We are jolly pleased to hear that at Paradise Green, preparations are well underway for this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Celebrating their 20th birthday they have put together one of their best programmes ever. With a diverse range of performances, from drama to cabaret to children’s shows, there’s never been a better time to check out the heart and soul of the Fringe.
Let them tell their story…
Paradise’s theatre programme is bolstered by an array of new companies and old hands alike. Perennial favourites Duck in a Hat Theatre return to our Studio space with their new adaptation, Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters. It’s not to be missed, as it promises to be another brilliant and hilarious hit.
In our beautiful Sanctuary space, we have Shakespeare on a Shoestring: Cymbeline! After a long hiatus, we are happy to see the return of Hopkins Drama Association to the Fringe, and excited to see their bargain take on Shakespeare’s attempt to cram 12 classic tropes into just one play.
Bringing their original work Fish Food to the Annexe are newcomers Avenue Stage from Boston. Mixing comedy, bittersweet observation, and a touch of circus into the brave new world of 1990, the production examines those tiny transformations that make up a life. Â
Nothing shows the diversity of the Fringe quite like the range of cabaret and comedy acts on offer, and Paradise Green is leading the charge. The show that everyone is looking forward is The Gin Whore Tour, presented by Katherine O’Neil. Telling the history of gin (complete with tastings), this promises to be supremely popular.
From the Welsh capital, we are playing host to Col Howarth: End to End, taking the audience on a hilarious, charming journey through a busy high street, and all the unusual characters and random tangents that spring up along the way. Easily one of the happiest comedians working today, this assured debut Fringe is utterly uplifting.
No Paradise Green programme would be complete without a roster of musicals for audiences to enjoy. With an impeccable reputation for successful musical theatre, Paradise always hosts a range of talented companies. This year, Norfolk YMT are returning to the Fringe with Made in Dagenham, the inspiring story of one team of women who fought for equal pay. Having received excellent reviews last year, we cannot wait to see this new production.
From the University of Nottingham’s Musicality team comes [Title of Show], yes, that’s not a sub-editor’s gaff, two struggling composers are even struggling for a title for their show. Ah, these post-modern ironists! A heart-warming comedy love-letter to the musical theatre genre. From a group that aims to encourage involvement in musical theatre for all, this show promises to be toe-tappingly tremendous.
Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts is the delightful Moonstruck Theater Company with Songs for a New World. With their interpretation of this multiple-plotted musical, the creative team aim to highlight the struggles of refugees and victims of war in the modern world.
