, opera, art, theatre, dance, music, kids’ events, workshops, talks and performances come to Guildford over July as part of the Guildford Fringe
Who would have thought a few years ago that the Guildford Fringe Festival would have more than 150 events being performed at 14 different venues for its 2018 vintage?
Even founder Nick Wyschna sounded surprised, as he kicked off this year’s month-long extravaganza at G Live, just six years after the inaugural, tentative start.
Pick up the Festival brochure in and around Guildford, or check online here for a tantalising glimpse of what’s on offer at this artistic smorgasbord.
Poetry, burlesque, comedy, opera, art, theatre, dance, music, kids’ events, workshops, talks – all highly original and often edgy performances, most with insanely cheap ticket prices, some free, and all completely accessible; a key element of the Fringe Festival for founder Nick and General Manager Charlotte Bateup.
From The Back Room off the Star Inn, to the Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground, BBC Surrey Radio Studios and the more conventional Yvonne Arnaud theatre, this year’s Festival venues are as eclectic as the events.
The Gag House Comedy Superstars launched the 2018 Guildford Fringe Festival in boisterous fashion.
I loved Ivo Graham’s self-deprecating 27 year-old posh-boy act, the favourite child invited to join his wealthy but careful parents on holiday. Sharing a bedroom. And with a rather revealing bathroom….
Matt Richardson ramped up the shock levels for the good clean-living people of Surrey with a tampon-centric routine.
Headliner Andy Parsons brought the cheers to a climax with his improvisational riff on the lady in the front row, who unwisely decided she needed a comfort break near the end of the performance.
And Zoe Lyons was the perfectly-pitched self-confessed Brighton-lesbian jam, as host of this tasty comedic sandwich.
A cracking start to the 2018 Guildford Fringe Festival. I’ll be reviewing another couple of this year’s events for Essential Surrey, and here is a review of a Fringe Festival act from a couple of years ago, to give a flavour of what original and entertaining performances you can expect.
No need to go to Edinburgh when such a vibrant and burgeoning Fringe scene is on our very own doorstep in Surrey. Go, you won’t be disappointed!
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