London’s biggest fringe theatre festival is back with a bang. With the last two years being cancelled, this is the first time that the sprawling subterranean arts festival returns since it was curtailed in 2020 by the pandemic.
Vault has long been known for its innovative and cutting-edge performances, and this year is no different. The festival, which runs from January to March, is showcasing some of the most exciting new writing in London, with a diverse range of plays, musicals, and solo performances.
With so many shows to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start so here’s ten must-see shows at Vault Festival:
Gone to the Dogs
Dubbed 'Kate Bush at her most Brechtian' for her theatrical stage manner and eccentric style, TSarzi is an award winning artist with a brand new musical that blends madrigals to music hall by way of cabaret and synth pop.
Con-Version
Shortlisted for the VAULT Five and Charlie Hartill Award, Con-Version exposes the horror of conversion therapy in the UK.
Bad Teacher
This OffFest Nominated one-woman show, had a sold out run at Underbelly during EdFringe 2022 and received multiple plaudits. Well worth a watch.
Finlay and Joe: Perpetual Hype Machine
A comedy show that promises to deliver live sketch comedy perfection every time. Finlay and Joe, who are based in London and Manchester and draw inspiration from acts like Aunty Donna, Mitchell and Webb, and Victoria Wood. One night only.
Brent Would - Would you?
A cabaret drag and burlesque show that takes a deep dive into the world of human behaviour.. This game show cabaret is hosted by Brent, the premier metrosexual man from Essex and winner of The Gold Rush Season 4, and features a mix of clowning, music, and improv.
The Phase
A new musical that explores the struggles faced by a Catholic all-girl school band who identify as LGBTQ+. Apparently it blends meaningful storytelling with music and performance art (although it remains to be seen what exactly that means!).
Cracked
A dark comedy that explores the world of tiling superstores and the quest of one woman to save another. Written and performed by Amy Hayes, who has made a name for herself in TV with her performances in popular shows like Bridgerton, Black Mirror, Mr. Selfridge, Shameless, and the upcoming Lenny Henry's drama Three Little Birds. A work in progress.
Professor Slug's House of Bugs
Revolving around Professor Slug, an eccentric expert on invertebrates who helps bugs out with their problems, this is described as a captivating theatre show that brings the world of insects to life. Entertaining and educational experience for the whole family. One night only.
Villain, Interrupted
A comedic-dramatic play that follows the story of Gina, a therapist who works in a prison for super-villains. As a determined therapist, Gina is determined to turn every last one of these villains into a hero, but things don't go according to plan.
Pauline
A new comedy-drama about finding one's nan's suicide note, written and performed by writer and performer Sophie Bentinck. No less than Phoebe Waller-Bridge herself, described Pauline as ‘captivating’.
Vaults Festival is once again at the forefront of new and innovative writing. With a range of productions to suit all tastes, from thrilling plays to touching musicals, the festival is a must-visit for anyone interested in the cutting edge of theatre. So why not head down to the Vaults and discover the next generation of talented writers and performers for yourself?
