Friday 8
7 events
Space Hippo
Earth is dying. Nothing can be done. Our only hope is to launch a hippo into space. Along the way she will encounter new worlds, strange alien creatures and end up at the centre of an intergalactic war. Hilarious, weird and epic science fiction from Japan, experienced through award-winning cinematic shadow puppetry. The performers project over two hundred handmade puppets onto a large screen to create a live analogue motion picture before your very eyes.
A Small Town Northern Tale
Let’s go back to the 2000s. Lets ‘ed up North. Nokia bricks in every pocket. Myspace Top 8s. Lads mags. Kappa tracksuits… But what if you didn’t quite fit the mold? Meet David — 13, mixed-Jamaican-heritage, and newly uprooted from the city to a small, working-class Northern town where he sticks out like a sore thumb. As he tries to settle into his new life, dodging Myspace drama and dodgy fashion, he finds himself caught in an identity crisis he never asked for: slowly losing touch with his roots in a place that doesn’t quite know what to do with him. Funny, heartfelt and painfully nostalgic, A Small Town Northern Tale is a high-energy, one-man autobiographical comedy-drama that explores identity, belonging and cultural erasure — all told with sharp character work, humour and poignancy. Writer and performer Nathan Jonathan plays every character himself, celebrating the wild nostalgia of Y2K culture whilst interrogating how we remember these so-called “simpler times.” At its core, this is a Black-British coming-of-age story — shaped by domestic abuse and life in a country wrestling with race, class, and regional inequality. It’s about growing up in a world that keeps trying to tell you who you are — and learning to finally push back.
WANTED
Two girls from opposite worlds are fated to meet on the late 00’s queer scene. After quickly forming an inseparable bond over their mutual idols, Tony Soprano and Lindsay Lohan, Erica and Jessie are on a mission to avenge a world that's only ever left them wanting. And why the hell shouldn’t they? Life’s screwed them, it’s time to screw life right back. Their code? Steal from the rich and give to the poor (that’s them by the way). But just because Tony Soprano gets to do what he likes... can Erica and Jessie really rationalise their actions? From the creator behind the Fringe sensation, In PurSUEt, comes the hotly anticipated second show.... WANTED.
Don't Tell Dad About Diana
Dublin, 1997. Two friends prepare to compete for the crown of Alternative Miss Ireland with their Princess Diana drag act, under the nose of their hardline nationalist families. As they race through the city towards competition night, Diana's death sparks the unravelling of their secret, their friendship and their plans to leave Ireland. A high-energy, fast-paced two-hander packed with comedy, courage and coming-of-age chaos. After a sell-out London run, Don't Tell Dad About Diana promises to be one of the must-see debuts of the festival.
Foxdog Studios: Robo Bingo Kids
Ages 8 to 8,000: the thrills of bingo, robot frogs and low-cost prizes for the whole family. The UK's #1 IT consultants, Pete and Lloyd, present the perfect all-ages, interactive quirky bingo-based experience. Play using your (charged!) phone, but in a fun way! From the comfort of your seat, control the show, steer a robotic shopping bag and attempt to draw a perfect circle. Just bring your phone. There's no app to install, it works in your normal browser. No technical skill required; we'll get everyone connected before it starts.
Undersigned
An invocation, a blindfold and a pointed discussion. This deeply personal, psychological thriller for one offers infinite possibilities and sharp choices. Repeat visitors are forbidden, and nothing said here ever leaves. As such, in place of summary, Management offers you a deal: after your appointment, you can reclaim a portion of your ticket price - or add what the experience was worth to you. Management bets we will exceed your estimation. After three years of sold-out runs and critical acclaim (LA Times, No Proscenium), we make our international debut with limited engagement festival appointments. Opportunity waits; come take it.
CADEL: Lungs on Legs
The epic true story of the first Australian to win the Tour de France, live on stage. Performed entirely on a bike in an epic theatrical feat of endurance by acclaimed Australian actor Connor Delves. Pedalling non-stop for an hour, he recreates the thrilling journey of Cadel's 2011 Tour de France win, and all the triumphs, heartaches and sacrifices made along the way. “Connor's vision for this show is bold and exciting, and I'm thrilled to be involved from the start. He’ll be riding a BMC, just like I did (and do!), wearing the same yellow jersey I wore, and actually riding on stage every night... how cool is that? I love cycling, and I'm deeply honored that an Australian artist has been inspired to bring my story to life for audiences worldwide. I hope you enjoy CADEL, and I encourage you to support Connor and his creative journey in giving the show a long life. See you there!”– Cadel Evans