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Ever felt the hand of fate giving you a shove? Andrea Coleman has. In the form of three white guys named John – filmmaker John Hughes, musician John Mayer and rock star Jon Bon Jovi. Which is sorta unexpected because she's an American Black woman from the South. But at major turning points in her life, when she is paralysed with fear, they appear, giving her inspiration and courage. A heartwarming, life-affirming mix of comedy and storytelling about three very unlikely guardian angels.
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In a twist of fate, an ordinary man finds himself magically transformed into the Queen of the Carnival. With advanced age, abundant body hair and limited talents, he is an unlikely candidate. Praised as a 'whimsical tour de force' (Orlando Weekly), this non-verbal blend of clown, drag and queer joy reminds us it's never too late to embrace your true self. Created and performed by Edu Díaz, a Fulbright-awarded artist from the Canary Islands, A Drag is Born has won five awards, including Best Solo Clown (NYC Fringe) and Best Solo Show (Orlando Fringe).
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'I think pregnant woman are ugly. Well, not ugly, that sounds bad.' Sophie's stolen a baby. She doesn't even want a baby... but she knows that this baby deserves a good life and a good mother that doesn't deep throat fags and voddy-cokes. A Minor Theft is a comedy and a love letter to all those grieving deaths so painful they upend our worlds. The show is an exploration of infant death, working class on working class judgement and the strange things that grief makes us do.
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The play, staged completely in the dark and performed by a cast composed by both blind and sighted actors, tells the story of a maid and her employer who are undergoing cancer treatment at the same time. The two are at different stages of the disease, with the maid practically cured and the employer starting chemotherapy. Despite the delicate subject, the plot unfolds with great lightness, humour and sensitivity, deepening the discussion about the emotional, social and behavioral aspects of the disease. The plot is all about generosity, empathy, love, fear, overcoming, respect and self-esteem.
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Five stars! The winner of 17 awards in six countries. A global Fringe hit, GUMBO takes you on a surreal, hilarious journey through the wild world of WacDonalds. Meet a Japanese businessman, Trump and Krazy Kitty in this absurd, side-splitting comedy you won't want to miss! 'This kooky, edgy, cartoon-like show may be the strangest show' ***** (Edmonton Journal). 'Madcap, off-beat, but bitingly savage in its satirical approach, demonstrating American Globalization' ***** (BritishTheatre.com). 'Japanese Dadaist clowns' (12thNight.ca). 'The savagely surreal satire of Fast-Food Capitalism' (Orlando Weekly). 'The most in-your-face, outrageous, political and subversive show' (Orlando Sentinel).
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Have you got a wild side? Batty has – she dreams of running barefoot, wild swimming, of talking trees and the scent of the seasons turning. In fact she's wondering if she might be a witch... Join Batty and her companion Wildthing for gossip, gay abandon, exquisite tenderness and raucous stories (with a side order of ranting), as they explore the magic and power of ageing. This new production from Victoria Firth and Company explores the wildness – as opposed to madness – of women, and how our feral side can reconnect us to ourselves and our environment.
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1999. 2005. 2014. This sibling jumps through a timeline of growing up with a brother who has severe learning disabilities. Big Little Sister is a journey through surrealist storytelling, sketches and monologues, accompanied by the ethereal voice of her brother’s communication aid. But what happens when you're made to grow up too quickly? What happens when these memories aren’t all happy? When you are forced to address the future??Holly Gifford’s debut play is a tribute to all glass children. This is a story of shared madness, lack of control and abundant love.
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Georgina Musgrave is Big Red: Queensland's terrifying, hilarious, disgusting, lesbian ex-wrestling sensation!! This adopted Queenslander (via London) brings the pain, maim and brain to the 'ring' (stage). Bloody delights, cutting insights and hilarious smackdowns ensue. Expect oversharing, delusion and jokes that make you pause and then go: ohh... ha. The Big Red persona is an exploratory vehicle for the all too true and vulnerable facts of queerness, s*x and trying to survive an acute awareness that modern society's collapse is nigh. 'Musgrave is delightful with her self-deprecating humour' (Clara Santilli, LonelyArchaeologist.wordpress.com).
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A female street clown accidentally becomes famous overnight at Chickadee TV Studios as Chickadee the Sexy Clown. Her childlike mission to bring joy and connection into a world of chaos is misunderstood. She is heartbroken to be valued through her sexual appeal rather than her art of clowning. A clash between pop culture and the art of clowning. Where does the need to bring joy come from? Why become a clown when you can have a serious job? What makes your heart ache? Dare to be a fool with Chickadee?
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Studio
Aspiring nihilist (and accidental optimist) Wayne Stewart wrestles with meaning and purpose as he reflects on why he walked 650 miles across France alone in July 2021. What begins as a search for answers unravels into something far less certain – a journey of unexpected humour, heartfelt reflection and a peculiar obsession with the colour yellow. Blending storytelling, travel journal entries and song, Wayne's deeply personal yet relatable story explores mental health, resilience and the human need for connection. Chrome Yellow invites audiences to laugh, reflect and find comfort in the beautifully chaotic process of figuring things out.
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Studio
One courier. One impossible delivery. How far will he go to complete his order? Fresh from sold-out performances and five-star reviews at both Perth and Adelaide Fringe, Courier is a gripping dark comedy written and performed by Piers MacKenzie and directed by Rachel McMurray. Based on Piers' time as a Deliveroo cyclist, this solo show dives into a fractured mind where isolation, identity and obsession collide as the brakes come off. Strap on your helmets and grip those handlebars tight – this ride is full of sharp twists, sudden turns and plenty of bumps along the way.
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Even amongst the chaos and pain, there are moments of love and light. A one-man (and one puppet) musical journey through a zombie outbreak, combining live performance, puppetry and animation. Ridiculous, dark, sometimes gruesome, warm, funny and sad. Can the undead feel? Can the living understand? Is there a way out of this nightmare? Will you be forced – ultimately – to sing? 'Absurd, eccentric, funny, full of pathos and unforced allegory', 'Probably the most bizarre, clever, hilarious and weirdly endearing thing I've ever seen on a stage' (Audience reviews).
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Double Take weaves together stories that encourage us to look closer, think again and delight in the unexpected. Tasha and Becky bring audiences on a journey from a bus stop to the big bang, passing by a mid-flight superhero and returning to a hometown lake at sunset. It celebrates the capacity of the body and imagination, and reminds us of the power of simple storytelling. Join us on an adventure without a single spoken word. Tasha and Becky are founding members of Broken Box Mime Theater in NYC, which reimagines the art of mime for contemporary audiences.
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GO! is at the crossroads of contemporary dance, martial arts and digital technology. In a choreography impregnated by the martial practice of the two dancers, and accessible from age 7+, these universes meet and mix to create a duet that combines humour, precision of gesture and beauty of movement.
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A comedy cabaret like no other – exploring the 28-day cycle with music, mischief and menstrual mayhem. The Gynae Guru is on a mission to educate the masses. Come for the laughs, stay for the liberation!
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In 2023, my dad died. I didn't really talk to anyone cos I was busy playing online poker in my bedroom. Did okay though. I guess? Really. I'm fine now. Honestly. A Fringe debut from new company Don't Know What – How to Win 5 Grand on the Internet is a true, one-man comedy show about not talking, absent fathers, winning money and taking (un)healthy risks.
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Upside-down or right side up? On purpose or by accident? How do you like your eggs? From the mischievous minds of Full Out Formula comes I Think It Could Work, a daring and playful leap into the unexpected. With bright colours, dazzling acrobatics and unflinching trust, this Chicago-based contemporary circus collective invites you into a speculative world where your choices decide their destiny. It's circus like you've never seen before: live, improvised and unforgettable.
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Berlin, 1933. Heinz goes out to the cinema and never comes home. London, 2023. Clare claims the German citizenship her grandad Heinz gave up, but is it hers to take? In the shadow of Brexit, Clare shines a light on her grandfather’s extraordinary true story, taking a journey from the cabaret scene of 1930s Berlin to becoming an 'enemy alien' in 1940s Britain, getting arrested by everyone from the Soviets to Winston Churchill along the way. A vivid account of one Jewish refugee trying to find his way home, and his granddaughter searching for her roots.
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Can an Asian with a maths learning disability pass Nylon Tusk’s Mars Immigration Test? Welcome to an absurdist testing lab of dystopian speculations. Attempting to move to Mars via the Worker’s Visa, a woman with ADHD and dyscalculia finds herself in SpaceY’s testing lab. She fights through with her wide array of talents – striptease, beer pong and cheerleading – to not be the Asian failure who is just never enough. Is There Work on Mars? had a five-star run at Edinburgh Fringe 2024 and was nominated for Neurodiverse Review’s ADHD Comedy Award.
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A darkly comedic tale of Davies' nine years in LA, where she arrives full of comedy aspirations but leaves with absurd stories and survival skills. Stuck in a cycle of cringeworthy auditions, odd jobs and finally, a nanny gig with an Orthodox family in the middle of an expensive divorce. Meanwhile, the relationship with her abusive partner escalates from toxic to terrifying. When stalking, death threats and the prospect of carrying a gun to school pick-ups become her only viable option, Davies decides to escapes the chaos of LA and return to London.
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A thrilling, saucy rendition of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Macbeth. Picture the dark and twisted tale of ambition and betrayal reimagined with a sassy, sexy bluegrass flair! Award-winning theatre company, The Barden Party, is back with their signature blend of humour and heart, transforming Macbeth into an unforgettable experience full of music, mischief and magic. Imagine this: a talented troupe of travelling actors arrives, ready to perform Shakespeare's gripping drama infused with comedy, live bluegrass music, and all the heart you could need, as you become immersed in the scandalous, spirited and intimate world of Macbeth.
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Bennie really puts the ghost in ghostwriter. She writes suicide notes for a living. It’s soul-purging work, and her record of seeing people through to the bitter end is less than perfect. After a difficult meeting with HR (Death), she’s assigned a challenge to prove herself and keep her place in the Office. But she's landed an impossible client: beloved chef and TV presenter Anthony Bourdain. Bennie is torn, but Chef has unlocked a secret to the universe and can’t live to keep it. And if Bennie doesn’t see this one out, she’s going Downstairs.
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Megan is a perfect wife. Or at least, that’s what she tells her followers. But when 15th-century mystic Margery of Kempe starts haunting her, Megan begins to wonder if she’s losing her grip – or if Margery is really there. As their connection grows unnervingly intense, Megan finds herself drawn to Margery in ways she can't explain, where devotion and desire bleed together. In this darkly funny comedy-drama, an internet "trad wife" influencer's carefully curated life unravels in an unexpected clash of past and present. Meg & Marge explores faith, feminism and the perils of performative perfection.
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Country singer Marcy Aurora is out of prison after 20 years for murder, and she's ready for a comeback. You're in the studio with her late at night as she plays her guts out and raises hell. Singing, swearing, and sinning in a new play by Lee Papa, 'a tornado of a writer' (New York Times), and featuring Tennessee-born actor Biz Lyon.
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When Angelus bells meet Murder, She Wrote: singer Michelle Burke presents a rollicking, poignant tale of devotion, featuring moving statues, nuns and American cousins (with beautiful teeth and magazine hair). Directed by Gerda Stevenson, with songs from Burke's album, produced by Duke Special. From her great-grandfather's imprisonment for Irish independence to Uncle Pat's return on the day Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, Mind How You Go delves into the constraints of religion and strength of women, exploring what it means to be Irish in Scotland and the powerful call of home. Featuring pianist James Ross.
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'What if our aloneness isn't a tragedy? What if our aloneness is what allows us to speak the truth without being afraid?' A Jewish actor and predominantly Jewish team bring to life the story of Rachel Corrie, a courageous 23-year-old American who left her comfortable life in 2003 to stand between an Israeli bulldozer and a Palestinian home in Gaza. The script is based on Corrie's own words, edited for the stage by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner. This production offers an intimate, urgent exploration of resistance, hope and humanity in the face of injustice.
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Panoptikum amazes, entertains, and frightens. It has pace, humour and a strong theme with an emphasis on humanism. Thrilling, impressive dance which is an expression of total theatre, invites the spectator to a mystically decadent, visually compact freak show, over which the magical theatre dust of something ancient hovers. The world, inspired by the phenomenon of the nineteenth century, says a lot about our contemporary world. Panoptikum is about the fear of the stranger and the unknown, but also courage and hope. The multi award-winning dance theatre company returns to the Fringe! The Theatre Newspaper Award. Thalia Award Nominee.
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Shh... What's that noise? A squeak? A squeal? A bird? It's getting louder. Oh dear... Pekku takes a playful look at what happens when you want to be left alone and others have a different idea. A new show for 3 to 6-year-olds by the creators of White and Stick by Me. Co-commissioned by Red Bridge Arts, ROHM Theatre and Ricca Ricca Festival. Produced by Red Bridge Arts. Part of Made in Scotland showcase. MadeInScotlandShowcase.com.
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Rita is an immigrant. She works at a mortuary and runs a support forum for people who have been buried alive. But can she practice what she preaches? Because the thing is, she just buried her ex alive. A dark comedy one woman show about grief, love and loss. The choices we make, the decisions made for us and the prices we all pay as a consequence. It won't kill you to get a ticket – we promise!
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Sequined seductress Entendre Entendre invites you to the launch of her memoir, SMUT – a riotous recounting of her many (many!) lovers. Through song, striptease and spoken word, Entendre bares it all: the triumphs, the trainwrecks and the toe-curling truths of her romantic escapades. Lucky audience members may leave with a signed copy of her memoir... or an invitation to her boudoir. Written/performed by Bryn Woznicki, directed by Rachel Resnik.
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Shell is a fantastical one person show that weaves between realities and awakens a wanting you may have forgotten was there. Hockey bro Andy is leading a new sex ed club to B(reak) R(eproductive) O(ppression). The Peanut in his hockey bag is hungry for your desires. And the performer beneath it all is cracking open. Part play, part interactive workshop, part unleashing, Shell confronts us with what we know and don’t know about our bodies, their power and what happens when we truly ask for what we want.
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A celebration of Jewish Identity, girlhood, and community mourning. Can one Jewish comedian relate herself to Anne Frank? Although one of the most famous and recognisable young women in the world, Frank's legacy is often simplified so she can remain a saintly beacon from one of humanity's darkest chapters. Now that we find ourselves in yet another dark chapter, come laugh, celebrate, and mourn as filtered through her nose-job, Bat Mitzvah, and a one-night stand with a German. She's trying to meet the moment but showing up fashionably late (with snacks) instead.
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A young man embarks on a thrilling journey from his small hometown to the big city, where he finds solace and joy in the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. However, his adventure takes a dramatic turn as he confronts a terrifying health crisis, largely ignored by the government. Eight electrifying dancers bring the legendary Paradise Nightclub to life with a community cast, who blur the lines between performer and audience, infusing the show with the joy and chaos of the club scene. Winner of the Creative Arts Award at the 2024 Proud Scotland Awards.
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Can (online) dating help bridge political divides? In Swiping Right, Sophie Anna Veelenturf explores what happens when political opposites connect. How do ideology and beliefs shape our desires and relationships? How do we navigate between attraction and resistance? Drawing on her own experience of doomed dates with conservative men, the self-proclaimed 'leftie' brings her personal quest to the stage. As Artist in Residence with renowned Belgian theatre company BERLIN, she blends stand-up, documentary theatre and re-enacted interviews with dates, couples and experts. With humour and sharp dialogue, she delivers a bold, intimate dive into love and politics.
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This live docu-series follows the life of Coral and Gil. Two fish, a tank and a rocky relationship! Come dive into the freshwater wreaking with undeniable pheromones, fake plants and many a word left unspoken. Welcome to TANKED: Home? or Habitat. TANKED explores the dichotomy of love and fear within a relationship, through an anthropomorphic approach. Prompting the notion of looking at a relationship through a fishbowl, all of which is captured through a documentarian lens, and clowning style.
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Tale of a Potato is an original show set on a wooden table, with dirt, a knife and real vegetables. We follow the life of Protagonist, a potato, observing its feelings and relationships in a world inhabited by other tubers, characters in a quirky and engaging narrative. We see Protagonist being born, falling in love, working: enormous steps, especially for a vegetable. A new immersive tabletop show by Batisfera, authors of the miniature epic drama The Gummy Bears' Great War, a moving tale on the seasons of life.
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Step into a world where the boundaries between audience and performers dissolve. Eight-time Fringe First-winning theatre company Ontroerend Goed transforms traditional theatre into an experience that playfully shifts perspectives through video. Despite its interactive nature, you're free to simply observe as the performers navigate the space. This isn't about putting you on the spot – it's about recognising that without you, there is no theatre. Thanks for Being Here isn't just a show – it's a celebration of your presence. 'Radically hopeful' **** (DeMorgen.be).
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The Ego is a bold and humorous theatre performance by Anemone Valcke and Verona Verbakel (known from Sirens by Ontroerend Goed). They explore how transgressive behavior, internalised misogyny and #MeToo shape their lives. With two chairs, a screen and sharp wit, they share real stories with shameless honesty. Blending dry humour and tragically comic film clips, the show is both confronting and entertaining. Without blaming victims or pointing fingers at perpetrators, The Ego humorously exposes the dysfunctional system behind such behavior, inviting the audience to reflect on power, complicity and credibility.
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At dawn, the nation of the Gummy Bears declares war against the nation of the Dinosaurs. There will be a battle, and the gummies will prepare for war, and the dinosaurs will win the fight. But even if the outcome is tragically obvious the question remains: what makes the candies so obstinate? The Gummy Bears' Great War is an object theatre show that takes place on a table, with real candies, small lights and few spectators; an existential tragicomedy about our search for meaning. 'A midget gem of a show' (Telegraph).
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A memory: South London reggae pioneer Sutara Gayle AKA Lorna Gee hears her radio debut from Holloway Prison. Another: She's engulfed in the Brixton uprising sparked by the police shooting of her sister. And now she is here, a silent retreat, seeking spiritual guidance from her brother Mooji and ancestor Nanny of the Maroons, and a moment of transcendence. Powered by high-octane musical numbers and a virtuoso performance, the critically acclaimed, award-winning The Legends of Them is a breathtaking, roof-raising chronicle of Sutara's singular, extraordinary life.
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Joanna has always spoken her mind. When she unexpectedly becomes Queen, her father and husband are determined to silence her. She went down in history as Joanna the Mad – what if she wasn't insane, but furious? SIX meets Sondheim in this dark saga inspired by Catherine of Aragon's older sister. Featuring Locked Away, Stiles & Drewe Best New Song Prize finalist 2024. 'Funny, heartbreaking and rage-inducing' **** (AdventuresInTheatreland.com). 'Mmm, defiance!' (Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2). 'Evokes a classic theatrical sound... lilting melodies which melt into dissonant, menacing lullabies' (TheatreAndTonic.co.uk).
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For those that missed Lewis' entirely sold-out run in 2024, you're in luck – his life-changingly beautiful show is back, reduxed – if you managed to snag a ticket last time to this multi award-winning, highly decorated work, you're in for a surprise: Lewis has choreographed a new opening so the triple bill is now wholly his. See 'intense movers trip the light fantastic' (Guardian) for the last time before Lewis answers the call of the International Festival. A collocation of sound, light, movement, space, shape and form guaranteed to stir the emotions.
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Main House
'Why I shot Andy Warhol and other chit-chat' Nona Demey Gallagher and Lieselot Siddiki are bringing Up Your Ass, Valerie Solanas' infamous 1965 comedy. The text has had a controversial status in the feminist and queer community for years, and is now seeing the international theatre light for the first time. Valerie Solanas is best known for her attack on Andy Warhol, after he refused to produce Up Your Ass. The directors got in close contact with Solanas' last living relative and were the first and only ones to get permission to perform the play.
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Follow the scandalous true story of Suffragette-turned-fascist Mary Richardson in this time-bending cabaret. Award-winning company IMPERMANENCE bring you a high-octane dance theatre experience exploring the chaos and turmoil of the early 20th-century. Featuring six chameleonic dancers, VENUS 2.0 is a white-knuckle ride through the evolution of Fascism. Enter a world of explosive physicality, hilarious cabaret and an obsession with the future. Why did it start? How does it stop? Where does it end? Fringe favourites IMPERMANENCE have been making groundbreaking productions since 2011, don’t miss this spectacle on the best stage for dance at the festival.
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Masterful storytelling, daring dance and subversively stupid conversations from this unstoppable artist. Watch It! is an entertaining, tightly organised game show for one about identity, personal truth and political ideology. 'Superbly written and flawlessly delivered in the manner of an accomplished stand-up comedian. It's punchy and full of wit' (Gramilano.com). Wendy Houstoun teams up with Kate Champion (Australia) and Hannes Langolf (UK, Germany) to create this personal and irreverent solo. Made with financial support as part of DV8 Physical Theatre's Legacy Commissions.
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KISS explores what happens when women enter a world created by men. What is it like to be expected to act like the men around them? Is it possible for them to find their own expression in world of raw physicality, ego battles and cheesy dad humour? Or is the air coming out of the balloon? Get ready for a powerful performance filled with quirky stunts and mental courage as the three female performers step out of their comfort zones to take on DON GNU's testosterone-fueled action universe.
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Main House
Chaos. Rebellion. A city on the brink. But Millie's focused on living life to the full – who wouldn't? Amid the 2019 Hong Kong protests, Millie searches for her sense of home whilst a city fights for its identity. A high-energy, visceral new play inspired by real events. With original sound design blending euphoric techno and the intensity of a Hong Kong riot, enter Millie's world where being an outsider has always been the norm. Written and performed by Mimi Martin, she's bold, rebellious and impossible to resist. 'I can be the foreign devil if they want'.
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Ever felt the hand of fate giving you a shove? Andrea Coleman has. In the form of three white guys named John – filmmaker John Hughes, musician John Mayer and rock star Jon Bon Jovi. Which is sorta unexpected because she's an American Black woman from the South. But at major turning points in her life, when she is paralysed with fear, they appear, giving her inspiration and courage. A heartwarming, life-affirming mix of comedy and storytelling about three very unlikely guardian angels.
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In a twist of fate, an ordinary man finds himself magically transformed into the Queen of the Carnival. With advanced age, abundant body hair and limited talents, he is an unlikely candidate. Praised as a 'whimsical tour de force' (Orlando Weekly), this non-verbal blend of clown, drag and queer joy reminds us it's never too late to embrace your true self. Created and performed by Edu Díaz, a Fulbright-awarded artist from the Canary Islands, A Drag is Born has won five awards, including Best Solo Clown (NYC Fringe) and Best Solo Show (Orlando Fringe).
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'I think pregnant woman are ugly. Well, not ugly, that sounds bad.' Sophie's stolen a baby. She doesn't even want a baby... but she knows that this baby deserves a good life and a good mother that doesn't deep throat fags and voddy-cokes. A Minor Theft is a comedy and a love letter to all those grieving deaths so painful they upend our worlds. The show is an exploration of infant death, working class on working class judgement and the strange things that grief makes us do.
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The play, staged completely in the dark and performed by a cast composed by both blind and sighted actors, tells the story of a maid and her employer who are undergoing cancer treatment at the same time. The two are at different stages of the disease, with the maid practically cured and the employer starting chemotherapy. Despite the delicate subject, the plot unfolds with great lightness, humour and sensitivity, deepening the discussion about the emotional, social and behavioral aspects of the disease. The plot is all about generosity, empathy, love, fear, overcoming, respect and self-esteem.
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Five stars! The winner of 17 awards in six countries. A global Fringe hit, GUMBO takes you on a surreal, hilarious journey through the wild world of WacDonalds. Meet a Japanese businessman, Trump and Krazy Kitty in this absurd, side-splitting comedy you won't want to miss! 'This kooky, edgy, cartoon-like show may be the strangest show' ***** (Edmonton Journal). 'Madcap, off-beat, but bitingly savage in its satirical approach, demonstrating American Globalization' ***** (BritishTheatre.com). 'Japanese Dadaist clowns' (12thNight.ca). 'The savagely surreal satire of Fast-Food Capitalism' (Orlando Weekly). 'The most in-your-face, outrageous, political and subversive show' (Orlando Sentinel).
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Have you got a wild side? Batty has – she dreams of running barefoot, wild swimming, of talking trees and the scent of the seasons turning. In fact she's wondering if she might be a witch... Join Batty and her companion Wildthing for gossip, gay abandon, exquisite tenderness and raucous stories (with a side order of ranting), as they explore the magic and power of ageing. This new production from Victoria Firth and Company explores the wildness – as opposed to madness – of women, and how our feral side can reconnect us to ourselves and our environment.
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1999. 2005. 2014. This sibling jumps through a timeline of growing up with a brother who has severe learning disabilities. Big Little Sister is a journey through surrealist storytelling, sketches and monologues, accompanied by the ethereal voice of her brother’s communication aid. But what happens when you're made to grow up too quickly? What happens when these memories aren’t all happy? When you are forced to address the future??Holly Gifford’s debut play is a tribute to all glass children. This is a story of shared madness, lack of control and abundant love.
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Georgina Musgrave is Big Red: Queensland's terrifying, hilarious, disgusting, lesbian ex-wrestling sensation!! This adopted Queenslander (via London) brings the pain, maim and brain to the 'ring' (stage). Bloody delights, cutting insights and hilarious smackdowns ensue. Expect oversharing, delusion and jokes that make you pause and then go: ohh... ha. The Big Red persona is an exploratory vehicle for the all too true and vulnerable facts of queerness, s*x and trying to survive an acute awareness that modern society's collapse is nigh. 'Musgrave is delightful with her self-deprecating humour' (Clara Santilli, LonelyArchaeologist.wordpress.com).
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A female street clown accidentally becomes famous overnight at Chickadee TV Studios as Chickadee the Sexy Clown. Her childlike mission to bring joy and connection into a world of chaos is misunderstood. She is heartbroken to be valued through her sexual appeal rather than her art of clowning. A clash between pop culture and the art of clowning. Where does the need to bring joy come from? Why become a clown when you can have a serious job? What makes your heart ache? Dare to be a fool with Chickadee?
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Studio
Aspiring nihilist (and accidental optimist) Wayne Stewart wrestles with meaning and purpose as he reflects on why he walked 650 miles across France alone in July 2021. What begins as a search for answers unravels into something far less certain – a journey of unexpected humour, heartfelt reflection and a peculiar obsession with the colour yellow. Blending storytelling, travel journal entries and song, Wayne's deeply personal yet relatable story explores mental health, resilience and the human need for connection. Chrome Yellow invites audiences to laugh, reflect and find comfort in the beautifully chaotic process of figuring things out.
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Studio
One courier. One impossible delivery. How far will he go to complete his order? Fresh from sold-out performances and five-star reviews at both Perth and Adelaide Fringe, Courier is a gripping dark comedy written and performed by Piers MacKenzie and directed by Rachel McMurray. Based on Piers' time as a Deliveroo cyclist, this solo show dives into a fractured mind where isolation, identity and obsession collide as the brakes come off. Strap on your helmets and grip those handlebars tight – this ride is full of sharp twists, sudden turns and plenty of bumps along the way.
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Even amongst the chaos and pain, there are moments of love and light. A one-man (and one puppet) musical journey through a zombie outbreak, combining live performance, puppetry and animation. Ridiculous, dark, sometimes gruesome, warm, funny and sad. Can the undead feel? Can the living understand? Is there a way out of this nightmare? Will you be forced – ultimately – to sing? 'Absurd, eccentric, funny, full of pathos and unforced allegory', 'Probably the most bizarre, clever, hilarious and weirdly endearing thing I've ever seen on a stage' (Audience reviews).
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Double Take weaves together stories that encourage us to look closer, think again and delight in the unexpected. Tasha and Becky bring audiences on a journey from a bus stop to the big bang, passing by a mid-flight superhero and returning to a hometown lake at sunset. It celebrates the capacity of the body and imagination, and reminds us of the power of simple storytelling. Join us on an adventure without a single spoken word. Tasha and Becky are founding members of Broken Box Mime Theater in NYC, which reimagines the art of mime for contemporary audiences.
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GO! is at the crossroads of contemporary dance, martial arts and digital technology. In a choreography impregnated by the martial practice of the two dancers, and accessible from age 7+, these universes meet and mix to create a duet that combines humour, precision of gesture and beauty of movement.
ZOO Southside
Main House
A comedy cabaret like no other – exploring the 28-day cycle with music, mischief and menstrual mayhem. The Gynae Guru is on a mission to educate the masses. Come for the laughs, stay for the liberation!
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In 2023, my dad died. I didn't really talk to anyone cos I was busy playing online poker in my bedroom. Did okay though. I guess? Really. I'm fine now. Honestly. A Fringe debut from new company Don't Know What – How to Win 5 Grand on the Internet is a true, one-man comedy show about not talking, absent fathers, winning money and taking (un)healthy risks.
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Upside-down or right side up? On purpose or by accident? How do you like your eggs? From the mischievous minds of Full Out Formula comes I Think It Could Work, a daring and playful leap into the unexpected. With bright colours, dazzling acrobatics and unflinching trust, this Chicago-based contemporary circus collective invites you into a speculative world where your choices decide their destiny. It's circus like you've never seen before: live, improvised and unforgettable.
ZOO Southside
Main House
Berlin, 1933. Heinz goes out to the cinema and never comes home. London, 2023. Clare claims the German citizenship her grandad Heinz gave up, but is it hers to take? In the shadow of Brexit, Clare shines a light on her grandfather’s extraordinary true story, taking a journey from the cabaret scene of 1930s Berlin to becoming an 'enemy alien' in 1940s Britain, getting arrested by everyone from the Soviets to Winston Churchill along the way. A vivid account of one Jewish refugee trying to find his way home, and his granddaughter searching for her roots.
ZOO Southside
Studio
Can an Asian with a maths learning disability pass Nylon Tusk’s Mars Immigration Test? Welcome to an absurdist testing lab of dystopian speculations. Attempting to move to Mars via the Worker’s Visa, a woman with ADHD and dyscalculia finds herself in SpaceY’s testing lab. She fights through with her wide array of talents – striptease, beer pong and cheerleading – to not be the Asian failure who is just never enough. Is There Work on Mars? had a five-star run at Edinburgh Fringe 2024 and was nominated for Neurodiverse Review’s ADHD Comedy Award.
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A darkly comedic tale of Davies' nine years in LA, where she arrives full of comedy aspirations but leaves with absurd stories and survival skills. Stuck in a cycle of cringeworthy auditions, odd jobs and finally, a nanny gig with an Orthodox family in the middle of an expensive divorce. Meanwhile, the relationship with her abusive partner escalates from toxic to terrifying. When stalking, death threats and the prospect of carrying a gun to school pick-ups become her only viable option, Davies decides to escapes the chaos of LA and return to London.
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A thrilling, saucy rendition of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Macbeth. Picture the dark and twisted tale of ambition and betrayal reimagined with a sassy, sexy bluegrass flair! Award-winning theatre company, The Barden Party, is back with their signature blend of humour and heart, transforming Macbeth into an unforgettable experience full of music, mischief and magic. Imagine this: a talented troupe of travelling actors arrives, ready to perform Shakespeare's gripping drama infused with comedy, live bluegrass music, and all the heart you could need, as you become immersed in the scandalous, spirited and intimate world of Macbeth.
ZOO Southside
Studio
Bennie really puts the ghost in ghostwriter. She writes suicide notes for a living. It’s soul-purging work, and her record of seeing people through to the bitter end is less than perfect. After a difficult meeting with HR (Death), she’s assigned a challenge to prove herself and keep her place in the Office. But she's landed an impossible client: beloved chef and TV presenter Anthony Bourdain. Bennie is torn, but Chef has unlocked a secret to the universe and can’t live to keep it. And if Bennie doesn’t see this one out, she’s going Downstairs.
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Megan is a perfect wife. Or at least, that’s what she tells her followers. But when 15th-century mystic Margery of Kempe starts haunting her, Megan begins to wonder if she’s losing her grip – or if Margery is really there. As their connection grows unnervingly intense, Megan finds herself drawn to Margery in ways she can't explain, where devotion and desire bleed together. In this darkly funny comedy-drama, an internet "trad wife" influencer's carefully curated life unravels in an unexpected clash of past and present. Meg & Marge explores faith, feminism and the perils of performative perfection.
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Country singer Marcy Aurora is out of prison after 20 years for murder, and she's ready for a comeback. You're in the studio with her late at night as she plays her guts out and raises hell. Singing, swearing, and sinning in a new play by Lee Papa, 'a tornado of a writer' (New York Times), and featuring Tennessee-born actor Biz Lyon.
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When Angelus bells meet Murder, She Wrote: singer Michelle Burke presents a rollicking, poignant tale of devotion, featuring moving statues, nuns and American cousins (with beautiful teeth and magazine hair). Directed by Gerda Stevenson, with songs from Burke's album, produced by Duke Special. From her great-grandfather's imprisonment for Irish independence to Uncle Pat's return on the day Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, Mind How You Go delves into the constraints of religion and strength of women, exploring what it means to be Irish in Scotland and the powerful call of home. Featuring pianist James Ross.
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'What if our aloneness isn't a tragedy? What if our aloneness is what allows us to speak the truth without being afraid?' A Jewish actor and predominantly Jewish team bring to life the story of Rachel Corrie, a courageous 23-year-old American who left her comfortable life in 2003 to stand between an Israeli bulldozer and a Palestinian home in Gaza. The script is based on Corrie's own words, edited for the stage by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner. This production offers an intimate, urgent exploration of resistance, hope and humanity in the face of injustice.
ZOO Southside
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Panoptikum amazes, entertains, and frightens. It has pace, humour and a strong theme with an emphasis on humanism. Thrilling, impressive dance which is an expression of total theatre, invites the spectator to a mystically decadent, visually compact freak show, over which the magical theatre dust of something ancient hovers. The world, inspired by the phenomenon of the nineteenth century, says a lot about our contemporary world. Panoptikum is about the fear of the stranger and the unknown, but also courage and hope. The multi award-winning dance theatre company returns to the Fringe! The Theatre Newspaper Award. Thalia Award Nominee.
ZOO Southside
Main House
Shh... What's that noise? A squeak? A squeal? A bird? It's getting louder. Oh dear... Pekku takes a playful look at what happens when you want to be left alone and others have a different idea. A new show for 3 to 6-year-olds by the creators of White and Stick by Me. Co-commissioned by Red Bridge Arts, ROHM Theatre and Ricca Ricca Festival. Produced by Red Bridge Arts. Part of Made in Scotland showcase. MadeInScotlandShowcase.com.
ZOO Southside
Main House
Rita is an immigrant. She works at a mortuary and runs a support forum for people who have been buried alive. But can she practice what she preaches? Because the thing is, she just buried her ex alive. A dark comedy one woman show about grief, love and loss. The choices we make, the decisions made for us and the prices we all pay as a consequence. It won't kill you to get a ticket – we promise!
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Sequined seductress Entendre Entendre invites you to the launch of her memoir, SMUT – a riotous recounting of her many (many!) lovers. Through song, striptease and spoken word, Entendre bares it all: the triumphs, the trainwrecks and the toe-curling truths of her romantic escapades. Lucky audience members may leave with a signed copy of her memoir... or an invitation to her boudoir. Written/performed by Bryn Woznicki, directed by Rachel Resnik.
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Shell is a fantastical one person show that weaves between realities and awakens a wanting you may have forgotten was there. Hockey bro Andy is leading a new sex ed club to B(reak) R(eproductive) O(ppression). The Peanut in his hockey bag is hungry for your desires. And the performer beneath it all is cracking open. Part play, part interactive workshop, part unleashing, Shell confronts us with what we know and don’t know about our bodies, their power and what happens when we truly ask for what we want.
ZOO Southside
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A celebration of Jewish Identity, girlhood, and community mourning. Can one Jewish comedian relate herself to Anne Frank? Although one of the most famous and recognisable young women in the world, Frank's legacy is often simplified so she can remain a saintly beacon from one of humanity's darkest chapters. Now that we find ourselves in yet another dark chapter, come laugh, celebrate, and mourn as filtered through her nose-job, Bat Mitzvah, and a one-night stand with a German. She's trying to meet the moment but showing up fashionably late (with snacks) instead.
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A young man embarks on a thrilling journey from his small hometown to the big city, where he finds solace and joy in the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. However, his adventure takes a dramatic turn as he confronts a terrifying health crisis, largely ignored by the government. Eight electrifying dancers bring the legendary Paradise Nightclub to life with a community cast, who blur the lines between performer and audience, infusing the show with the joy and chaos of the club scene. Winner of the Creative Arts Award at the 2024 Proud Scotland Awards.
ZOO Southside
Main House
Can (online) dating help bridge political divides? In Swiping Right, Sophie Anna Veelenturf explores what happens when political opposites connect. How do ideology and beliefs shape our desires and relationships? How do we navigate between attraction and resistance? Drawing on her own experience of doomed dates with conservative men, the self-proclaimed 'leftie' brings her personal quest to the stage. As Artist in Residence with renowned Belgian theatre company BERLIN, she blends stand-up, documentary theatre and re-enacted interviews with dates, couples and experts. With humour and sharp dialogue, she delivers a bold, intimate dive into love and politics.
ZOO Southside
Main House
This live docu-series follows the life of Coral and Gil. Two fish, a tank and a rocky relationship! Come dive into the freshwater wreaking with undeniable pheromones, fake plants and many a word left unspoken. Welcome to TANKED: Home? or Habitat. TANKED explores the dichotomy of love and fear within a relationship, through an anthropomorphic approach. Prompting the notion of looking at a relationship through a fishbowl, all of which is captured through a documentarian lens, and clowning style.
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Tale of a Potato is an original show set on a wooden table, with dirt, a knife and real vegetables. We follow the life of Protagonist, a potato, observing its feelings and relationships in a world inhabited by other tubers, characters in a quirky and engaging narrative. We see Protagonist being born, falling in love, working: enormous steps, especially for a vegetable. A new immersive tabletop show by Batisfera, authors of the miniature epic drama The Gummy Bears' Great War, a moving tale on the seasons of life.
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Step into a world where the boundaries between audience and performers dissolve. Eight-time Fringe First-winning theatre company Ontroerend Goed transforms traditional theatre into an experience that playfully shifts perspectives through video. Despite its interactive nature, you're free to simply observe as the performers navigate the space. This isn't about putting you on the spot – it's about recognising that without you, there is no theatre. Thanks for Being Here isn't just a show – it's a celebration of your presence. 'Radically hopeful' **** (DeMorgen.be).
ZOO Southside
Main House
The Ego is a bold and humorous theatre performance by Anemone Valcke and Verona Verbakel (known from Sirens by Ontroerend Goed). They explore how transgressive behavior, internalised misogyny and #MeToo shape their lives. With two chairs, a screen and sharp wit, they share real stories with shameless honesty. Blending dry humour and tragically comic film clips, the show is both confronting and entertaining. Without blaming victims or pointing fingers at perpetrators, The Ego humorously exposes the dysfunctional system behind such behavior, inviting the audience to reflect on power, complicity and credibility.
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At dawn, the nation of the Gummy Bears declares war against the nation of the Dinosaurs. There will be a battle, and the gummies will prepare for war, and the dinosaurs will win the fight. But even if the outcome is tragically obvious the question remains: what makes the candies so obstinate? The Gummy Bears' Great War is an object theatre show that takes place on a table, with real candies, small lights and few spectators; an existential tragicomedy about our search for meaning. 'A midget gem of a show' (Telegraph).
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A memory: South London reggae pioneer Sutara Gayle AKA Lorna Gee hears her radio debut from Holloway Prison. Another: She's engulfed in the Brixton uprising sparked by the police shooting of her sister. And now she is here, a silent retreat, seeking spiritual guidance from her brother Mooji and ancestor Nanny of the Maroons, and a moment of transcendence. Powered by high-octane musical numbers and a virtuoso performance, the critically acclaimed, award-winning The Legends of Them is a breathtaking, roof-raising chronicle of Sutara's singular, extraordinary life.
ZOO Southside
Main House
Joanna has always spoken her mind. When she unexpectedly becomes Queen, her father and husband are determined to silence her. She went down in history as Joanna the Mad – what if she wasn't insane, but furious? SIX meets Sondheim in this dark saga inspired by Catherine of Aragon's older sister. Featuring Locked Away, Stiles & Drewe Best New Song Prize finalist 2024. 'Funny, heartbreaking and rage-inducing' **** (AdventuresInTheatreland.com). 'Mmm, defiance!' (Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2). 'Evokes a classic theatrical sound... lilting melodies which melt into dissonant, menacing lullabies' (TheatreAndTonic.co.uk).
ZOO Southside
Studio
For those that missed Lewis' entirely sold-out run in 2024, you're in luck – his life-changingly beautiful show is back, reduxed – if you managed to snag a ticket last time to this multi award-winning, highly decorated work, you're in for a surprise: Lewis has choreographed a new opening so the triple bill is now wholly his. See 'intense movers trip the light fantastic' (Guardian) for the last time before Lewis answers the call of the International Festival. A collocation of sound, light, movement, space, shape and form guaranteed to stir the emotions.
ZOO Southside
Main House
'Why I shot Andy Warhol and other chit-chat' Nona Demey Gallagher and Lieselot Siddiki are bringing Up Your Ass, Valerie Solanas' infamous 1965 comedy. The text has had a controversial status in the feminist and queer community for years, and is now seeing the international theatre light for the first time. Valerie Solanas is best known for her attack on Andy Warhol, after he refused to produce Up Your Ass. The directors got in close contact with Solanas' last living relative and were the first and only ones to get permission to perform the play.
ZOO Southside
Main House
Follow the scandalous true story of Suffragette-turned-fascist Mary Richardson in this time-bending cabaret. Award-winning company IMPERMANENCE bring you a high-octane dance theatre experience exploring the chaos and turmoil of the early 20th-century. Featuring six chameleonic dancers, VENUS 2.0 is a white-knuckle ride through the evolution of Fascism. Enter a world of explosive physicality, hilarious cabaret and an obsession with the future. Why did it start? How does it stop? Where does it end? Fringe favourites IMPERMANENCE have been making groundbreaking productions since 2011, don’t miss this spectacle on the best stage for dance at the festival.
ZOO Southside
Main House
Masterful storytelling, daring dance and subversively stupid conversations from this unstoppable artist. Watch It! is an entertaining, tightly organised game show for one about identity, personal truth and political ideology. 'Superbly written and flawlessly delivered in the manner of an accomplished stand-up comedian. It's punchy and full of wit' (Gramilano.com). Wendy Houstoun teams up with Kate Champion (Australia) and Hannes Langolf (UK, Germany) to create this personal and irreverent solo. Made with financial support as part of DV8 Physical Theatre's Legacy Commissions.
ZOO Southside
Studio
KISS explores what happens when women enter a world created by men. What is it like to be expected to act like the men around them? Is it possible for them to find their own expression in world of raw physicality, ego battles and cheesy dad humour? Or is the air coming out of the balloon? Get ready for a powerful performance filled with quirky stunts and mental courage as the three female performers step out of their comfort zones to take on DON GNU's testosterone-fueled action universe.
ZOO Southside
Main House
Chaos. Rebellion. A city on the brink. But Millie's focused on living life to the full – who wouldn't? Amid the 2019 Hong Kong protests, Millie searches for her sense of home whilst a city fights for its identity. A high-energy, visceral new play inspired by real events. With original sound design blending euphoric techno and the intensity of a Hong Kong riot, enter Millie's world where being an outsider has always been the norm. Written and performed by Mimi Martin, she's bold, rebellious and impossible to resist. 'I can be the foreign devil if they want'.
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