It's almost time to delve into the world of fringe – Fringe World in Perth.
The full programme (more than 450 shows) is on sale from today (26 November), aside from a few more surprises in the coming weeks yet to be announced.
"We’ve made the 2021 Fringe World Festival the most supportive and flexible platform for our artists' work and we’re so excited that the festival will be a shining light to look forward to," Festival Director Amber Hasler says.
"For the Western Australian community, the festival is the best opportunity to celebrate summer, enjoy entertainment and connect with family and friends through the magic of live entertainment."
This year, 83 per cent of the programme features shows from WA, 6 per cent from overseas (who live outside of Australia but have been here since before COVID) and 11 per cent from interstate.
The Fringe World 2021 programme is heavy with must-sees at Fringe Hub, Girls School. . . Including the multi-sensory 'Ballads, Banksias And Beauty' by Jessie Gordan, and 'Action' by comedy king James Hancox.
Also at Girls School is a world premiere by local Indigenous group Kaylakoorl Collective called 'Fire'. It's an authentic look at sisterhood and culture. Meanwhile, for a bit of silliness, audiences can check out the charming Swedish clown Oliver Nilsson in 'The Baroque'.
The Woodside Pleasure Garden is arguably the state's favourite Fringe playground. Men Of The West will present 'A Day In The Life Of A Man', plus 'Rouge' returns for some supremely sexy circus.
Image © Rachael Barrett
'Worship – The Gilded Edition' is a gothic, performance art, burlesque circus show with a little extra something-something, and 'Have A Bath With Me?' is a late-night show from Perth cabaret icon Tomas Ford.
But it's not all for the big kids and adults – Fringe World has something for everyone. Join 'Vikings' Ulf and Ragnar on an epic voyage of circus and comedy across rough seas, or watch as Simone Springer finds the answer to the age-old question, who is better, parents or kids, in 'Kids Vs Old Farts'. Then, at the Y HQ 'Do The Hibble Hop' is a hip hop experience from artist, school teacher and counsellor Hesh Habibullah.
Sure, there are plenty of shows to see, but there also plenty of places to experience them – 93 in fact – all over the Perth metro area, including some new and some returning. These include the new State Of Play hub at the State Theatre Centre, featuring 'Dr Ahmed Gets Hitched – A Wedding Extravaganza!' with his epic retelling of his Greek-Pakistani-inter-faith-inter-racial-same-sex wedding.
Sublicious returns with a stellar musical programme, while the new Magic Nation hub is packed with comedy and magic and Aces At The Maj promises a quality cabaret selection.
New venues are After Dark (on the top floor of a formerly derelict building) and Rendezvous Hotel in Scarborough featuring a comedy programme and showpieces such as 'Crap Music Rave Party: The High School Ball'.
Fringe World has made some changes to support artists and customers despite the COVID-19 restrictions. Some fees have been waivered or deferred until after the festival, and artists have greater flexibility than previous years to participate.
