The 2024 Adelaide Fringe is bursting at the seams with more than 1,300 shows – a fusion of comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, visual art, music and more.
In 2024, Adelaide Fringe boasts 23 per cent international shows, which is a 5 per cent increase on the 2023 season. There are 703 South Australian shows making up more than half the programme, showcasing the strength of local talent.
There’s also a strong presence of First Nations in the Fringe across various genres, such as Marlon Motlop, Frank Yamma, Zenadth Kes Meriba Wed, Dupang Pangari (a camping festival and corroboree by Uncle Moogy) and the returning comedy sensation, Aboriginal Comedy Allstars.
The 2024 Fringe Ambassadors are Professional Basketballer and Cabaret Singer Isaac Humphries, Adelaide Fringe Icon Prinnie Stevens, and Aussie Chef Adam Liaw.
Programme highlights for next year’s festival include The Dome, a planetarium-style cinematic experience at Freemasons Hall featuring the immersive ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’; Natural Wonders, an outdoor art gallery under the stars at Adelaide Botanic Garden; SAGE 2024 for video game developers, players and fans; The Inflatable Church where you can get married or renew your vows; YOAH Circus from contemporary Japanese circus company; ‘LIMBO: The Return’ from the producers of the critically-acclaimed ‘Blanc de Blanc’, ‘The Party’ and ‘LIMBO’; ‘Beatles Dub Club’, the Glastonbury smash hit; Robo Bingo arriving fresh from Edinburgh Fringe; and ‘In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats’, an interactive VR spectacular.
Eleven per cent of the Fringe programme activates the regions including Coober Pedy, William Creek Hotel, Port Augusta Fringe, Duping Pangari and more. Fresh to the festival is Poppin Out, from the team behind celebrated LGBTQIA+ venue Mary’s Poppin – starring Cece Peniston, Sneaky Sound System, Anetra, and Kween Kong.
There will be more than 500 venues participating in the 2024 festival including The Garden Of Unearthly Delights, Gluttony, Wonderland In Hindmarsh Square, Holden Street Theatres, Rhino Room and The Lab.
“I’m excited to be an official Fringe Ambassador this year, but I think I’ve been an unofficial ambassador for years already. Fringe brings Adelaide alive like no other festival and I’m so excited to be a part of this year!” Adelaide Fringe Ambassador Adam Liaw says.
“I am beyond thrilled to embark on this journey as an Adelaide Fringe Ambassador for 2024, a festival that epitomises the global art and culture scene,” Ambassador Isaac Humphries adds.
“I’ve been a fan and attendee of Fringe for years and can't believe I've been given the opportunity to represent this festival that I love so dearly. To see my own show in the programme at Australia's biggest arts festival alongside some of the stars and icons I've been looking up to over the years is an absolute dream. A massive thank you to the Fringe team for letting me fly the flag this year as an Ambassador, I can't wait to champion the festival to every single person I can.”
Ambassador Prinnie Stevens adds, “I am over the moon to be an Adelaide Fringe Ambassador for 2024. As a performer, the Fringe Festival was my producer-debut. Since that day, my life has changed forever. I unlocked a talent and a passion for storytelling.”
“Growing up in an industry where artists were told what to wear, how to sing, what to say and how to act. I had finally found a voice and a freedom that I owe to this festival! I’m so passionate about not only creating a safe space for myself, but to open that same door for others. I believe strongly that black and brown stories need to be told by black and brown people. Allowing them the voice and platform to share it.”
The 2023 Fringe Festival sold one million tickets for the first time, and with more than 1,300 shows in 2024, the programme is set to captivate audiences once again.
“Next year’s programme is looking spectacular and I hope we can reach this incredible milestone once again,” Director and CEO Heather Croall says of last year’s big result. “We are gearing up for another bumper year, thanks to all the participants, the State Government, all our Festival Partners and donors.”
Adelaide Fringe 2024 is on from 16 February-17 March.
