From April 4 to 15 2018, there’s something for all ages to enjoy including fabulous comedians, fun family shows, exciting workshops, and live music courtesy of The Groovy Pig Music Festival. Never has it been a more exciting time to for you to witness artists testing their new material and getting your feedback on their performances – you might find yourself watching the next Dara Ó Briain or Tony Award winner. Who knows!
Unlike some of the bigger events across the UK, the Swindon Fringe, or “the Swinge” as it is affectionately known, does not charge those who take part. Government cuts to arts funding means that money made from ticket sales go straight to the artists, to allow them to continue developing their projects and keep their tour on the move.
The Swinge welcomes both local and international acts and some of the topics covered in this year’s line-up are both daring and thought-provoking: The Casting is a slick modern drama examining desperation, greed and dignity, whilst I am not a Soldier is a semi-autobiographical account of one woman’s struggles with PTSD. Till Debt Us Do Part takes a humorous but profound look at money troubles in the modern world, whereas Connie’s Colander is an honest and intimate look at Alzheimer’s. Swindon writer Matt Fox’s brutally dark comedy The Ladykillers will be performed by San Francisco’s The Shelton Theater Company, and Swinge legend Rob Gee is back with his one-man show, Fruitcake: Ten Commandments from the Psych Ward.
This is your opportunity to watch acts perfect their material prior to the Brighton Fringe in May, the Greater Manchester Fringe in July and the Edinburgh Fringe in August. Most of the shows are paired together, giving the audience more variety and the acts the chance to network and possibly win an award.
The Swindon Fringe has grown phenomenally in both talent and vision since its inception. It was a local theatre producing company, Madam Renards, who offered their own home to performers and writers in Swindon for one night only, their aim being to showcase 5 to 10 minute pieces amongst friends and family. This event was nicknamed it the Mini-Fringe Festival and with laughs, tears and drinks shared, it turned into a successful event. Six years later it has now become the premiere Fringe festival in Swindon, running over twelve days and spanning across various venues.
One of the new locations this year is The Crossing in the Brunel Shopping Centre. Ideally situated in the town centre, The Swindon Fringe opening night will take place there on Friday April 6, and then the centre will play host to family-friendly entertainment throughout the rest of the festival. Children have the opportunity to see clowns and magicians perform their tricks and have a go at arts and crafts, whilst for everyone else there will be live music, spoken word and drama and improv workshops in the Arcade.
The Swindon Fringe prides itself in teaming up with like-minded creatives to promote new and exciting entertainment, and this year is no different – 2018 sees the debut of Shout Out Production’s FilmAtSwinge (International Film Festival at Swindon Fringe), from April 4 to 6. It’s a three day exhibition of Feature Films, Short Movies, Documentaries, Quick Clips and Arthouse from local, national and international filmmakers, and will be running over 5 sessions at MECA with audience members voting on the best films throughout. The winners will be announced on Friday 6 at the Swindon Fringe Festival Opening Night.
Participants include Alex Secker, whose film Follow the Crows recently had its premiere at Cineworld, Shaw Ridge. If you are a film fan this is definitely a must. For the opportunity to join in the fun and judge the films, grab a ticket before they sell out (More information on that later!). Come join the fun and help judge the films, tickets via Swindon Fringe Box office.
Highlights of this year’s Swinge include The Groovy Pig Music Festival at The Victoria on Sunday April 8. Back by popular demand The Groovy Pig will have something for everyone with a selection of Rock, Pop, Jazz, Reggae, Funk, Folk, Blues and Flamenco. Nine different bands will grace the stage in the back room of The Victoria, and people are welcome to pop in and out when they please so they can listen to music they enjoy or try something new – the bar is open all night. For all you comedy lovers there will be an Improv double-header at The Phoenix theatre, New College, and the Ocelot Comedy Night on Thursday April 12 at The Victoria.
The Opening Night at The Crossing will be a fun evening of drinks, raffles, prizes and entertainment provided by local musicians and stand-up comedian Tony Cowards. It’ll also be a chance to meet and greet some of the acts that will feature later in the week. Workshops in The Crossing and The Arcade include learning about drama with Peter Hynds, Juggling with Madi, and a Clown Workshop for Children by Swindon Fringe Festival Award Winner Bianca Bertalott. Don’t miss the quirky El Diablo of the Cards and PQA’s Dee Thompson narrating The Fairy Prince, also at the Brunel. Last but certainly not least, the Swinge will present SOLO2 – an eclectic dynamic afternoon of contemporary monologues/Solo performances, featuring a range of new writing, some being performed for the first time. The schedule on Sunday April 15 includes traditional and experimental character acting (from all ages 16+ and diverse characters), multimedia/film presentations as well as readings from award winning writers.
All tickets are available from the Wyvern Theatre Box Office. You can either purchase individual tickets or get yourself a platinum ticket (£50), giving you access to every show during the Swindon Fringe Festival. The Ocelot Comedy Night and The Groovy Pig Music Festival are offering a Pay What You Want system so you can give what you feel the performance was worth into the buckets provided.
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For more information, simply go to the official website: www.swindonfringefestival.com
