Bigger and better than ever: Brighton Fringe 2016 by Nicholas Abrams

By Nicholas Abrams
|
25th Feb 2016
|
Brighton Fringe

Comedy from Max and Ivan, music from Cassetteboy and DJ Rubbish, cabaret from Le Gateau Chocolate and world premieres galore are among the many highlights at the 2016 Brighton Fringe which announced the programme online this week.

Brighton Fringe is now a definitive landmark event that the whole country can be proud of

The record-breaking programme contains over 900 shows and events and runs from 6 May to 5 June. This year’s Fringe also features the major new pop-up venue Republic and Edinburgh heavy-hitters Sweet Venues announcing their first ever Brighton Fringe programme.

Last year’s Fringe broke all existing records, with over 750 shows and events playing to 400,000 attendees and 2016 is set to smash those records. Julian Caddy, Managing Director of the Fringe, is confident that “With an unprecedented range and affordability that is truly a breath of fresh air. Brighton Fringe is now a definitive landmark event that the whole country can be proud of.”

Comedy and theatre make up the heavyweights, with over 500 shows between them. Theatrical offerings range from Police Cops, winner of the Brighton Fringe Award for Excellence, El Blanco, the 2015 South African National Arts Festival Gold Ovation winner and Going Viral, winner of the Scotsman Fringe First Award.

Comedy comes courtesy of more than 250 shows including Fosters’ Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee 2015 and Scottish Comedian of the Year Larry Dean alongside BBC Radio favourite Jessica Fostekew and James Bennison, winner of the Brighton Fringe 2015 Best Young Comedy Performer award.

Ten shows selected by industry experts form the Brighton Fringe’s WINDOW programme and include the world premiere of the surreal Aphrodite in Flippers, Whisky Tango Foxtrot, based on the true story of one woman’s time in the RAF and the Tim Burton-esque The Girl Who Fell in Love With the Moon, from award-winning company The Human Zoo.

Sweet Venues brings its excellent Edinburgh Festival Fringe reputation to Brighton for the first time with an exciting and eclectic programme. JD Henshaw, artistic director of Sweet, confirms: “We cannot wait to bring our world-class programme to both ends of Britain with amazing shows for our equally amazing audiences.”

Broadway Baby continues to be the leading reviewer of the Brighton Fringe and provides more coverage than any other publication.

Full listings are available from www.brightonfringe.org

Articles by Nicholas Abrams

Excitement Abounds as 2024 Prague Fringe Programme Unveiled

Brighton Fringe Venue goes Bust

VAULT Festival: Top Ten to Catch

Brighton's Komedia Team Up with Berk’s Nest for New Night

Registration Opens for Brighton Fringe 2021

Experience the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from your Sofa

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this article has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Show me the charities

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

You Might Also Like...

Unmissable shows at Brighton Fringe this year

Feature
Nicholas Abrams
Brighton Fringe
7th Mar, 2016

Brighton Fringe has officially launched. With brochures soon to be dropping through letterboxes and already freely available around the city, we’ve already had a sneak peak at the programme and present the hottest tips for this year’s festival, as show highlights are sure to sell out fast.