Fringe World, brought to you by ARTRAGE, is bigger, bolder and more gloriously bonkers than ever, set to transform Perth into a playground of wonder this summer.
Audiences can say “I do” in The Inflatable Church, rub shoulders with Kath & Kim in their suburban splendour, and be dazzled by ‘The Lady Boys Of Bangkok’. There’s Marvel heroes combining with primal circus, a speeding bus landing in The Pleasure Garden, and the Matriarch Of Twisted Pop Cabaret reigns supreme.
Thousands of visiting artists will transform Perth into a playground of laughter, wonder and love.
“The Fringe World festival has become a defining part of our summer in Western Australia – it’s a celebration of the talent we have here at home, as well as the extraordinary artists who come from across the country and around the world,” Minister For Creative Industries Hon Simone McGurk says.
“The Cook Government is proud to support Fringe World, not just because it brings joy and energy to our communities, but because it provides real opportunities for local artists, producers and creatives to grow their careers, and help support the State’s thriving creative industries sector.”
“From comedy to cabaret, theatre to circus, music to immersive experiences, Fringe World encompasses it all – it’s a festival that not only entertains but strengthens Perth’s reputation as a city for arts, innovation and opportunity, and I encourage everyone to join in the festivities.”
Stand-out production will hit the State Theatre Centre, including a vibrant Children’s Program during the school holidays, featuring multi award-winning looping artist Adam Page, Fringe favourites Trash Test Dummies Circus, botanic circus experience Bloom & Wonder, ‘Mojo & Jimmy: The Totally Awesome Magic Show’, and a full line-up of circus, theatre, comedy and music across the State Theatre Centre.
'Elixir' - Image © Sean Breadsell
The Pleasure Garden will return in full swing, with a packed programme and European Fountain Bar. There’ll be family entertainment, axe-throwing, a sausage sizzle, street performers, and ’Speed: The Movie, The Play’, where you can climb aboard a vintage bus for a shameless homage to the 1994 action thriller.
The Ellington Jazz Club returns with an eclectic music programme featuring 26 shows. . . A full music and comedy programme fills up The Rechabite. . . And The Ice Cream Factory hosts major headline acts.
The Blue Room Theatre will return to the Fringe in 2026, featuring its Summer Nights programme presenting cutting-edge, independent works showcasing the innovation and diversity of Perth’s performance scene. Fringe Town, in Perth CBD, lights up with activity across multiple venues like Liberty Theatre, Belgian Beer Cafe, Aces Cabaret, and His Majesty’s Theatre.
At the Liberty Theatre, audiences can look forward to the likes of cabaret sensation Reuben Kaye, the WA premiere of ‘Skinny’ by Michelle Pearson, The Inflatable Church, and more.
Among the world premieres taking place at Fringe World in 2026, the festival continues to champion Western Australian talent. 54 per cent of the programme will showcase the incredible local artists making the state shine. Fringe heads to the coast, with FringeConnect Stirling in Scarborough featuring 31 exciting shows.
Check out the full programme.
Fringe World Perth is on from 21 January-15 February.
