Bedfringe 2016 Brochure

welcome

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

We made it! We can’t believe it’s been ten years since we started back in 2007… the days before Twitter… Facebook was just hitting our screens and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released… I know this because half the front of house team disappeared one morning heading in the direction of Waterstones!

To date we have programmed just under 825 shows. That’s over 2000 performers! That puts Bedfringe in the top five largest Fringe Festivals in the country.

This year we are running exclusively from The Quarry Theatre hosting events in the main auditorium, studio theatre and forecourt. Highlights for me are Bane 4, Paul Foot, WiFi Wars and Mitch Benn.

However… take a risk and see something you might not usually choose to see… that’s what it’s all about. Catch one or two of our world premier shows and be amongst the person to see the next big name in comedy! We are hosting over 40 Edinburgh shows plus more than 30 shows from local performers so hopefully there is something for everyone during this special year.

James Pharaoh: Festival Director

Photo credit: Aidan Huxford

Welcome to your 10th anniversary Fringe Festival… Over 100 events under 1 roof… in 10 days! #itsinthecan

James & Fiona

‘Sum up Bedfringe in about 200 words’ were the instructions I was given from Mr Pharaoh. I tried, but failed many times so instead this is what Bedfringe means to me.

I started back in 2007 as a lowly technician, with little knowledge of lighting desks and even less of what a fringe festival was. 10 Bedfringes later I am its proud co-director, and champion… and I know a little more about tech too. But most of all, Bedfringe is the most fun festival I have ever seen. The lovely people in matching t-shirts make it a joy for us and for you, and they give of their time for nothing, for which our thanks will never be enough.

As a born and bred Bedfordian I feel privileged to offer this range and depth of art and culture to my town and its people, for it is you, the lovely people reading this, buying tickets and seeing shows, that makes our job possible year after year.

To those who have supported, sponsored, work on, performed in and turned up to the last 10 years we thank you, please continue to do so. With past performers like Jack Whitehall, Josh Widdicome and Lee Nelson… who knows, you might see the next big thing here.

Fiona Fowler: Festival Co-Director

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Adelaide Fringe: 12th February – 14th March

welcome

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

Bedfringe Team Director ................................................James Pharaoh Co-Director...............................................Fiona Fowler Assistant Director & Social Media ..Lily Hannant Public Relations ..................................Hutch PR Brochure Design ............................Rosetta Publishing Website Design .................................Jack Templeman Branding & Identity.............................We Can Creative

Additional thanks to: Bedford School, The Harpur Trust, Jules Crossley, Kati Donlon, Susan & Harry Fowler, Jacquie Manners, Sandra Dudley, Erica Roffe, Caryl Jones, Vanessa Mason and to all of our 2016 front of house and technical teams.

Front of House (at time of going to print): Hywel Thomas, Helena Marsh, Alex Monks, Theo Green, Alice Wright, Dan Nickolls, Oliver Milton, James Mann, James Doughty, Mark Steinhardt, David Baxter, Jackie Thomas, Joanie Octor, Joshua Nethersole, Katherine Law, Annette Hickey, Josh Jenkins, Conrad Staroscik, Helena Prettyman, Bekki Short, Ros Miller, and Hattie Idle and Logan Jones.

Contents Welcome

Pages 2-5

Children’s Theatre

Pages 6-8

Comedy

Pages 9-21

Theatre

Pages 22-26

Dance & Physical Theatre Pages 27-28 Music

Page 29

Film

Page 30

Special Events

Page 31

With thanks to our 2016 sponsors

Caryl Jones communications

This year’s charity

Stroud Fringe: 26th – 28th August

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how to fringe Take a punt First things first… have a look through our brochure and see what takes your fancy. Remember, Bedfringe is all about discovering new experiences and new work.

Every year we see many of our artists go onto big things, so be the first to see them here!

Please note: The programme is subject to change so please check the website for all updates.

Age suitability: The age ratings are there to try to help you gauge appeal. It’s not a legal restriction.

All events are self rated. Bedfringe is not liable for any incorrect rating.

Booking tickets: This year tickets for our events can be purchased online at www.bedfringe.com Terms & Conditions: The Bedfringe programme is subject to change so please visit our website for all our latest updates. Tickets cannot be exchange or refunded except in the event of a show cancellation or a show being rescheduled. Latecomers may not be admitted. General concession prices are applicable to students, the unemployed, people with disabilities (often with one helper), over-60s and children under the age of 16 (Except children’s shows).

Proof of status may be required at the venue. Please note that some shows may start late or over-run the planned running time. For full terms & conditions are presented at time of purchase.

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box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

Box office opening times: The Quarry Theatre phone line is manned 10am – 12noon pre festival dates.

12noon Monday to Saturday outside the festival dates During the festival it will be manned 10:30am – 10.30pm.

Do leave a message if the call is not answered and a member of staff at the venue will get back to you.

The box office telephone number is 01234 362337.

Social: Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! Use #bedfringe to tag your comments. /bedfringe

@bedfringe

Go straight to the Bedfringe website (scan QRcode).

The Quarry Theatre has wheelchair access and parking provision for wheelchair users. Please contact the venue if you require disabled parking during your visit.

Brighton Fringe: 6th May – 5th June

venue info

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

The venue

Venue 1: The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s 26 St Peter’s Street, Bedford, MK40 2NN www.quarrytheatre.org.uk Venue 1: Main Auditorium Venue 2: The Studio Theatre Venue 3: The Quarry Theatre Forecourt Venue 4: The Quarry Theatre Gallery

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Bath Fringe: 27th May – 12th June

ThE EmBAnKmEnT

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children’s theatre BAD GUYS

Derek, Ernie & Dick are really bored of being good. It’s just GoT to be more fun being a baddy. But being an evil scientist, pirate or cowboy is tricker than they thought. Can the bumbling brothers learn how to stay out of jail and be real Bad Guys?

Join Comedy Club 4 Kids & CBeebies ‘Spot Bots’ stars, the Three half Pints, as they trip and stumble their way through a brand new comic misadventure, packed with songs, slapstick, silliness and accidental derring do!

5pm (24th), 12noon (25th), 2pm (26th) £9.50 (£7.50 ConC.) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 5yrs+ T F S S M T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC!

Captain Fantastic’s old enemy, Doctor Zob, is up to his usual tricks, trying to steal all the chocolate in the world.

But today the Captain has other things on his mind. Like helping a princess to rescue a dragon from a pirate. All in a day’s work for Captain Fantastic and his trusty sidekick, winston The Dog. Until Professor Zob decides that chocolate isn’t enough and steals the Captain too! he’s going to need a lot of help to get out of this one! who will save Captain Fantastic from the clutches of Doctor Zob? winston the Dog? Pirate Polly? his mum? what about you? will you come and be part of the adventure and rescue Captain Fantastic? Your Captain needs you!

4pm (26th), 12noon (27th & 30th) £7.50 (£6 ConC.) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 50 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 4yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

THE DARK ROOM: FAMILY FRIENDLY VERSION!

It’s our 10th anniversary so we had to invite him back… and another chance to escape ThE DARK Room!

4,000,000 YouTube hits! The world’s only live-action video game! Come play! win terrible prizes! The audience is trapped in a dark room – and your only companion is the floating head of a gameshow host.

Get ready for a wild time and try to win the £1000 cash prize!

It’s a text adventure for the whole audience! It’s improvised comedy that’s genuinely improvised! ★★★★★ Fringe Review ★★★★★ The Skinny ★★★★★ Three Weeks ★★★★★ Broadway Baby ★★★★ The List “Ridiculously entertaining” The Scotsman

2.00pm £9.50 (£7.5 ConCESSIon) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 8yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 6

Calgary Fringe: 29th July – 6th August

children’s theatre

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER

Shooooooooooooes…!

Ah, new shoes…

Delightful on the feet.

Soft, dancing shoes; swarthy pirate shoes; silver buckle and silken soles. no one makes shoes like an elf.

This well-known and well-loved tale – made popular by the Ladybird Classic – has been re-heeled by Theatre of widdershins in their own inimitable style. Beautifully crafted set and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse all make this show a magical ‘must see’. ★★★★★ A Younger Theatre ★★★★ Three Weeks ★★★★★ Broadway Baby

1.00pm £9.50 (£7.50 ConCESIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 3yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

MORGAN & WEST’S UTTERLY SPIFFING SPECTACULAR MAGIC SHOW

A show for kids (and childish grown-ups!).

Time travelling Victorian magic duo morgan & west unload another boxful of bafflement and impossibility. witness a mountain of mysterious magic, a hatful of hyper-reality, and of course a truck full of tricks and tea (sadly there are no actual mountains or trucks on stage during the show, mr west simply would not have them). mixing brain busting illusion and good old fashioned tomfoolery, morgan & west present a show for all the family, where magic and silliness abound! Fun for ages 5 to 105*. *105 is rather an arbitrary upper age limit really – it just seemed to flow well in the prose.”

1.30pm £9.50 (£7.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 5yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Prague Fringe: 27th May – 4th June

THE LAST POST

Step on board the pillar-box red van-atorium known as mobile Sorting office 451 and be transported to a world where snail mail reigns supreme.

Surrounded by postage paraphernalia from a much-travelled life you’ll meet Verity, the irrepressible heiress of an international pen-pal agency, and Red, a redundant postmaster. witness the unwrapping of their curious love story, accompanied by live music, provided by Tomaz (who arrived one day in a jiffy bag).

Following the play you’re invited to stay for a tot of sherry and a rummage in the stationery supplies before hopping onto a vintage typewriter or picking up a quill to write that letter you’ve been meaning to send. If you need some inspiration you can pick up a postcard from the ‘Friends for Pens’ pin-board and write to a real life recipient who is waiting for your letter.

1.30pm & 3.30pm ThE QUARRY ThEATRE FoRECoURT 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD T F S S M T w 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

T 28

£5 75 mins All ages F S 29 30

SING ALONG WITH THE FROGS’ CHORUS

Join Coco as she takes you through a musical journey – finding friends and adventure along the way. A little bit panto and a lot of fun for little ones, you’ll recognise favourite songs and learn a few new ones.

Perfect for small children.

The show includes puppets, bubbles, counting, singing and movement. Coco (Kris) is a skilled early years music specialist and musician.

She is also a Theodora Children’s Charity Giggle Doctor and works with children in hospital and with special needs.

2.00pm £6.50 (£5.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 45 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 2yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 7

children’s theatre TRICKY TEDDY’S SEASIDE MAGIC SHOW

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

WIDDERSHINS’ STORY TIME: THE FISHERMAN AND THE DJINNI

Experience a day at the beach as you have never before as you embark on a magical journey with Krisgar & Tricky Teddy! Endless fun is to be had with jawdropping magic, illusions and interactive games.

Smiles and laughter are guaranteed.

Children’s Entertainer of the Year Winner 2013-14 Gil Leaney Stage Competition of the Year Winner 2015-16

what will be his fate?

Potton based Theatre of widdershins have been a Bedfringe favourite since 2008!

Come and join them for their 9th fringe.

12noon £7 (£5 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 45 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 4yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

2.00pm £5.50 (£4.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 40 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 6yrs+ T F S S M T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Kalifah the fisherman is not very successful at fishing and consequently is very poor. whilst waiting for a bite, one day, he discovers an ancient bottle. of course, his curiosity gets the better of him.

WIDDERSHINS’ STORY TIME: STONE SOUP

A humble storyteller is down on his luck and in need of a new story. his luck changes, however, when he realises he can outwit the hideous chef wafflesweat by making him a delicious soup from a humble stone.

Potton based Theatre of widdershins have been a Bedfringe favourite since 2008!

Come and join them for their 9th fringe.

12noon £5.50 (£4.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 40 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 8yrs+ T F S S M T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 8

Pulse Fringe: 26th May – 4th June

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

ALFIE MOORE: GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER

In this brand new show Alfie moore, star of BBC Radio 4 ‘It’s A Fair Cop’, and former Detective Sergeant, will provide a detailed step by step guide to enable you to achieve this goal. Everything you need to know from choosing a murder weapon to disposing of the body.

“Very funny… a large dash of gallows police humour” The Telegraph “Offbeat, revealing and very funny” The Mail

8.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ANNA MORRIS: IT’S GOT TO BE PERFECT

The critically-acclaimed character comic, star of ITV2’s Bad Bridesmaid and BBC one’s outnumbered, brings her smash-hit, sell-out Edinburgh show to Bedfringe.

You are invited to attend the wedding rehearsal viral YouTube star (Georgina’s wedding Blogs) Georgina Francis (dubbed ‘Britain’s worst Bride’ in the press) and her long suffering fiancé Simon, a Conservative politician.

Georgina is determined to have ThE perfect wedding when she ties the knot this year, so what better way to make sure everything goes smoothly than to rehearse as many times as possible, all over the UK, using the audience as fill-in guests?!

“Beautifully crafted comedy” The Independent “Spot-on, darkly comic characters. She’s comedy gold” Huffington Post “The best wedding I’ve ever been to” ★★★★ Broadway Baby

4.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 18yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

BANE 4

It’s a privilege to announce that Joe & Ben will be returning to Bedfringe this year with the latest instalment of the Bane series.

Don’t worry if you haven’t seen the other three, it’s an individual show in its own right!

‘Bane 4′ follows hitman Bruce Bane as he attempts to erase his past and discover what went wrong. Joe Bone tells the story like a movie, to Ben Roe’s live soundtrack. All the Bane shows are independent stories and can be seen in any order.

“Excellent” The Times “A brilliant hour of comedy theatre… could just be the best crime movie never made” The Guardian “These are riotous spectacles which dazzle with inventiveness and shine with wicked humour” The Londonist “It’s a brilliant hour of comedy theatre” The Guardian “Joe Bone’s performance is phenomenal… extremely funny” Time Out

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Hollywood Fringe: 9th – 26th June

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comedy

“Bedfringe is a little ripper of a festival. We had an awesome time performing here”. AUNTY DONNA

BANGING FUN STUFF: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

A crime has been committed and all hope rests upon PC Pauline, a worrisome policewoman searching for suspects.

Don’t let her gangliness fool you. There is a cunning mind buried deep… deep down inside her; next to her sexy siren. She solves crime. She can twirl and jump through a hoop. She was shortlisted for the Policewoman of the Year 1999. But her fate is in your hands…

Comedy, clowning and live/sonic functional music combine to create a new semi-improvised physical comedy format: Banging Fun Stuff (BFS). The music/sound effects are created not just in front of the audience but, at times, by the audience.

Bedfringe 2016: Director’s One To Watch!

9.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

BEASTS: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

Sketch heroes BEASTS début in Bedford with a brand new hour of inspired nonsense.

“The new breed of sketch comedy” The Guardian “Unforgettably nutty” ★★★★ The Times “A tsunami of silliness” ★★★★ The Telegraph “Impossible not to cry with laughter” ★★★★ Sunday Express “Pure, unabashed silliness” ★★★★ Metro “Sheer outrageousness” ★★★★ Chortle “Organised chaos reigns” ★★★★ The Stage Bedfringe Director’s Choice 2016

9.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

BELLA YOUNGER: DELICIOUSLY STELLA

Deliciously Stella is not your average health guru. A devotee of the #eatclean phenomenon with a huge social media following, she’s hoping to share her diet secrets with the masses. The only issue is, her diet is anything but healthy…

Deliciously Stella’s idea of a green juice is a bottle of Apple Sourz. her pasta alternatives shun spiralizers in favour of strawberry laces and her beloved ‘coconut water’ is actually a bottle of malibu.

In this brand new show, Bella Younger brings Deliciously Stella to life in an hour of hilarious character comedy. Brace yourselves for nutribullshit.

“Hilarious” Buzzfeed

6.00pm £8 (£7.00 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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Grassington Fringe: 17th June – 2nd July

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

THE BEST OF CASTLE COMEDY Bedford’s No.1 Comedy Club Three of the biggest stars from the UK comedy circuit will be taking the stage for the ultimate comedy show! opening the show is Paul Sinha. he is best known for his starring role in ITV1’s The Chase,

where he regularly chases down opponents in his guise as ‘The Sinnerman’. he won the Chortle award for ‘Best Club Comic’ in 2014.

“Wonderfully inventive and intelligent” Evening Standard next up is Adam Kay, one of the greatest musical comedians on the UK comedy circuit. he has had over 10 million hits on YouTube (including the iconic London Underground song) and is a regular on The now Show (Radio 4).

Closing the show is Gary Delaney. Gary is a razor-sharp one-liner comedian, who is a regular guest star on mock The week (BBC2) and is widely regarded as being the most quotable comic on the circuit.

“Expect a cavalcade of brilliantly inventive puns from this master of the one-liner” The Guardian

8.00pm ThE STUDIo AT ThE QUARRY ThEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD T F S S m T w T 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

BIG HOWARD LITTLE HOWARD: MAN AND BOY (EDINBURGH PREVIEW)

£12 120 mins 16yrs+ F S 29 30

THE BOSUN’S DELIGHT: SPECTACULAR SKETCHTACULAR

Big howard and Little howard, the world’s first and only human/ cartoon double act are coming up to celebrating 15 years in Showbiz. one of them is still six. The other one definitely isn’t.

They’ve performed all over the world, appeared on The Royal Variety, This morning and had their own series on the BBC. But is this the end of the road?

Their best sketches for adults and some very silly new ones.

“Genius” The Radio Times “Witty, clever, at times breathtakingly funny comedy” The Sunday Times Note: This show is not suitable for children!

The Bosun’s Delight are a sketch troupe who came together in early 2015 under the tutelage of comedy producer and director Chris head and then went on to perform to sell-out crowds in a number of venues across London.

The Bosun’s Delight Spectacular Sketchtacular will take you on a darkly-entertaining journey of the surreal and absurd, all whilst introducing you to their diverse range of wickedlyobserved characters from the enigmatically insane to the humorously larger-than-fiction.

The Bosun’s Delight are made up of Andrew Carberry, Jules Garnett, matt hurley, Jac Latham, Vic Rance, Christopher Serbutt and Jenny wheeler.

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S M T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

9.00pm (24th) 2.00pm (30th) £8 (£7 ConCESSonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 18yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Gibraltar Fringe: 22nd – 24th

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comedy

“You were a genuine delight. I haven’t enjoyed a show to that extent in quite a while, enormous thanks” ★★★★★ MORGAN & WEST

CARD NINJA

After a standing-room only season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Javier Jarquin brings awardwinning show ‘Card ninja’ to Bedfringe! watch as Javier uses ordinary playing cards as weapons, with unfathomable precision, speed and power, in a unique, hilarious performance that you’ll never forget. ‘Card ninja’ is a one-man comedy show with upbeat humour, impressive stunts and smooth audience interaction for anyone who’s ever wanted to be a little bit ninja...

Warning: This show contains ninjas, noT magic.

“Jarquin is seriously talented when it comes to working a crowd… the real aces up his sleeve, however, were his winning, charismatic stage personality, and some genuinely punch comedy material” The Stage

1.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 8yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

CLARE PLESTED: FLOCK UP (EDINBURGH PREVIEW)

Clare performed at the very first Bedfringe! we are delighted to have her back for our 10th anniversary festival.

‘Flock Up’: def. (collective noun), people who make a tit of themselves. Join Clare Plested in the hide as she observes five flock ups in their natural habitat. Binoculars provided; egg stealers will be prosecuted; twitchers welcome. Character comedy from a total flock up.

“A natural character actress” The Scotsman “Like a better-looking Dave Allen… she’s wonderful” Chortle

9.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 12

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

CHRIS PURCHASE: DISTRACTED

This is intelligent comedy. If you think our government are doing a great job, if you think the world is absolutely fine and if you think iPhones are made by magic pixies in a happy realm filled with music and gum drops ThEn ThIS Show ISn’T FoR YoU! This is deep, dark comedy and not for people with a fragile disposition.

Left humour with teeth.

There is also juggling. we’re all so distracted that we’ve forgotten about the important things.

“Charismatic and entertaining” Comedy Central “Had the crowd roaring, lapped it up. Full of energy, loud, charismatic. Lovely.” The Stand Sell-out show run at Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival What’s On Magazine Best Comedian 2016 Nominee

10.15pm £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

THE DARK ROOM: THIRD TIME LUCKY

It’s our 10th anniversary so we had to invite him back… and another chance to escape ThE DARK Room!

4,000,000 YouTube hits!

The world’s only live-action video game! Come play! win terrible prizes! The audience is trapped in a dark room – and your only companion is the floating head of a gameshow host.

Get ready for a wild time and try to win the £1000 cash prize! It’s a text adventure for the whole audience! It’s improvised comedy that’s genuinely improvised! ★★★★★ Fringe Review ★★★★★ The Skinny ★★★★★ Three Weeks ★★★★★ Broadway Baby ★★★★ The List “Ridiculously entertaining” The Scotsman

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Buxton Fringe: 6th – 24th July

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

DIRTY WHITE BOYS

As yet undiscovered comedians, Chazz Redhead and Jack Robertson love making jokes almost as much as they hate each other. Together they have joined forces to create kickass sketch duo Dirty white Boys!

From surreal to downright silly, this truly odd couple comically tackle everything from office rivalries to the politest way to eat a baguette. Expect loud noises, high energy silliness, and rather dramatic tonal shifts.

“This comedy duo has oodles of talent up the yin yang… Clever, witty, and brilliantly acted” ★★★★ Londontheatre1

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 18yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ED PATRICK: JUNIOR OPTIMIST

Ed Patrick is both standup comedian and junior doctor. Following his first experiences/blind panic working in the much loved nhS, and the challenges it faces, he now presents his debut stand-up show.

“Masterful, often playfully provocative writing” Chortle “He is certainly good enough to make a career switch. If I was him I’d quit medicine and do stand-up” London Evening Standard Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Nominee 2016 Former finalist in both the Chortle Student Comedy Awards and Paramount Comedy Funniest Student Award.

10.15pm £9 (£8 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Avignon Off: 7th – 30th July

DOUG SEGAL: I CAN MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD (EDINBURGH PREVIEW)

Doug Segal (winner: Best Cabaret Act, Brighton Fringe) previews his new show which is designed to make you feel good!

Following criticallyacclaimed, sell-out shows all around the country, grab this opportunity to see Doug who Time out has described as “the UK’s best-kept entertainment secret”. As seen on BBC1 and BBC3.

“Imagine if Derren Brown was funny” Evening Standard “Simply brilliant” ★★★★★ Sunday Express “Segal rips it up, slick and in command” The Herald Best Cabaret Act – Brighton Fringe 2012 Three Weeks Editor’s Award – Edinburgh Fringe 2012

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ELEANOR CONWAY’S WALK OF SHAME

have you ever done the walk of shame?

Ferocious clubber and party girl Eleanor Conway spent her twenties partying around the world as a music journalist.

She’s worked for the Chinese mafia, made hardcore porn and Tinder’d her way through most of London. now with a year of sobriety from alcohol and substances under her belt she’s learnt a few things.

Previewing her debut solo show about porn, sex, drugs, drink and all the stuff you’re supposed to know by Tinder age 31. Come join Eleanor Conway as she walks you through her shame. Let’s stumble through it together…

“I’m confused and scared, in a good way… she’s brilliant” ★★★★★ Cream Of The Fringe

10.00pm £9 (£8 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 13

comedy ELLIE TAYLOR: INFIDELLIETY

Join star of mock the week, Snog marry Avoid, The John Bishop Show and 8 out of 10 Cats, Ellie Taylor as she prepares a brand new show for 2016.

In Infidelliety, Ellie tries her hardest to get to grips with that pesky bit of marriage known as monogamy.

At least, that’s what it was about when she wrote this blurb. It could be 60 minutes on budgies by now.

“Radiates natural charisma..blessed with great flair” The Guardian “Smart, self mocking and telegenic, it’s hard to see what is going to stand in Taylor’s way” The Scotsman

4.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

FUNMBI OMOTAYO: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

Funmbi omotayo’s friendly, instantly likeable style won him the award for Best newcomer at the Black Entertainment Comedy Awards. he has since gone on to win the prestigious Leicester Square new Act of the Year competition in 2012 shortly after becoming joint winner of Amused moose’s Laugh off Competition in the same year.

Gently paced stories and anecdotes are delivered warmly and confidently from this relative newcomer.

“A charming young comic…he’s got the jokes to back up his charm. Soon, he could be playing to thousands” Time Out “Plenty of original insights and honest home-truths to enjoy” Chortle “A classy young stand-up and a headliner in the making” London Is Funny

9.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S M T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 14

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

FERN BRADY: WORK IN PROGRESS

Following last year’s sell-out run for her critically-acclaimed debut show ‘People Are Idiots’ Fern is back with a new show about gender, class and Catholicism. As seen on BBC3 Britain’s Biggest Sexists, Stewart Lee’s Alternative Comedy

Experience and C4’s 8 out of 10 Cats.

“Top 5 young comedians to watch” Telegraph “Appealingly acidic” Guardian “Bold, whip-smart and unabashedly honest” The Herald “Brilliantly on point savvy seething” The List “Last year she was promising; this year she’s kicking down the door to the big time” Gigglebeats

9.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

GEOFF NORCOTT: CONSWERVATIVE (EDINBURGH PREVIEW)

A trade unionist’s son who grew up on a council estate, Geoff norcott is wondering how he ended up leaning to the right. A motley South London upbringing may be the root of his more troublesome views in this brand new ‘satirically incisive’ (Scotsman) hour of stand-up.

“Norcott is an absolute tonic” ★★★★ Telegraph “Master of anecdotal story-telling” ★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine “Genuine iconoclast…more importantly he makes it funny” Chortle

9.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Llangollen Fringe: 14th – 24th July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

“Best Bedfringe ever!!! Well done James and the whole team!!” AUDIENCE MEMBER

GOODBEAR: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

Five star sketch comedy duo Goodbear return with a brand new show that asks some pretty big questions. Join Joe Barnes and henry Perryment as they present a selection of characters and occurrences from around the world on a single day in 2016. It’ll leave you questioning everything you’ve ever known. Probably.

“Smart and likeable” ★★★★★ Edfest Magazine “Pure comedy gold dust” ★★★★★ The Scribe “Not to be missed” ★★★★ The Comedy Reviewer “Intelligent and infectious” ★★★★ The List “Comedy brilliance” ★★★★ Edfringe Review

9.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

JIMMY MCGHIE: APOLOGIA

Jimmy’s sixth solo hour, so according to malcolm Gladwell he’s only 9994 hours away from being brilliant. not that it’s Jimmy’s fault it’s taking so long.

“Clever, personal, hilarious… extraordinarily good… you really should see it” The Scotsman “See him now before you have to queue around The O2” The Scotsman

7.15pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Bedfringe: 21st-30th July

comedy IVO GRAHAM

Ivo Graham isn’t taking a show up to Edinburgh this year but this wasn’t going to keep him from jumping on an East midlands Train and popping up for a night at his favourite Fringe of them all, having had a whale of a time in Bedford last year (solo show AnD opening gala, the lucky chap).

Do come join for a new(ish) hour(ish) of comedy(ish) from this young fogey / awkward posho / keen thank-you letter writer, as seen/heard on various things including BBC3’s Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live, Comedy Central’s Live At The Comedy Store, XFm’s Josh widdicombe Show and 5 Live’s Fighting Talk.

“Screams superstar … should be huge in five years’ time” ★★★★ Mail On Sunday “Honed to within a whisker of perfection, a joyous show” ★★★★ Evening Standard

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

JOEL DOMMETT: WORK IN PROGRESS

Join Joel (Bring the noise, SKY1/Impractical Jokers, BBC3/Drunk histories, Comedy Central/Russell howard’s Good news, BBC3) as he tests out his new tour show. It should be good by now. If it’s not, he hasn’t worked hard enough.

“Excellent story telling comic” The Guardian “Hilarious… Delightful tales” The Scotsman “He has presence, looks, charm, but is he funny? The answer is a resounding yes” Chortle

7.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 15

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

JOHN HASTINGS: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

John returns to Bedfringe with his brand new show!

John’s visa’s expiring, his friends are fighting, and there’s been a murder. This deft show about one disastrous day is a compelling piece of comedy storytelling.

“A pleasure to watch” ★★★★ The Times ★★★★★ The Mirror ★★★★ The Herald ★★★★ The Fest ★★★★ Three Weeks Amused Moose Top Ten Fringe Comedy Show 2015

6.00pm £9 (£8 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

JONNY & THE BAPTISTS: EAT THE POOR

Preview In 2009, future Prime minister David Cameron forgot how many houses he owned. within five years, homelessness had doubled.

A riotously funny musical epic about inequality, friendship and betrayal. Satire, silliness and song combine in the latest show from Jonny & the Baptists, multi-award-nominated stars of Radio 4’s The now Show – fresh from a critically-acclaimed 40-date UK tour.

“Superbly crafted… very funny” ★★★★ Metro “Wickedly amusing” ★★★★ The Times “Gigglesome wordplay… broad, daft and punchy” ★★★★ The Guardian “A seriously funny dose of satire” ★★★★ The Stage

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.00 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 16

JOHN ROBERTSON: LOOKING SHARP (EDINBURGH PREVIEW)

John (Dark Room) Robertson is previewing his brand new stand-up show Looking Sharp at this year’s fringe.

Dirty jokes! nice suit! Sit near the front! It’s an arena show… in a 100-seater (ish!). In his 3rd fabulous year at Bedfringe, the Australian wildman and insult comic unleashes 60 minutes of the best of whatever comes into his head. Get ready for a party, and everyone’s the pinata. “utterly unique” ★★★★★ Skinny ★★★★★ Broadway Baby ★★★★ Three Weeks ★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals ★★★★ List “a splendid comedy beast” ★★★★ Kate Copstick, The Scotsman

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

JULIETTE BURTON: DECISION TIME (EDINBURGH PREVIEW)

Award-winning docu-comedian Juliette Burton has to make a BIG decision. Join Juliette as she chooses her own adventure. Can one choice change a life? Can looking back help us move forward? It’s time to make some good life choices.

“Burton’s got huge talent and then some!” ★★★★★ Daily Mirror “Powerful stuff” ★★★★ Sunday Express “A future star; someone call a TV producer… Burton’s ready for a bigger audience!” ★★★★★ The Argus “Charmingly open and honest… Burton’s loveable humour has the audience laughing at themselves… uplifted as well as entertained.” ★★★★ The Skinny “Entertainment with real social purpose.” ★★★★ Broadway Baby

6.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Oundle Fringe: 2nd – 8th July

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

MITCH BENN: DON’T FEAR THE REAPER (EDINBURGH PREVIEW)

It’s been a morbid year for “the country’s leading musical satirist” (The Times); he’s turned 46 – over the hill by anyone’s standards – his personal life is in turmoil, and his childhood heroes are dropping like flies. At times like these, a man feels the Reaper creeping up on him…

But is death anything to fear? And is it really the end? mitch confronts his – and YoUR – mortality with hilarious (and tuneful) consequences.

“Well crafted, well sung, his songs are just plain funny” The Guardian “Song after song of exquisitely crafted satire” The Scotsman

9.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

NICK HALL: SZGRABBLE

Sketch comedian nick hall brings his one-man Cold war thriller to the Bedfringe. In this fast-paced, energetic and hilarious multicharacter show, nick brings to life a vivid world of spying, suspense, seduction and most importantly – Scrabble! nick has appeared on BBC2, BBC 3 & BBC Radio 4, as well as writing for BBC Radio 4 & ITV2. he’s performed across the UK at the Edinburgh Fringe, Brighton Fringe, Latitude Festival, meadowlands Festival, Princes Trust and Soho Theatre.

“Brilliant” ThE TImES “Crackingly original” ★★★★ The List “Side splittingly funny” ★★★★★ Three Weeks “Mad cap energy” ★★★★★ British Comedy Guide “One not to miss” ★★★★ The Skinny “Genuinely hilarious” ★★★★ Fringe Review

6.00pm £9 (£8 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Camden Fringe: 1st – 28th August

MMORPG

A crowd gathers, no doubt they hear I seek a champion…

From the makers of Knightmare Live comes The mmoRPG show (Spirit of the Festival winners VAULT 2016). Combining improvised comedy with table top gaming in an epic, sprawling, open world, entirely made up fantasy quest of the audience’s own devising, every show is different. Every choice has a consequence, every success decided by a large D20… (20 sided die) will you be victorious? will you bring harmony to the kingdom or will you betray Your new friends for personal glory?

“I very much recommend you seek this out” James Mcmahon (Kerrang!)

“A great experience, one I’ll be sure to do again” Bored? Game!

“A little gem” Stage Talk Magazine “Charming and funny in equal measure” ★★★★ The Metropolist

9.00pm £10.50 (£9.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

NORRIS & PARKER: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

hailed as fearless performers and skilled writers, Katie norris and Sinead Parker will lure you into their web of dark and surreal comedy like two black widows in lycra.

Their latest offering All our Friends Are Dead is a wild and ridiculous hour of sketches, characters and songs weaved within a narrative of underlying aggression between norris & Parker themselves.

The duo met at the manchester met School of Theatre shackled together by a shared birthday, a shared flat and a shared infatuation with Kate Bush. Their growing reputation and cult following resulted in sell-out shows at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 17

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

OLAF FALAFEL: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

olaf Falafel, the subject of over 75 million views on Vine, brings his debut hour show to Bedfringe.

Expect nonsense as we journey through a year in the life of an idiot where the only

winners are stupidity and silliness.

“Olaf Falafel is an idiot, and wouldn’t have it any other way” Steve Bennett, Chortle “Skilfully delivered absurdist musings” Three Weeks “Olaf Falafel is like a chocolate digestive – very moreish” Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke

2.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

PATRICK MONAHAN: THAT 80s SHOW

Pat monahan is back!

A brand new stand up show from multi award winning comic Patrick monahan. his latest stand up show talks about the great decade of the 80’s as an Irish iranian immigrant family growing up in the north of England. with stories and routines of living in the 80s to the modern day.

Expect plenty of dancing and hugging as well as stand-up comedy!

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

PAUL FOOT: ‘TIS A PITY SHE’S A PIGLET

Professor Ketchup and his camembert piglet join forces as Paul tackles the big issues such as terrorism. Plus Ant ‘n Dec, Immigration X-Factor and breakfast.

Paul’s recent television and radio appearances include nevermind The Buzzcocks, would I Lie To You, 8 out of 10 Cats, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, If Katie hopkins Ruled The world, Russell howard’s Good news and The Infinite monkey Cage on BBC Radio4.

“Sublime, original and brilliant” The Independent “Utterly outlandish, but beneath layers of absurdity is Foot’s sharp eye for satire” Time Out “He’s a comedy whirlwind from the school of Spike Milligan…..

It’s risky to call someone unique, but Foot is certainly pretty close.” Three Weeks Bedfringe Director’s Choice 2016

9.00pm £10.50 (£9.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 18

Edinburgh Fringe: 5th – 29th August

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

“Congratulations on a spectacular festival. You should be very proud” AUDIENCE MEMBER

PAUL JONES: THE NERDFATHER

They say never meet your heroes... They’re right, make your KIDS meet them!

Join Brighton Comedy Festival Squawker Awards finalist, BBC Radio sketch writer and awardwinning costume maker Paul Jones, as he presents his guide to parenting for nerds.

Learn how to combine fatherhood, prop making, stand-up comedy and a lifelong obsession with science fiction, in this multimedia comedy show that boldly goes where no dad has gone before…. “…an array of marvellously constructed one-liners.”

Three Weeks “… a cadence and love of warped linguistics…his semideadpan one-liners contained some fine examples of the genre.” Chortle “This is well honed stand-up comedy from someone who knows how to write wryly and with an edge born of wit” Fringe Review

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

PETE FIRMAN: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

Join the star of BBC1’s ‘The magicians’ and the UK’s leading comedian/magician as he previews new jokes and tricks for his next show. Expect his own trademark blend of crowdpleasing comedy and jawdropping magic.

Pete has guested on countless TV shows, including BBC2’s ‘The Sarah millican Television Programme’, BBC1’s ‘ The John Bishop Show’, BBC1’s ‘Celebrity mastermind’ and BBC3’s ‘Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live.’

“The new poster-boy for British comedy magic” The Telegraph “The best magic tricks in the universe” The Independent “The man from Middlesbrough sets the pace for comedy-meetsmagic in the 21st century” The Times

9.10pm £10 (£9 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Brecon Fringe: 11th – 14th August

comedy PAUL REVILL: REVILLATIONS

The face of Castle Comedy and Bedford favourite, Paul Revill brings his debut hour of comedy to Bedfringe.

Expect cheeky laughs and silly voices as Paul tells the true story of how he got the acting role of a lifetime… and how it all went wrong!

Drink! Drugs! Police!

Perfume? All will be revealed!

“This bright sparky chappy was a real quick-witted geezer.” ★★★★★ Arts In Leicestershire “Steals the show” ★★★★ Three Weeks Bath Comedy Festival New Act Of The Year 2014

2.30pm £8 (£7 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ROBIN BOOT’S ROCKOMEDY: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

musical comedian or comedic musician – call him what you like – Robin Boot’s “Rockomedy” takes you on a journey which combines clever word-play and darkly surreal lyrics with incredible guitar, percussive feet and beautiful hair – what more can you ask for?

“Robin Boot’s deliciously dark & surreally silly songs are an absolute hoot… catch him, you won’t be disappointed” Dead Parrot Society “A one-man pun machine” Christian O’connell, Absolute Radio “Slayer on the acoustic… talented” Mark Little New Comedian of the Year 2016 – 3rd Place

10.15pm £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 19

comedy THE SCOTTISH FALSETTO SOCK PUPPET THEATRE COMPANY: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

Earth’s funniest footwear return with a brand new show of songs, sketches, socks and violence, taking on The Bard of Avon himself. howl at their hamlet, roar at their Romeo & Juliet, and peer into their Coriolanus. Plus all the usual satirical nonsense from the Two Gentlesocks of Verrucca.

“The unparalleled pinnacle of comedy puppetry” ★★★★★ Venue “Had every single audience member… laughing until they cried.” ★★★★★ Edinburgh Evening News “One of the truly great comic inventions of our time” ★★★★★ Theatre Bath

9.15pm £9 (£8 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

SHAKESPEARE’S AVENGERS ASSEMBLETH: AGE OF OBERON

oberon’s gone mad. we’re talking full-on hamlet. The fairy king of midsummer has kidnapped william Shakespeare, Director of S.h.I.E.L.D. (Shakespearean heroes International Evil Lessening Division) and his mischievous sidekick Puck has brought him the Infinity Quill. A quill unlike any other, for the Infinity Quill has the power to rewrite history itself and forge a new future at the will of its master.

Slightly anxious of the scenario that is unfolding, Shakespeare’s greatest heroes (and Brutus), decide that they should do something to stop the oncoming apocalypse. Under instructions from Puck they head to midsummer’s Forest.

Shakespeare’s Avengers have assemblethed.

A fast-paced comedy, featuring fairies, Romans and a whole host of madness.

10.15pm (26th) 2.00pm (27th) £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

TOM BINNS: SUMMERTIME SPECIAL 2016 WITH IVAN BRACKENBURY AND IAN D MONTFORT

Star of the criticallyacclaimed BBC one TV show hospital People is back with an updated version of his sell-out fivestar one-man variety show Club Sets. ★★★★★ The Scotsman ★★★★★ The Telegraph ★★★★★ Broadway Baby

7.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 20

NY Fringe: 12th – 28th August

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

TOM WARD: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

Comedian, writer, film-maker and voice-over artist Tom ward has made a name for himself in comedy as a finalist in the BBC Radio new Comedy Award 2014, Leicester Square new Comedian Final 2013 and nATY Final 2014. Tom has forged a successful and unique path in the industry, with his inventive style incorporating his voiceover talents and improvisation, in addition to his innovative writing.

“Equal parts hilarious and bizarre… One of the most impressive, distinctive newish acts around” Bruce Dessau – Beyond The Joke “Unique, unpredictable, and able to carry off jokes about the oddest of things… Definitely someone to look out for.”

London Is Funny “Fine writing, evoking silly images and ideas, combines with a distinctive look to make him memorable.” Chortle

7.30pm £9 (£8 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S M T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

WIFI WARS

From two of the men behind gaming sensation Go 8-Bit (in development for TV)…

“I have never heard the Royal Institution audience cheer as loudly, or laugh as hard, as they did for WiFi Wars” Martin Davies, Public Programming Manager, Royal Institution wi-Fi wars is a live comedy game show where you play along! Log in with your smartphone or tablet (make sure you’ve got plenty of battery!) and compete in a range of games, quizzes and challenges to win the show, and prizes! hosted by comedian and regular video games commentator Steve mcneil (Challenge TV’s VideoGame nation, Ginx TV’s Console Yourself and Ginx Live), the show was first performed as part of the Royal Institution’s 2015 Summer Programme after Steve and Rob Sedgebeer’s appearance on their 2014 BBC Christmas Lectures.

5.45pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Ventnor Fringe: 9th – 14th August

THE TRAVELLING SISTERS

with wild eyes and a wicked flavour of comedy, Australian trio The Travelling Sisters serve up a bevy of tragically charming characters.

Ridiculous.

Unexpected.

“A hilarious and wellcrafted show that will warm your comedy cockles” ★★★★ Funny Women “There is something particularly enchanting about those who, on realising that they have true talent, decide to do wonderfully twisted things with it.” Aussie Theatre “Think Gina Riley, Magda, and Jane Turner. Think French and Saunders.” Anywhere Festival

6.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

WILL SEAWARD: MAGNIFICENT B*STARD (EDINBURGH PREVIEW)

will Seaward has become a real supervillain and has decided to take over the world. And he’s going to do it live on stage at Bedfringe! hA hA hA hA! Tremble ye innocents! nothing can stop him! noThInG! warning: Audience may be devoured by piranhas.

“Part Brian Blessed, part Oscar Wilde, part crazed Victorian music hall MC…a naturally funny fellow” Telegraph – What To See 2015 “Pure comedy gold” ★★★★★ Festmag “Utterly absurd and belly-achingly funny” ★★★★★ Three Weeks “The only real way of describing him is ‘legend’” ★★★★★ New Current

9.00pm £8 (£7 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 14yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 21

theatre

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

100 ACRE WOOD

what does it take for a person with a mental disorder to want to get help? 100 Acre wood takes you down the winding woodland path deep into the depths of the forest that is everyday life. negotiating the perils of self discovery and opening up a landscape for play. nonSens!cal are a theatre ensemble that create original performances using absurdest constructs and heightened naturalism.

They formed the company at The School of Arts in northampton, where they learnt their craft. They have always been that group who would be a bit quirky and obscure when it came to devising their own work, with most of their pieces making no sense at all but keeping their audience engaged.

ALTERED

Faux Pas Theatre are a five-piece company exploring false memory and its detrimental effects.

Could you be lead into remembering an event so honestly, so vividly; when really it didn’t happen at all?

The story of ALTERED focuses on a young girl Beth’s battle with her own brain, as she discovers her past reality may not be as it seems.

Through this live performance, Faux Pas seek to promote awareness on this somewhat complex subject. By injecting dark comedy and post-modern techniques, we will ensure that exploring the strain on human behaviour when giving eye-witness testimony, is both informative and entertaining.

4.00pm (27th & 29th) 12noon (28th) £8 (£7 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

10.15pm (28th) 2pm (29th) £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 40 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ALTAMONT

when Storm helga, and a lone rubber duck, blocks a lighthouse’s only exit, Andy and marissa must do anything to survive.

This black comedy explores friendship, betrayal and sea shanties as two near-strangers battle South England’s (mild) cyclone, as well as each other.

Quotes from previous shows: “Inventive…unlike anything I have seen before!”

Nova Horley (Theatre Critic) “A company with the passion and drive for success that is rarely seen!” John Littlewood (Director)

on Saturday 6 December 1969 over 300,000 people arrive for Altamont, the west Coast’s version of woodstock and the Rolling Stones’ vision of free music. But as dusk descends on the drug and alcohol-fuelled revelry sinister forces threaten to shatter the peace-andlove ethos of the 60s forever.

The often forgotten landmark concert that ended the sixties left a trail of destruction and a legacy of controversy that is still disputed today. Fast-paced, explosive and intense, Altamont is a gripping interpretation of the day the music died.

“Compelling, highly engaging…John Stenhouse draws the audience in the minute he walks on stage” ★★★★★ Edinburgh Evening News

7.20pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 50 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

22

BEACON

2.00pm (27th) 12noon (29th) £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 40 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Arundel Fringe: 24th August – 2nd September

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

“Congratulations on a spectacular festival. You should be very proud” AUDIENCE MEMBER

DR ZEEMAN’S CATASTROPHE MACHINE

martin Figura, turns to Dr Zeeman’s iconic machine, the moon and photographs to help him sort out love, mortality and loss, in a new one-person show. he looks back with skill and wit at the end of a marriage, parenthood and finding new love. his previous show ‘whistle’ toured extensively, won the Sabotage Best Spoken word Show and was nominated for the Ted hughes Award.

Directed by Ross Sutherland, and with projections, machinery and sound by Andre Barreau, Karen hall, Tom Clutterbuck and Paul Finlay. It is produced by Tilt and funded by Arts Council England, norwich Arts Centre and writers’ Centre norwich.

12noon £9 (£8 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

theatre FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’S GREATEST HITS

Forbidden Broadway is a hit cabaret revue which sharply spoofs show tunes, characters and plots of contemporary and current Broadway & west End musicals. Popular shows such as Les miserables, Chicago, wicked, mamma mia, west Side Story, hairspray and Fiddler on the Roof are mocked, as Broadway’s greatest musical legends meet Broadway’s greatest satirist. A hilarious, loving and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of the theatre’s greatest stars and songwriters, this famous hit show is finally available in the UK. “Wonderful! There’s no Broadway like Forbidden Broadway” Entertainment Weekly “Gut-bustingly funny! It’s a Forbidden pleasure” NY Post

9.15pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 75 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S M T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

FREE BEING ME

how can we be free to be ourselves if we don’t know what that looks and feels like?

100 years of the senior section and how far have we come regarding the pressures on how we should look and be? we’d like to be spectacular but there are still some issues that need to be looked at. FREE BEInG mE is a devised piece, inspired by the worldwide, on-going FREE BEInG mE programme led by wAGGGS and sponsored by Dove.

Led by the cast of girls, they will share their experiences about body confidence and self esteem. Exploring their aspirations and challenges and how they feel they can make that leap to become SPECTACULAR.

6.00pm £7 (£6 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Chicago Fringe: 31st August – 11th September

INTERCOURSE

nervous accountant Gavin hires escort ‘Lana’ for an hour of paid sex in his hotel room. But when it comes down to the action, he is more interested in intercourse of the verbal variety than sexual. Both are hiding secrets. Gavin is engaged to be married and guilty about wanting to try paid sex (which is on his to-do list, along with bee-keeping). Lana has unfulfilled dreams to buy a flat and start a business but isn’t quite as experienced in the seedy world of escorting as she pretends to be.

6.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 18yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 23

theatre

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

LATE NIGHT BED SHOW/ STAINS

A DOUBLE BILL SHOW A few years ago, the rampant activity in mark and Jen’s bedroom would have made Fifty Shades of Grey look like a picnic with your grandparents. But now, the honeymoon’s over. wELL over. we join them in their melancholic bed as they unashamedly share their most intimate thoughts with us.

Inspired by the lyrics of PULP, Late Night Bed Show explores the delicate complexities of a failing relationship through unflinching frankness and gut-wrenching sincerity.

Diana’s got herself into a soggy situation. And unfortunately for you, she wants to talk about it.

Defiant in its excruciating honesty, Stains is an audacious monologue about feeling inadequate and creating your own justice in a world where you feel powerless.

Dark comedy by Bedfordian Leanne Shorley.

2.00pm £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 18yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

MARK STEINHARDT: A LAPFUL OF WINDFALLS

mark Steinhardt and Deb Bassnett follow up last year’s sell-out heloise and Abelard, pushing a little further the mixture of storytelling, letters and lecture, this time adding poetry to the blend. It’s all gathered within an account of the sad and glorious life of the largely forgotten – genius is not too strong a word – helen waddell.

Scholar, translator, novelist, star lecturer—between the wars she was famous and a best seller. But to begin at the beginning, she was a girl and the youngest child, and there was a wicked stepmother who hated her mind and took her soul prisoner…

12noon & 6.00pm £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD All ages T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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LAVENDER JUNCTION

During the waning years of the British Raj an ordinary English woman opens a suitcase full of her innermost thoughts and feelings. Based on real-life interviews and glistening with tenderness and humour a rich tapestry of characters is revealed against the fascinating backdrop of a mysterious land. This lyrical tale of lifelong love explores the sights, sounds and symbols of colonial India including the steam train journeys which chart her unforgettable encounters and major decisions. From the confines of convent boarding school to the wards of nursing college she discovers her own voice, independent spirit and destiny. Lavender Junction delicately weaves an uplifting, timeless and deeply human true story.

“Insightful, inspirational, poetic monologue – an authentic slice of social history about women, marriage and motherhood.” ★★★★ The Edinburgh Guide “Engaging, comical, poignant, uplifting” ★★★★ British Theatre Guide

3.30pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

MEET THE REAL MAGGIE THATCHER

The very last opportunity to catch this ground-breaking modern drama by Liverpool based touring company Gerundagula Productions. nominated for Best Play in the 2014 UK Studio Theatre Awards, meet the Real maggie Thatcher is directed by Brookside legend ‘illy’. Although frank and powerful the performance contains no strong language… only the truth. original, gritty and often amusing portrayals feature a diversity of issues including the miners’ Strike, Poll Tax, Clause 28 and the Falklands Crisis.

“We had witnessed something quite special” British Theatre Guide “Impressive and engaging” Manchester Theatre Awards “Brilliant – really captured the Thatcher era. I relived it this evening” ND Theatre Festival “People, you’re in for a treat” Carole Solazzo, Writer And Producer BBC Holby City & The Archers

10.15pm £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Amsterdam Fringe: 1st – 11th September

theatre

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

PIP UTTON: POPES

ON CALL

‘There’s this moment, a second, when I don’t believe it. And this second stretches out in front of me forever and she’s not gone because I don’t believe she’s gone.’

An old man obsessed with comic books, a young doctor with a strange, nervous twitch and a frustrated, sleep-deprived widow collide when maria Ashford dies. As they all begin to understand the extent to which their lives affect those they love, they struggle to cope with the realisation that having children means more than just feeding, clothing and sheltering another human being.

A series of short monologues touching on the universal emotion of loss, bristling with the sense of human experience.

4.00pm (22nd, 28th, 29th) 12noon (26th) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD T F S S m T w 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

£8 (£7 ConC.) 60 mins 12yrs+ T F S 28 29 30

THE QUARRY YOUTH THEATRE: BLACKOUT

Imagine you’re watching a piece that, with grace and unflinching clarity, takes you right inside the head of someone you never imagined you’d be able to sympathise with.

Blackout is a hard-hitting play about getting bullied, fighting back, trying to make a name for yourself, turning vicious, doing something stupid, losing everything, then finding your way again. It was written in 2008 for the national Theatre Connections by Davey Anderson, a playwright whose work has never shied away from the realities of life in working class Glasgow.

6.00pm £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S M T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Vancouver Fringe: 8th – 18th September

The English master actor Pip Utton is uniquely able to generate specific historical figures to life on stage. his latest show is about a group of men who have fascinated us for centuries: popes. Feared, loved, hated … Pip Utton takes you on a riveting night.

Popes have always been a source of interesting stories. Their power and influence is still great …. or not? And we’re happy with that?

An entertaining romp through the lives of Papal rulers over the centuries. Pip does what he does best. he transforms into fascinating personalities, grabs you by the throat and does not let go during the performance.

After Adolf, Churchill, margaret Thatcher and Chaplin, now he dives into the world of the Church.

3.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

THE QUARRY YOUTH THEATRE: SPOONFACE STEINBERG

Spoonface Steinberg is the final part of a quartet of dramas that Lee hall, award-winning writer of Billy Elliot, wrote about growing up from the perspective of children.

Spoonface is seven years old, autistic, terminally ill with cancer, confused by her parent’s erratic behaviour and trying to work out the meaning of life! She tells us her story with humour and a wonderful childlike innocence whilst also delivering a series of profound insights. members of The Quarry Youth Theatre will perform this awardwining monologue using dance, physical theatre and the power of Spoonface’s words to create an insight into the experience of a little girl with a lot to say.

“Moving, funny, sad and yet optimistic” The Stage

4.00pm (27th) 2.00pm (28th) £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25

theatre

“Be proud, James, Fi and the lovely Bedringe team for warmly welcoming a record number of ‘fringers’ to the beautiful new theatre for a most remarkable programme of events.” AUDIENCE MEMBER

WHILE MORTALS SLEEP

God. he’s a bit distant floating up there in the sky. he must be quite detached from life down here. Does he really know what it is to live the human life? Does he ever cry or feel pain? why is there suffering? one day, a man called Job decided to ask him…

Dawn Grenade Theatre brings the world’s oldest story to the stage – The Suffering of Job. hard questions will be asked!

God will be put on trial!

“If you enjoy intelligent theatre, thought-provoking theatre, theatre with depth, then this is for you. A tale for all the ages…”

Audience Member

4.00pm £9 (£8 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 70 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

X OR Y

our project is an exploration of the struggles transgender people have faced from the 19th Century to the present day. we are an all-female theatre company who want to educate young adults on the struggles that are still happening today in the transgender community. we are here to entertain, educate and intensely engage the audience on this usually taboo subject.

Usually taboo subject exploring the idea of evolution in transgenders through history and how attitudes to it are changing in society. A theme we want to include is the science behind gender and how current studies show that the grey and white matter in both gender’s brains can clash with the person’s identification of their sex, that can be found before puberty.

10.15pm (27th) 12noon (29th) £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 45 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Vegas Fringe: 10th – 19th June

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

dance & physical theatre I NEVER JUMPED IN & SORE THUMB

how do you express yourself?

Is it in what you say? how about the wAY you say it? who you’re saying it to?

Is it in the clothes you wear, the way you walk, the possessions you own? how do you express yourself? Is it in the accidental omissions your body makes when telling a lie? what about the physicality you assume when you’re nervous or scared?

This work explores the notion of both conscious and subconscious expressions of the self; what forms the conscious decisions we make and can we, or should we, control the subconscious blunders of our bodies that give away our true intentions.

2.00pm (25th main Auditorium) 12noon (26th The Studio) £5 ThE STUDIo ThEATRE & mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12yrs+ T F S S M T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

I SPENT THIS YEAR AS A GHOST

An Angry Greek.

Unbearable Truths. numerous Polaroids.

Alien Abduction. horseradish.

Chesney Buzznut is 21 years old today.

Like many millenials, Chesney is completely, totally, hopelessly lost in life. Stuck in between a generation who made sure no one after them got anything, and a generation born in the right place at the right time, Chesney struggles to find footing in a debtburdened existence. with the aid of his closest friend and alcoholic actress marie wan-K, the pair philosophise, try their hand at karaoke, seduce a cake, and do the cha cha slide – all whilst trying to get over their own personal horrors…

Called to action by a boulevard of broken dreams, wInGLESS Dance Theatre presents their latest work: ‘I Spent This Year as A Ghost’.

4.00pm ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD T F S S M T w 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

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£5 40 mins 12yrs+ F S 29 30

MY CUP OF TEA & THE WASHOUT

KINETIC VIBES: 2016 SHOWCASE

Leading local dance company (established for over 12 years) and choreographed by Kiersten Theakstone, will be performing their new show. Expect a mix of ballet, tap, modern, street and aerobic.

11.00am £7 (£6 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD All ages T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Henley Fringe: 18th – 23rd July

(SAM RAWLINS PRESENTS A DOUBLE BILL OF WORKS…) My Cup of Tea Tea. Britain as a nation is obsessed with drinking it. But why is it so popular? 165 million cups of tea are drank every day in Britain, that is around 60.2 billion in a full year! This work explores the life of a tea addict. he has a serious consumption problem, symbolising the nation’s love for a nice warm brew. But what would happen if he ever runs out of his beloved tea? The results may be alarming.

The Washout have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the world of celebrity? with a blend of theatre and dance, this ‘one man show’ aims to explore the culture of the modern day celebrity, a time where people are famous just for being famous.

Through satire and flamboyancy, this ‘blink or you’ll miss it’ phenomenon will be presented through a combination of stage and screen performance, with just a hint of nudity and a few splashes of dairy thrown in for good measure…

6.00pm mAIn AUDIToRIUm 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD T F S S m T w 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

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£5.50 50 mins 16yrs+ F S 29 30

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dance & physical theatre SCARY SH*T: EDINBURGH PREVIEW

SCARY Sh*T is a show about friendship, being a woman and asking for help.

Smashing the UK dance scene, quirky and outrageous dance theatre; Rhiannon Faith brings a real-life experience to the stage.

A rollercoaster experiment, Scary Sh*t is a show where two young women attend therapy to learn about themselves, the world and imagine a future without fear.

“A brilliantly physical set of mental ordeals” Exeunt “May the risk-taking continue in button-cute foul-mouthed Rhiannon Faith’s Scary Shit. Maddy Morgan is like a young female Oliver Hardy with f**kloads of attitude” The Times “Rhi is a brilliant choreographer and a cheeky little minx with a madcap mind.” Bryony Kimmings

6.00pm £9.50 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

SO BASICALLY, NOBODY ELSE CAN TAKE BATH FOR YOU

So looking at the philosophy of existentialism (a theory of the existence of the individual) is it really possible to demonstrate an inside emotion on the outside? This exploration demonstrates each to their own and how life can be affected by the adding and removing of a body, You may query what is going on here.

Also watch your toes. They may get wet.

4.00pm mAIn AUDIToRIUm & ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD T F S S M T w T 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

£5 30 mins 8yrs+ F S 29 30

Melbourne Fringe: 15th September – 2nd October

box office: 01234 362335/362269 www.bedfringe.com

“Bedfringe has been the most fun and the staff have made us feel very welcome. We are sad to end our run with you”★★★★★ THE DRUM TRIBE (2015)

music

MY GIRL THE RIVER ‘THIS AIN’T NO FAIRYTALE’

Join my Girl The River as they take you on a journey of story and song, white lies, half truths, tall tales and fables that paint a picture of the American south.

Full of nostalgia, adventure, humour and emotion. Find out why ‘this ain’t no fairytale’, ‘stunning’ gorgeous’ ‘great songs and voice’ was chosen to perform at the Isle of wight.

6.00pm £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) ThE STUDIo ThEATRE 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD All ages T F S S M T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ROCK ME GENTLY: FEATURING MOJO & TONY PHILLIPS

A nostalgic music journey through the rocking 1950s, 60s and 70s, with legendary performer Tony Phillips and the local classic Bedford band mojo, featuring the superb Dave King on guitar.

Expect a lot of rock’n’roll, and a bit of country from the likes of Chuck Berry, Elvis and The Beatles. This is a must see event for any rock’n’roll music fan!

As a musician Tony has appeared with many acts including Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill hayley, The Searchers and Sir Cliff Richard to name but a few. From the world of stage and theatre, he has appeared with notable names including Sir Dirk Bogarde, Sir Anthony hopkins and Lee Remick.

5.30pm £7.50 (£6.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD All ages T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Windsor Fringe: 23rd September – 8th October

WORBEY & FARRELL – RHAPSODY

Back by popular demand! worbey and Farrell are internationally-acclaimed concert pianists with a wicked sense of humour. They have entertained all over the globe to rave reviews with their inimitable re-invention of the traditional piano duet. They’ve achieved millions of hits on YouTube, stormed the Edinburgh Festival with five star reviews across the board and were voted amongst the top ten shows to see in Time out. Expect spectacular arrangements from Rhapsody in Blue to Bohemian Rhapsody and prepare to be moved, delighted and utterly gobsmacked.

“Extremely virtuosic and beyond dazzling!” BBC Radio “Awesome artistry and sheer showmanship” Martin Gray – Scotsman “Jaw-dropping talent” The Scotsman

7.15pm £10 (£8.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 60 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD All ages T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29

film

“The whole of Bedford is proud of team Bedfringe.

Top work. The passion from all involved in Bedfringe is infectious.” BEDFORD FILM FESTIVAL

THE LADY IN THE VAN – IN ASSOCIATION WITH BEDFORD FILM FESTIVAL

working closely with Bedfringe since 2013, and now screening films at Bedford’s newest theatre, we couldn’t resist the chance to bring the film adaptation of Alan Bennett’s play ‘The Lady in The Van’ to Bedford.

The film follows the true(ish) story of a vagrant (Dame maggie Smith) who lives in a van outside the home of Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings). After sparking up a relationship with the woman, Alan allows her to move her van into his driveway, where she lived for 15 years.

Smith and Jennings play brilliantly opposite each other and are supported by a wonderful cast, made up of some of Britain’s best actors (Jim Broadbent, Frances de la Tour, Dominic Cooper, Deborah Findlay). The story is full of the charm, humour, and warmth that has made Alan Bennett one of Britain’s most popular writers.

8.45pm £7.50 (£6 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 104 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 12A T F S S m T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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box office: 01234 362335/362269 www.bedfringe.com

SONG OF THE SEA – IN ASSOCIATION WITH BEDFORD FILM FESTIVAL

There are films that stand out above all others as works of art.

Then there are films where every frame is a work of art that takes your breath away. Song of the Sea is one of those films.

This enchanting Irish animation tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse, the last seal-child, who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land.

Featuring the voices of Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan, David Rawle, Lisa hannigan, Pat Shortt and Jon Kenny, the Song of the Sea is a film that will enchant children and warm adult hearts

10.30am £7 (£5.50 ConCESSIonS) mAIn AUDIToRIUm 93 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD PG T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Greater Manchester Fringe: 1st – 31st July

special events Bedfringe 10… Live!

The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s – Join us for the special 10th anniversary edition of our opening event!

An evening of comedy, magic and live music hosted by multi award-winning, Perrier-nominated comedian, author, explorer and occasional film star... Tim FitzHigham!

Matt Roberts (musician)

matt has been writing, recording and playing since october 1990 when he was 13. Since then, he has recorded hundreds and hundreds of songs. In 1997 he even had the mad idea of recording an album a month which he released on cassette and gave to friends and family.

Lewis Joss (magician)

Lewis Joss is a full-time professional magician/entertainer who performs at many different events across the UK and abroad. As a member of The magic Circle and Equity, Lewis has been seen by thousands and is highly rated by many.

Little Howard (animation/comedy!)

It’s a pleasure to have Little howard in Bedfringe this year! You may have seen him at The Royal Variety Performance or on

8.00pm mAIn AUDIToRIUm 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD T F S S m T w 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

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£12 150 mins 16yrs+ F S 29 30

BEDFRINGE CLOSING PARTY

It’s happy hour at the bar!

Come and celebrate the end of our tenth festival with a free buffet and discounted drinks.

Do we need to say more than that? note: There might be flashing lights, moderately loud music and a space hopper race in the garden.

10.00pm £FREE (non TICKETED EVEnT) ThE QUARRY ThEATRE BAR 90 mins 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD 16yrs+ T F S S m T w T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Ottawa Fringe: 15th – 26th June

CBBC! Be warned… this is Little howard in his original guise performing rather adult material!

Indi & The Vegas (musicians)

we booked these guys to support The Showhawk Duo in The Quarry Theatre back in January. we were completely blown away by their talent (and so were the Showhawk fans!) so we immediately invited them to play in Bedfringe 10… Live! Enjoy.

STEVE BEST: COMEDY SNAPSHOTS

Comedian and photographer Steve Best’s many years on the comedy circuit have allowed him to build trust with some of the funniest people on earth. This exclusive access has allowed him to take hundreds of intimate, deeply moving images that no one else could get. Steve’s first book, Comedy Snapshot is a first of its kind, with over 400 comedians, each giving a joke and some quirky facts about themselves. It is a unique record of the comedy circuit.

Steve’s photography will be on display in the theatre’s gallery spaces throughout the festival.

“Inspired collection of visual japes” Time Out “It’s a book designed to be dipped in and out of at random – to plunge full-in would be like guzzling all your chocolate box at once; but each morsel is deliciously rich.” Chortle

10.00pm £FREE (non TICKETED EVEnT) ThE QUARRY ThEATRE GALLERY ALL DAY 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFoRD All ages T F S S M T W T F S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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