Welcome aboard Bedfringe 2013… a unique
festival of the unexpected!
01234 718112
Your Bedfringe experience starts here with this brochure ting you with more than 130 performances over ys from 14 venues within the town. t is a fringe festival? I like to define it as a atform for new and exciting work covering all genres of the performing arts including theatre, comedy, dance, poetry and live music. All our acts are hand picked by our programming team o give you one of the strongest fringe programmes in the country
James Pharaoh – Director
Take a risk and see something you would never see that’s what it’s all about We have lots of new venues including an outdoor stage in Harpur Square and an open air cinema. Catch one or two of our world premier shows and be one of first people to see the next big name in comedy! Come and support national and inter national artists rom as far as South Africa to our very own homegrown talent. ome and interact with the Bedford Inter national Festival Fringe...
Here we are in our seventh year and yet again it’s our biggest and most ambitious to date.
A big thank you to all the staff for volunteering their time, our sponsors plus everyone else who has helped us along the way to make Bedfringe a fantastic festival. Without all this goodwill we would simply not be able to operate. We also welcome all acts to this year’s festival, some of whom are performing at Bedfringe for the first time and some who are back for their sixth!
This year we have an eclectic mix of national, inter national and local acts covering theatre, music, comedy, dance and film. We have performances aimed at adults, children and everyone in between – so there is something for everyone at Bedfringe. Happy Bedfringing!
Richard Mann – Co-Director
Bedfringe Team
Director .........................................................James Pharaoh
Co-Director Richard Mann
Operations Manager ..........................................Fiona Fowler
Bedford Creative Arts Dawn Giles
Sponsorship Co-ordinator Fiona Fowler
Bedfringe TV Production Engineer.........Jonathan Tompkins
Video Blogger Dave Deans
Illustrator ........................................................ Andrew Foster
South Bank Arts Venue Manager Javi Hernandez-Stalder
The Higgins Bedford Venue Manager Jo Roberts
Bunyan Meeting House Venue Manager ............Sally Annett
Castle Comedy Promoter Paul Revill
Harpur Stage Event Manager Andy Pidgen
Oxjam Co-ordinator ..........................................Clare Sullivan
Additional thanks to: Caryl Jones, Clare Melville, Creative Bedfordshire, Inbrook (NY USA), Jacquie Manners, Judith Howard, Kayte Judge, Oxjam, Sally Annett, Susan & Harry Fowler, Tom Wild, We Are Bedford and to all of our front-ofhouse and technical teams
futurelegend.co.uk box office: 01234 718112 www.bedfringe.com
Bedfringe is produced by Future Legend; a Bedfordbased production company with over 16 years of experience in theatre, film and video production.
Theatre productions include ‘Spooked’ and ‘The Glenn Miller Mystery’; films include ‘Task 7’, Worzel Thru’, The Water Dish’, ‘SenseLESS’ and ‘The Last Flight’.
Future Legend are always interested in producing new films and collaborating with other film makers, directors and producers.
Future Legend has also produced videos for (amongst others) Central Bedfordshire Council, Hopping Mad Brewery, DoubleVision and iVita.
With thanks to our 2013 sponsors
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!
Age suitability: The age ratings are there to try and 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: We have many ticket outlets. Number 13 and Bedford Tourist Information Centre sell tickets for every Bedfringe event.
Or you can buy tickets direct from the venue (see page 5 for details). Buy online by visiting Bedfringe.com
Terms & Conditions: Fo
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Love Bedford Vouchers: We are happy to announce that you can use Love Bedford vouchers at the Central Box Office and Number 13! Love Bedford vouchers are available from the Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall, St Paul’s Square and are subject to terms & conditions Visit www lovebedford co uk or Tel: 01234 718112
All Bedfringe enquiries: admin@bedfringe.com
Social: Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! Use #bedfringe to tag your comments.
Go straight to the Central Box Office system (scan QRcode).
Venues:
All venues have wheelchair access and some have parking for wheelchair users
W o o d f i n e s S o l i ci to r s a r e p r o u d
t o b e b a s e d i n B e d f o r d a n d
p r o v i d e a fu l l r a n g e o f l e g a l
se r vi ce s t o b o th b u si n e s se s
a n d i n d i vi d u a l s . Wo o d fi n e s
o ff e r s i t s cl i e n t s p ra ct i c a l a d vi c
a n d cr e a ti v e so l u t i o n s t o l e g a
p r o b l e m s . O u r r e f r e s h i n g l y
a p p r o a ch a b l e l a w ye r s a r e
a m o n g s t th e m o s t e x p e r i e n c e d
a n d ca p a b l e i n t h e r e g i o
We a l s o h a v e o ff i c e s i n S a n d y, M
K e y n e s a n d C a m b r i d g e. W e a r e e x
b e s u p p o r t i n g B e d fr i n g e f o r t h e fi r
i n 2 0 1 3 . F o r fu r th e r i n f o r m a ti o n ,
v i s i t o u r we b si te, w w w. wo o d f i n e /bedfringe @bedfringe
Bedford Corn Exchange (Hub 1) St Paul’s Square MK40 1SL bedfordcor nexchange.co.uk 2
The Harpur Suite (Hub 2) Harpur Square MK40 1SL bedfordcor nexchange.co.uk
Love Bedford Music & Comedy aka The Howard Room (Hub 3) St Paul’s Square MK40 1SL bedfordcor nexchange co uk
Number 13 (Hub 4) St Paul’s Square MK40 1SL bedfordcor nexchange.co.uk 5
Harpur Stage (Hub 5) Harpur Square MK40 1SL bedfordcor nexchange.co.uk
Bedford Theatre, Bedford School De Parys Avenue MK40 2TT bedfordtheatre.co.uk
Castle Comedy at The Ent Shed 118 Castle Road MK40 3QY castlecomedy co uk
South Bank Arts Centre Bedford College, Cauldwell St MK42 9AH southbankarts.com
The Higgins Bedford Castle Lane MK40 3XD higginsbedford.org.uk
Bunyan Meeting & Museum Mill Street MK40 3EU bunyanmeeting.co.uk
Bedford Castle Mound The Embankment MK40 1RW
Esquires 60A Bromham Road MK40 2QT bedfordesquires.moonfruit.com
Bedford Creative Arts 104 Midland Road MK40 1QE bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
St Cuthbert’s Hall Newnham Street MK40 3JR thecastlequarter.com
Bedford Town Centre (Empire Sunset Nine Hole Mini Golf)
bedfringe presents
AN EVENING WITH LEWIS JOSS
lewis Joss has been performing magic for over 11 years now and is a member of equity and the ‘Magic Circle YI’ During this time, lewis has met and worked with the likes of Paul Daniels, Debbie McGee, Derren brown, Dynamo, barry & stuart and shane Richie lewis is hosting his very own stage show with fun-packed, magical entertainment for the whole family. Please note audience participation is part of the act For more details or to book lewis please visit www lewisMagic co uk twitter – @lewisMagic Fb – Facebook com/lewisMagic
“Had the audience in awe A fabulous entertainer!” Affinity magazine
7.00pm £5
SOUTH BANK ARTS CENTRE 60mins BEDFORD COLLEGE 8yrs+
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Kerry Hodgkin & ladyblue Music present
KISS
OF THE RED MENACE: A
TRIBUTE
TO KANDER & EBB
Cabaret, Chicago & all that Jazz Kander & ebb wrote them all. Diva-chanteuse, Melody la Rouge sings them all in this affectionate tribute to broadway’s best!
Multiple tony award winners Kander & ebb have been responsible for some of the greatest creations of the american musical stage Melody la Rouge is a performer in the grand tradition of power singers such as liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera –with an astonishing vocal range and commitment to rival the greats
★★★★ Three Weeks. best solo Vocal Music show, Buxton Fringe 2012. www melodylarouge com
4pm (26th) 9pm (30th) 7.30pm (31st) £7 50 (£6 50 CONCS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins
HARPUR SQUARE, BEDFORD 12yrs+
bedfringe presents
THE DEVASTATED DIVA
be prepared to be entertained, enthralled and appalled, as the Devastated Diva shares her songs of love, loss and labiaplasty.
local writer and performer sara turner takes the idea of an iconic torch singer and turns it inside out. Fresh from Vegas (sort of) Diva invites you into her world, a dive bar called love and Regret the highs, the lows, the small time losers and the big time dreamers.
she’s a show stealer, a true love believer, she’ll stab you if you leave her – she is the Devastated Diva
9.00pm (26th) and 6.00pm (27th) £6
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
bedford Creative arts presents M!MS VARIETY SHOW
explore the creative work and legacy of the M!Ms (Maximum Irony! Maximum sincerity) artistic movement, which artist andy Holden founded with bedford school friends before training as an artist in 2003.
andy will present songs, readings and sketches there will be a toy piano performance and the poetry of one man’s record collection
Featuring the Johnny Parry Chamber Orchestra, simon Munnery, Grubby Mitts, brave soldier and show without Punch Hosted by Ricky leach, check him out on Youtube!
Please be aware that all the M!Ms events will be filmed by attending you become part of the work this event is part of the Zabludowicz Collection annual Commission.
8.30pm (Doors open 8.00pm)
ESQUIRES
£5
70mins
60A BROMHAM ROAD, BEDFORD 18yrs+
Riverside theatre Company presents
DANCE FUSED
Cambridgeshire-based dance company choreographed by sara Johnson present their new show ‘Dance Fused’, which uses a mixture of street, hip hop, ballet and modern they have previously performed at the Royal albert Hall, sadlers wells, alton towers and won the euro Disney dance competition in 2010
Riverside Dance academy is part of Riverside theatre Company which also runs musical theatre sessions, the Riverside singers, Vox Rocks (male-only choir) and the acting workshop (who have previously performed twice at bedfringe)
Riverside operate weekly workshops; where they provide drama, singing and dance training from professional tutors/directors who work in the business
2.30pm £6 (£5 CONCESSIONS)
PICTURE TELLS A STORY
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE
All ages
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Kinbetic Vibes presents 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. kineticvibes.com
6.00pm
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2)
HARPUR SQUARE
60mins
All ages
12.30pm £6 (£5 CONCESSIONS) THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60 mins HARPUR SQUARE All ages Centre stage academy presents EVERY
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step Out arts presents
SNAPSHOTS
an evening of Chinese traditional dance and music with a performance of ‘snapshots’.
taiwanese choreographer/ dancer Yuyu Rau will demonstrate the principles of Chinese classical dance including finger gestures, curving of the body, posture and breathing techniques, with an aural and visual introduction to her performance of a short traditional Chinese dance Using poetry and stories Chinese musician Dennis lee will introduce audiences to the ethereal sound of the xiao (Chinese flute) and the heavenly sound of the guzheng (zither) performing traditional music on both instruments.
the audience will be taken on a rollercoaster journey around the world and through time by our dancers performing routines in several styles from ballet to street dance and everything in between every dance is based on the picture projected on the back of the stage and the Centre stage dancers show the audience how dance really is the best storyteller www.centrestagedancing.co.uk FSSMTWTFSSMTWTF
7.00pm £10 (£8 CONCESSIONS)
SOUTH BANK ARTS CENTRE 90mins (15min interval) BEDFORD COLLEGE All ages
bedfringe presents ALEX MONKS: POETRY
AND OTHER VICES
“eurgh there is no worth and nothing. and what?!” alex Monks once used to write emotional and romantic poetry before deciding he was rubbish at it. nowadays he writes twisty, cynical and occasionally funny words and then reads them to people for his own amusement as much as theirs. Poetry and Other Vices marks alex’s return to bedfringe after the success of last year’s free-fringe show enthusiastic and energetic; alex covers a range of engaging issues –from half-baked musings on the divine to in-depth studies of crippling hangovers For fans of slams and spoken word, this isn’t one to miss! Warning: this show isn’t suitable for kids, Creationists or people without vice.
7.30pm £5
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 2nd AUGUST 40mins HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 3rd AUGUST 16yrs+
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Gag Reflex presents BENNY DAVIS: THE HUMAN JUKEBOX
the axis of awesome’s benny Davis will music at you like mad in his break-out solo show! His technical mastery, mind-blowing skills and patented musical satire are strung together in a showcase of his “phenomenal talent” (scotsman). From the street corner to the stage, benny goes from a lowly busker to a DJ with a twist; songs played lIVe are chosen by YOU. Come along and name a song; if he’s heard it he can play it the Human Jukebox is at your service.
“Benny is a freak I envy his ears” Tim Minchin
One third of the sensational axis of awesome.
9.00pm £7
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
lisa thomas Management presents ANDREW RYAN: RYANOLOGY
In andrew Ryan’s brand new 2013 show, Ryanology, the Irishman gives the audience an insight into his day-to-day life in this fast paced world, and how he takes things slow, with his addictive and destructive personality
“a very very funny man” ★★★★ Fringe Guru
“Must see” ★★★★ The Stage andrewryancomedy com
7.30pm £5
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
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Castle Comedy presents
BRAND NEW SHOW FROM JOSH WIDDICOMBE
star of ‘live at the apollo’, ‘8 out of 10 Cats’ and ‘Mock the week’! He is perhaps the fastest rising star in british comedy and since his debut in 2008 has had a remarkable impact on the comedy circuit. so it is with huge pleasure that he comes to bedfringe to preview his new show ahead of a limited run at the edinburgh fringe.
“Josh Widdicombe is shaping up to be the British Seinfeld” ★★★★★ London Is Funny “His gift for comedy is priceless” Evening Standard
8.30pm (Doors open 8pm) £8
THE ENT SHED
100mins + interval CASTLE ROAD 16yrs+
Castle Comedy presents
CASTLE COMEDY
SPECIAL
bedford’s no.1 Comedy Club
Castle Comedy brings its brilliant club night to bedfringe Featuring a packed line up of FIVe top comedians, it will be the ultimate comedy night out! Headlining the show is Imran Yusuf He is renowned for his super-high energy performance and unique voice in the comedy world. His breakthrough year was in 2010 when he was nominated for the best newcomer award at the edinburgh Fringe Festival. since then he has made numerous television appearances including Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow
“Sharp, passionate and uplifting” ★★★★ Telegraph
“He’s all arms and legs, you’re laughing before he opens his mouth” Michael McIntyre
8.30pm (Doors open 8pm) £9
THE ENT SHED 120mins + interval CASTLE ROAD 16yrs+
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Objective talent presents DAVID
MORGAN: PRETTY
two ridiculous events conspired to make David consider how pretty he is, how he judges other people’s prettiness and why it all seems to matter David is a highly soughtafter MC and one of the most engaging new presenters to hit our screens in recent years. David’s tV credits include big brother’s bit on the side (Channel 5), Geordie shore’s Mint bits (MtV) and tweets of the Year (ItV)
Gag Reflex presents
DAN NIGHTINGALE:
LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLESTEROL
One of the british Comedy circuit’s best and most exciting talents star of ‘John bishops Only Joking’ is coming to bedfringe with a brilliant hour of stand-up comedy charting his romantic aspirations and failings and being very funny with it too
a show about love, life in light of a lack of love and the general humorous misuse of an existence Plus there’s a CGI car chase. Honest.
“Nightingale can make just about anything funny He’s lightning-quick” Time Out
“Magnetic, entertaining and wonderfully funny”
Three Weeks
“Pretty damn funny” Festmag
9.00pm £6
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 16yrs+
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Objective talent presents DOG-EARED COLLECTIVE left-field fringe favourites the Dogeared Collective are back in bedford and this time, they’re bringing the big guns. Featuring some of the wildest sketches and most anarchic characters from their comedy arsenal, they promise to blow your silly-bone to smithereens
9.00pm
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3)
“David Morgan is Funny Yes with a capital F” Attitude “A joy to behold” Metro. “Hilarious” Heatworld 2011 nominated best new show leicester Comedy Festival 2011 amused Moose laughter awards top 10 FSSMTWTFSS
Sunday Times Critic’s Choice, 2011
“Sensational wordplay and a raft of first rate sketches’” ★★★★ Chortle 2012
7.30pm £5
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins
ST PAUL’S SQUARE 12yrs+
lisa thomas Management presents
ELLIE TAYLOR
the girl with big teeth you may have seen on snog Marry avoid? (bbC3) & Fake Reaction (ItV2) or just wandering around asking to stroke your dog will be doing totes hilarious talkies for 30 minutes It may involve a flip chart and will definitely involve the word ‘amazeballs’ sorry
“Charismatic, personable and bright” Chortle
“Sparkling and energetic company” Three Weeks
lisa thomas Management presents
FOIL ARMS AND HOG
Irish sketch-comedy, potato, potato, potato, potato, potato, potato, potato, potato, pot of gold, potato You racist.
sold-out edinburgh
Fringe Festival 09 - 12 a fast-paced mix between sketch comedy and stand-up with wickedly twisted characters, unpredictable scenes and high-energy performances
★★★★★ Entertainment ie ★★★★ Chortle
“Fantastic and increasingly bizarre” Scotsman “Deliriously funny and at times unexpectedly dark” List
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 16yrs+
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Charlotte Hamilton artist Management presents GEOFF
NORCOTT: OCCASIONALLY SELLS OUT
nominated for best new show at 2013 Dave’s leicester Comedy Festival. Geoff norcott is the antidote to atheist, leftie comedians sometimes a standup hits a point where he has to stop tickling tummies and say what he really thinks. this is that point He’s brought lots of laughs too and really is quite a nice chap
Geoff’s performed in afghanistan and has written for ‘live at the apollo’, ‘stand up for the week’ and ‘the now show’
“Genuine iconoclast… more importantly, makes it funny”
Chortle “Near Master of anecdotal story telling”
★★★★’Edfest Magazine
“Straightforward stand up at its very best”
★★★★ Broadway Baby
7.30pm £5
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
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123 6.00pm £6
luke toulson presents
I DON’T KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT MY KIDS
as seen on Russell Howard’s Good news, the Perrier-nominated and award-winning luke toulson returns to bedfringe with a blisteringly funny and brutally honest new show about fatherhood, gay marriage, UKIP and the most racist production of Miss saigon ever staged
“Toulson is clearly a gifted comic” Sunday Times
“He is the kind of comedian who should share the spotlight with the more established stars.” The Stage “He is an irresistibly appealing communicator” Chortle Hackney Empire New Act of the Year Winner
7.30pm £5
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
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Red24 Management presents JAVIER
JARQUIN: JOKE NINJA
How many jokes are out there and you’ve just never noticed them?
Humour that blends seamlessly into its surroundings? Comedy that waits silently in the shadows?
Having dedicated years of his life to learning the deadly comedic arts, award-winning new Zealand comedian Javier Jarquin sets out to find, expose and present these rogue jokes to his audience in all their hilarious glory armed with slick observations and killer punch lines Jarquin fights his way through an hour of stand up. expect blood.
lisa thomas Management presents JOEL
DOMMETT:
YESSSSSS. YES
Following the sold-out success of ‘neon Hero’ and ‘nunchuck silver Medallist 2002’ at edinburgh Festival Joel (Russell Howard’s Good news & Impractical Jokers, bbC3, MtV news, How to survive a Disaster Movie, C5) brings his third hilarious stand-up show to bedfringe.
“A manically funny act” ★★★★★ Three Weeks “Gaffawed my chops off” ★★★★★ PPSF “Hilarious delightful tales” ★★★★ Scotsman. joeldommett com
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
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bedfringe presents
JOHN HEGLEY:
PEACE LOVE AND POTATOES
Inimitable poet, comedian and performer John Hegley will read from his new volume Peace love and Potatoes which brings together poetry, prose and drawings on the themes closest to his heart. Contemplating everything from France and family and libraries and paintings to Daleks and of course potatoes, these pieces are by turns funny, moving, thoughtprovoking and always sparklingly original. Peace love and Potatoes opens a new window onto John Hegley’s unique and vivid way of seeing the world and is certain to delight fans old and new.
there will be a post-show book signing, courtesy of waterstone’s bedford
7.30pm £8 (£7 CONCESSIONS)
THE ENT SHED 60mins + book signing CASTLE ROAD 12yrs+
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
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Mirth Control presents MATT GREEN: ALIVE
a show about all of the things that haven’t killed Matt Green It’s a long list because he isn’t dead yet Featuring evacuations, explosions, children, animals and at least one visit to the hospital
“A set full of poise, wit and expertly-placed callbacks really funny.” ★★★★ Scotsman
“Not only charming and affable but also disarmingly intelligent…a perfectly paced hour” ★★★★ List
“An hour of classic stand up expertly delivered ” ★★★★ Broadway Baby
“Fast, fluent, and very funny stand-up lightning-fast audience banter and an incisive wit, and he doesn’t talk down to his audience.” ★★★★ Venue
★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
9.00pm £5
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
bedfringe presents MORGAN &
WEST: TIME
TRAVELLING MAGICIANS
Great scott! Victorian magicians Morgan and west bring a magical extravaganza to a millennium near you! see the plucky prestidigitators present dazzling deceptions, unparalleled precognitive powers and a totally genuine ability to travel through time “I can’t recall the last time my awe was as thoroughly struck” ★★★★ The Scotsman “Sensationally satisfying tremendously uplifting” ★★★★★ Three Weeks
7.30pm £7
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
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bound and Gagged Comedy in assocation with CKP presents THE NOISE
NEXT DOOR: SOUNDHOUSE
In a dark corner of town there is an underground club the likes of which the world has never seen. a place without rules, where legends live and history is made
the 2010 - 2012 edinburgh sell out comedy team return with their astonishing new show. Unstoppably funny and uniquely talented, the noise next Door are well on their way to becoming comedy’s next big thing
‘
“Hilarious” ★★★★ Daily Telegraph
“Masterpiece” ★★★★★ Three Weeks
“World-class” ★★★★★ USA Weekly
7.30pm £6
THE ENT SHED 60mins CASTLE ROAD 16yrs+
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lisa thomas Management presents NAT
LUURTSEMA: SOLO
the love of nat’s life went tits-up so now she must pack away her crazy and act normal until someone equally tolerant comes along Meanwhile she’s young, dumb and disappointing her mum, living her life in chaos and cheap red wine
“Disgustingly talented” Guardian
“Wincingly funny” The Observer
“A perfect blend of smart and silly” Spoonfed Comedy “An original thinker” “A distinctive comedy voice” Chortle
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 15yrs+
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Vivienne smith management presents
PATRICK
MONAHAN: CAKE CHARMER
brand new stand up show from the comedian who likes hugging and eating cake but not at the same time!
Hosts sky tV’s Jongleurs live! seen on ItV2’s Fake Reaction, CbbC 12 again, let’s Dance bbC1
“Hilarious without being outrageous” ★★★★★ Three Weeks
“There isn’t a comic quite like him, his hugs alone are worth the price of admission” ★★★★★ New Current “Supremely engaging, adored by audiences” Scotsman “The charisma of a young Alan Davies” ★★★★ Herald
9.00pm £7
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
01234 718112
Objective talent presents PETE
FIRMAN
the UK’s top comedic conjuror brings his latest box of tricks to bedfringe, fresh from bbC1’s the Magicians, and hosting duties on e4’s the body shocking show, Pete previews his brand new edinburgh Festival show for 2013.
“The new poster-boy for British comedy” The Telegraph
“The best magic tricks in the universe” Independent
7.30pm £10 (£8 CONCESSIONS)
BEDFORD THEATRE 60mins DE PARYS AVENUE 12yrs+
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Objective talent presents RHYS
MATHEWSON: THE BEST £5
YOU’LL EVER SPEND
Fresh from sell-out shows in his native new Zealand and a best new show nomination at Dave’s leicester Comedy Festival, 2013 multi-award winning Rhys Mathewson brings his unique brand of humour to the bedford Fringe with a show that’s jam-packed with laughs. a must-see. Guarantees you value for money!*
*Comedy is subjective; may not represent actual value for money
“This ferociously talented young comic’s got them eating out of his hands” TVNZ.co.nz, 2011 NZ International Comedy Festival”
9.00pm £5
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
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Red24 Management presents RAYGUNS LOOK REAL ENOUGH: RELEASE THE TIGER!
spinal tap meets Morecambe and wise in one of the funniest and most unique double acts in the UK. Rayguns combine high quality musicality and insane mash-ups to deliver an unrivalled entertainment experience which brings together cabaret, comedy and rock’n’roll they have played to packed stadiums, rocked festival stages and are regulars at comedy and cabaret clubs across the UK
“They rock the house we love them” Time Out “Gloriously entertaining” Chortle “Hysterical Thoroughly entertaining” Three Weeks
7.30pm £8 (£7 CONCESSIONS)
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
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Phil McIntyre entertainments & lisa thomas Management present
ROB BECKETT: LIVE
Multi-award winning comedian Rob beckett and his trademark grin will be at bedfringe before travelling across the country with his highly-anticipated debut UK tour the plan for the show is for you to laugh a lot and leave happier than when you arrived as seen on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here now! (ItV2), 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4) and John bishop’s Only Joking (sky 1).
“A little short of a revelation” ★★★★ The Scotsman “Likeable high tempo comic” The Guardian “The confidence of a veteran” The Times Best Newcomer nominee, Adelaide Fringe 2011
8.00pm £5
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
bedfringe presents SIMON MUNNERY: FYLM
simon Munnery stabs at the void between dead film and live theatre in his latest fylmtastic fylm – a work in progress
“In one audacious, ingenious leap of imagination, Munnery has escaped the bounds of stand-up as we know it” ★★★★★ Scotsman.
6.00pm £7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
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bedfringe presents SUGAR & VICE
Often the sexiest stories are the ones you don’t quite finish. Join the sometimes sweet, mostly naughty girls of sugar & Vice (australia) for late night songs and laughter
Courtney’s saving herself until marriage and knows that you find that weird brydie spent herself some time ago and has been living on sexual credit since an original fringe show about sex, love and the ones who got away From the writer/cast of Princess Cabaret
“Fun and fantastic” ★★★★ EdFringeReview.com
“Big happy family of failed love”
★★★★ Broadway Baby
9.00pm £6
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 16yrs+
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scottish Falsetto sock Puppet theatre presents SOCKS IN SPACE
“the abbott & Costello of the sock world” (time Out), stars of stage, screen and Youtube bring you a new show of songs, sketches, socks and violence with a sci fi theme.
“Superbly written, crafted and performed show” ★★★★½ The Punch (Australia) 2012 “Had every single audience member laughing until they cried.” ★★★★★ Edinburgh Evening News
7.30pm £7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS) THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
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bedfringe presents
SUPERHERO CLUB
the superhero Club started writing sketches together at school and now write humour that is fast, imaginative and extremely funny. From the surreal to the satirical and the abstract to the absolutely hilarious, this four-man group do sketch comedy with style Have you ever wondered about how you’re going to pass your Duke of edinburgh award? Or whether ordering lobster might bring you more than you asked for? Or even if government cuts have led to budgeting in Q branch? well wonder no more, the superhero Club gives you the answers.
this is comedy that is highly accessible, intelligent, clean and hugely entertaining
9.00pm £6
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 15yrs+
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Castle
Comedy presents
TONY LAW & JAMES ACASTER
Tony Law: Nonsense Overdrive
tony law the star of ‘never Mind the buzzcocks’ and ‘Have I Got news For You’ presents a deeply hidden, powerfully meaningful show: nonsense Overdrive
Chortle Award Winner for ‘best show’ and ‘best Club act’ 2013
James Acaster: Lawnmower
It’s time for some low-key stand-up from an angular young man. a whole host of topics is about to get what they’ve got coming to them. Quite frankly, it’s about high time someone gave it to them the way they’re about to get it Here we go
“One of the sharpest comic minds to have emerged in recent years” Guardian
8.30pm (Doors open 8pm) £9
THE ENT SHED 120mins CASTLE ROAD 16yrs+
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Kieran Murphy presents TALL, DARK &
DARRYL
In 1987 axl Rose said ‘welcome to the Jungle’ now 26 years later this comedy show has nothing to do with that, although there may be fun and games. Darryl edge, Kieran Murphy and andy Field provide you with a night of stand-up comedy that’ll make you feel like you’re in Paradise City (sorry, this show actually has very little to do with Guns n Roses)
Kieran: “he’s a good looking chap and he could easily model briefcases or something for a living”
Tony Sutton for Rib Tickler Comedy
andy: “Brilliantly funny throughout… totally natural on stage” The Edge Student Magazine
Darryl: “Incredibly endearing and a fantastically talented young comedian” Short Circuit Comedy
6.00pm £6
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
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Objective talent presents VIKKI STONE
after a sell-out edinburgh run in 2012, Vikki stone returns to bedford to preview a new hour of songs, stand-up and, depending on whether or not her dog can learn to dance, dog dancing.
“Hilarious and brilliant” Heat
“Super funny new girl on the block” The Sun
“The audience were crying with laughter” The Guardian
Three Weeks
Scotsgay
The Scotsman
Sunday Herald
bedfringe presents WILL MARS: AMERICANA
a show about how america changed the world well, how america changed the world for one man not that having your world changed is a good thing sometimes it is but sometimes it’s not. let’s just say it’s a show, that reveals a man, who grew up with a mother and americana. Will Mars is “Fearless” The List, “Engaging” Chortle and writes jokes that “Take us out of our mundane reality” The Guardian shortlisted for DaVe’s funniest jokes of the edinburgh fringe 2012 (3rd place)
6.00pm £5
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
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Mirth Control presents YIANNI:
THINK BIG
Yianni’s 2013 Fringe Goals: Hilarious show win lottery sell out daily. Grow taller 5 star reviews Freeze hell over. award nomination. Reverse gravity sell out edinburgh’s biggest venue think big a show about aiming high and self belief from the comedian behind last year’s award-nominated “numb and number”
“Stunningly good” ★★★★ The Scotsman “Sparklingly intelligent” ★★★★ Chortle
7.30pm £5
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
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Croon Productions present
ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN
“Get the riot gun, there’s a flying saucer and a 50 foot giant out on Route 66.” attack of the 50 Foot woman is a live puppet performance of the cult 1950’s sci-fi film the radio reports the world-wide sightings of a UFO, our heroine has a terrifying encounter with the alien, while her adulterous husband plots to get her fortune with his floozy, but will the heroine get her revenge?
Combining puppets, object theatre and mask with marionette, rod and shadow puppetry, vintage cars, fabulous clothes and a sizzling original 1950’s style soundtrack, a trip down Route 66 was never as dangerous
“Exquisitely crafted, hugely accessible and a must-see” Prema Arts Centre
7.30pm £7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS)
Company Gavin Robertson presents
BOND
An Unauthorised Parody... Gavin Robertson now focuses his attention on the bond phenomenon eagerly awaited by millions, and exploding every cliché in the book(s) solo! In which bond meets his greatest arch-villain yet – Ian Fleming himself!
this brand of genre-based parody is a Robertson highlight, transposing movie clichés to the stage – with shows like ‘a space Oddity’, spittoon’ and ‘Fantastical Voyage’ all previously touring the UK and internationally
“Like watching a comic strip come to life, complete with sound effects, the story romps along with great oneliners and mimed sketches that have the audience howling… an inventive, brilliant and entertaining evening” Fantastical Voyage The Stage
6.00pm
All ages
BEDFORD THEATRE 45mins DE PARYS AVENUE
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Flabberghast theatre Company presents BORIS & SERGEY II: PERILOUS ESCAPADE
Puppetry’s balkan bad-boys boris & sergey; simply the greatest Vaudevillian double act ever conceived for the small stage are back in the sequel to end all sequels! Following their seven five-star sell-out smash of edinburgh 2012 with ‘Vaudevillian adventure’ the brothers embark on a quest to right the wrongs perpetrated on them and reclaim their souls for good! a one-hour continuous flow of amusement with a dark and twisted heart. Once again expect riotous exploits, malarkey, molestation and mirth of a magnitude hitherto unseen in the neck of any woods anywhere
“Profanely hilarious… shows this excellent don’t stay secret for long’” ★★★★★ boris & sergey I: Fest
6.00pm (13th) 2.30pm (14th) £7 (£6 CONCESSIONS) BEDFORD THEATRE 60mins DE PARYS AVENUE 16yrs+
“Theatre in its most perfect polished form” Spittoon The List Magazine F SS MTWTFSSMTWTF S SMTWTFS
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 8yrs+
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Full House theatre Company and bedford & District Cerebral Palsy society present BOXED
boxed is a newly devised production performed by an ensemble of young actors from the bedford & District Cerebral Palsy society alongside professional actors from bedford-based, Full House this ferociously powerful piece boxed promises to be a fast-paced, thought provoking new piece.
bDCPs enables people with cerebral palsy to live their life their way “Full House is professional family theatre at its spellbinding best” Beds on Sunday
This is a project supported by Children in Need.
BEDFORD THEATRE 50mins DE PARYS AVENUE 12yrs+
lifebox theatre Company presents
CONFETTI
we are gathered here today to remember Harry echo…
Confetti, a black comedy, focuses on a meeting between a grieving father and a young politician. written by tim Foley, the play began originally as an experimenta character piece where the focus was on rhythm and speech to mask emotion and create an awkward, tense atmosphere the result, however, was something quite remarkable tim’s show, scene of the titans, was nominated for two awards at the 2011 edinburgh Fringe, his 2012 Fringe show Meat won an edFringe award and 5★ reviews 2012 shows included the Imaginary Cutlery of Dr Mika (barron theatre), short Captions for stick Figures (barron theatre) and baby bottle Cosmo (byre theatre). His work was featured in the 2013 stage write festival
Company Gavin Robertson presents CRUSOE
sea, sun, sand, sex and space – solo!
Following performances in the UK, Usa and europe in 2012 and with shows in India and australia in 2013, this unique and darkly comic solo show creates an urban and cinematic world where a hitman, ‘a middleaged white male’ and an alzheimer’s sufferer share their stories and thoughts, amid the mishaps of being single – cunningly interwoven with the classic ‘Crusoe’ story and an exploration of ‘big bang theory’!
a focused blend of acting, precise movement and bold images, supported by an original atmospheric soundtrack and an undercurrent of dark hilarity
“Rare priceless performance. Genius…” Fringereview
7.30pm £7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
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eric & bedfringe present ERIC’S TALES
OF THE SEA: A SUBMARINER’S YARN
this show’s not to be missed – it’s truly unique. to call it only a comedy show wouldn’t do it justice, as eric plays with the audience’s every emotion skilfully
eric will keep you (mesmerised) hanging on his every word with a selection of incredible images, he takes the audience through his experiences, which at times leave the audience scared to breathe in case they miss something this a real life story of danger, suspense and true love underwater.
“Eric’s Tales of the Sea is what the stage was invented for. My favourite Fringe show of the last few years” Stewart Lee
Three Weeks ★★★★ The Times
12.30pm (28th) 6.00pm (29th) £8 (£7 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins
HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
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THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 16yrs+
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Interactive theatre International presents FAULTY
TOWERS: THE DINING EXPERIENCE
In this pitch-perfect tribute to Fawlty towers, the fun starts as the audience waits to be seated and then hurtles along for two hours of fully immersive, highly improvised and site-specific comedy theatre with only a third of the show scripted, everything stays sharp as basil, sybil and Manuel serve up madcap mayhem and a three-course meal – with the audience playing the part of their restaurant diners expect all the best gags – just don’t expect herds of giant wildebeest and certainly don’t mention the war!
“Ingenious the best comedy show I have ever been to” Sunday Express
“A two-hour eat, drink and laugh sensation” Daily Telegraph, Edinburgh Fringe
7.30pm (Pre show drinks 7pm)
£34.50 (inc 3-course meal)
CORN EXCHANGE (HUB1) 120mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 12yrs+
the JQ studio presents
HOUR OF THE WOLF
at night, during the first anniversary of his loved one’s death, a man plagued by insomnia and bouts of fitful unrest takes a turn for the worse during the Hour of the wolf Using elements of ritualism, movement and song, the performance will incorporate the profane poetry of Charles bukowski, the intensity of Fiódor Dostoyevski and the delicate imagery of poet/lyricist silvio Rodriguez
“Hour of the Wolf is more than ritualized performance It is Quintero’s rite of passage as an actor and a man ” Miami Herald
“Hour of the wolf” was performed Off-broadway in new York City on november 2012
6.00pm (20th) 2.30pm (21st) £7 (£6 CONCESSIONS)
BEDFORD THEATRE 55mins DE PARYS AVENUE 16yrs+
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Monkey Poet presents LOVE HURTS ACTUALLY
what is love? It blinds It hurts. sometimes it dare not speak its name It is forgiveness, stalking, murder most foul and sweet-talking. Monkey Poet previews his new show before a national tour. seven characters and their intertwining tales of love from spermatozoa to Grave
“One hyperactive, occasionally sweary, often very funny bundle ” The Scotsman
“Wicked barrages of humour.” The Stage
“Funny, furious and filthy Dominates the stage ” Jersey Evening Post
“A tour-de-force performance ” Venue Magazine
“Sublime genius. A cracker of a show.” Broadway Baby
7.30pm £7 (£6 CONCESSIONS)
BEDFORD THEATRE 90mins (+ interval) DE PARYS AVENUE 16yrs+
sparkle & Dark presents KILLING
ROGER
“Could you kill someone billy? I mean really, could you? what if they asked you to?”
billy, a conscientious, opinionated teenager, meets Roger, a chain-smoking, chair-ridden, sharp-tongued old man. an unlikely friendship forms and billy must decide what it means to truly care about someone Rapidly, levels of reality distort as we delve into Roger’s memories and billy’s troubled mind. new writing by award-winning sparkle and Dark, using puppetry and live music
“Superb as polished and professionally rendered as it is thought provoking” Animations Online
“ a young theatre company with great promise”
The Stage 2012
6pm (26th) 4pm (27th) £7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 14yrs+
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Free spirits (bedford Free school) presents
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
shakespeare meets ‘the Only way Is essex’ in this exciting adaptation presented by Free spirits –bedford Free school’s theatre Company. the audience is given a glimpse into the lives and loves of those on a hit reality soap opera – ‘alriiight athens!’ what will happen when the writers, titania, Oberon and their cheeky assistant Puck get involved? Come along and find out!
act two will be a presentation of other performances that the students have been working on throughout the year, including an adaptation of the witches, Monologues and Duologues and a selection of musical theatre songs It promises to be a fun-filled (and hopefully sunny) day!
12noon & 2.30pm
£5
THE CASTLE MOUND 120mins THE EMBANKMENT All ages
bOMbsYtetheatre presents
RECALCULATING
Have you ever been in a car??
then ‘Recalculating’ is the show for you!
bOMbsYtetheatre took to the road and came back with ‘Recalculating’
John O’Groats to lands’ end, five people, six cases, one Peugeot, 2012 miles, seven days, seven destinations, flat tyres, fast food and toilet traumas! wouldn’t change a thing! bOOM!
bedford school students present NEW
SODOM
“One morning, when Igor trigorivitch awakes from his deep sleep he finds that all is not as it once was ” society has become corrupt and decedant as a result of the rich squandering their wealth. Igor must absolve himself of his sins or else face the consequences
this play is exciting, relevant and contemporary theatre for young people, by young people and should not be missed. written and performed by students from the bedford area
7.30pm (23rd & 30th) 6.00pm (25th) £6 (£5 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
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THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
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Fasten your seatbelts as we bring the people we met and places we saw to you. Come journey with us through the highs and lows as we go from end to end of Great britain FSSMTWTFSSM
Creased Productions presents ROUGH
THEATRE
Rough theatre leads you by the hand into the world of beckett In these two lesser-known plays a blind man and a cripple seek to find some common ground in the darkness, while two strangers turn up to check the papers of a man teetering on the edge of existence.
thought-provoking, tantalising and absurdly funny Rough theatre is a perfect watch for beckett pro’s and novices alike!
9.00pm £7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
sophie Gatacre presents
SAMANTHA’S HOTLINE
a one-woman comedy drama about a posh Chelsea lady whose husband has left her in the midst of the recession she turns to telephone sex to earn an income, taking her clients on wild journeys where they become a cowboy, fireman, naughty school boy and dirty priest. this is set against her troubled life where she turns to the bottle, lies to her son, argues with her adulterous husband and compares lifestyles with her neighbour making the show a punchy, hysterically funny life in the day of a troubled lady
“The sexiest voice at the Edinburgh Fringe” The List “Gatacre’s humour and performance is comparable to Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley in Ab Fab” Fringe Review
9.00pm £7 (£6 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 15yrs+
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beyond eternity Promotions presents TALES
FROM THE SHADOWS
The Ghost Stories of Edgar Allan Poe edgar allan Poe is the undisputed master of gothic horror His dark tales have for successive generations thrilled, excited and terrified. His macabre imagination explores the darkest, deepest recesses of the human mind and the furthest reaches of the paranormal
tasty Monster Productions presents
SINGLEMARRIEDGIRL
Growing up can make you crazy! Just ask laurel, a woman facing for the first time the world of dating, love, life and independence which would be so much easier if she wasn’t still married!
sInGleMaRRIeDGIRl, an original adaptation of the blog singlemarriedgirl.com, follows the hilarious antics of laurel spears, a Chicago native who, finding herself at the crossroads of a dead-end marriage and a major identity crisis, decides to take herself on a date and see what happens next Funny, poignant, quirky and cool, laurel’s the girl you always thought you wanted to be until you read her blog!
“A little gem of a solo-show don’t let it slip under your radar!”
½ DC Metro Theater Arts
4.00pm & 7.30pm £7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 14 yrs+
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THE TEMPEST WITHIN
an adaption of shakespeare’s the tempest like never before. On an island for twelve years the relationship of mother and daughter begins to unravel the tempest within is a tale touching on sexuality, possession and death Can they ever be free?
7.30pm £12 (£10 CONCESSIONS) BEDFORD THEATRE 90mins (+ interval) DE PARYS AVENUE 14yrs+
6.00pm (28th) 7.30pm (29th) £7 (£6 CONCESSIONS) THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 45mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+ alleyway theatre Company presents
Claustrophobic nightmares of murder, madness and torture are his signature and with these retellings by master raconteur andrew Meller (an audience with sherlock Holmes; talbot House and an evening with the humour of bob newhart & tom lehrer) you will be left transfixed and petrified FSSMTWTFSSMTWTF
a combination of performance art, installation and drama
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the Culture Conspiracy (In association with Ham-it-up Productions) presents THE TRAGEDY
OF RICHARD III
well! who would have thought that the remains of the last english king to die in battle would turn up under a car park in leicester? what’s more it turns out Richard III wasn’t quite the evil villain the tudors, and will shakespeare, made out. In fact by all accounts he was a jolly spiffing chap still, where would the fun be in putting on a play about someone nice? the Culture Conspiracy has heartily embraced the shakespearean story of sinister plotting, family feuding and murder – but with a fraction of the characters (and scenes for that matter)
6.00pm (2nd) 2.30pm (3rd) £7 (£6 CONCESSIONS) THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 16yrs+
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Dyad Productions presents THE UNREMARKABLE
DEATH OF MARILYN MONROE
Monroe as we’ve never seen her before: alone in her bedroom, in dressing gown and slippers; no glitz, no glamour, no masks. Overdosed on pills, the woman behind the icon unravels her remarkable life and bares all, revealing a biting intelligence, a frustrated talent and an imperfect body this stark confessional (DiMaggio, Gable, Miller, Hyde, her mother – it’s all here) offers a radical interpretation of this Hollywood legend and leads us, in real time, to the very moment of her death
“A masterpiece Don’t miss it ” ★★★★ Three Weeks on Female Gothic
“A truly breathtaking experience – an absolute masterclass ” ★★★★★ Fringe Review on I,
7.20pm (24th) 2.30pm (25th)
Mark steinhardt presents
TRISTAN AND ISEULT –A STORYTELLING PERFORMANCE
last year’s Hereward of the Fens was considered a success, so Mark’s backwith a new story, tristan and Iseult, our only surviving english epic romance. It was the biggest hit of the early middle ages with dozens of versions spreading rapidly from Iceland to bohemia In modern times hundreds of writers from wagner to tom waits have been drawn to the story. Mark has quarried the medieval tellings to construct his own version of this Celtic/Cornish love-tangle adding a sprinkling of contributions from more recent writers, he will deliver a tristan that is both authentic and modern
4.00pm £5 HOWARD ROOM 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE All ages
lucy Hopkins presents THE VEIL
(LE FOULARD)
starring a medley of characters, overwhelmed by a love of a show-stopping song and performed using only a scarf, this, ladies and Gentlemen, is an art show, made with love by an idiot
“Intelligent, poignant, damn funny and hugely entertaining ” ★★★★★ Adelaide Theatre Guide
“A brilliantly inventive and immersive theatre experience” ★★★★ artsHub “Truly brilliant” ★★★★★ Fringe Review
Bedfringe Pick of the Fest 2012 Adelaide Fringe 2013 Weekly Award Best Theatre
4.00pm (20th) 7.30pm (21st) £7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
Divadlo theatre presents WHERE IT WAS, THERE IT WAS
Behind seven mountains, behind seven valleys...
I hereby declare a state of emergency.
this has been declared because anticipated living conditions are likely to cause heavy pressure, light sleep, stormy emotional showers and disruption of life. all members of the public located in Zone a, as defined by the Office of emergency Management, are ordered to evacuate no later than 7.30pm tuesday, april 30, 2013. this Order shall take effect immediately Immerse and escape with Rub and lic to the place where dreams are made and fade away in a heartbeat
9.00pm (1st) 12.30pm (3rd) £7 (£6 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 12yrs+
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Clifford barry presents YOU ALL KNOW ME
– I’M JACK RUBY!
Jack Ruby certainly killed lee Harvey Oswaldtwenty million witnesses watched as he gunned him down live on national television the world was grieving for John Kennedy and the mysterious young man accused of his assassination had just been silenced by a local nightclub owner. none of it made any sense.
In this one-man drama Ruby reveals not only why he committed homicide but also who he believed was responsible for Kennedy’s assassination. written and performed by Clifford barry (acting credits for 2013 include ItV’s ever-popular “Coronation street” and HbO’s “Game of thrones”). Director Clive Holland has written and directed for the stage for over 30 years
6.00pm £7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS) THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 16yrs+
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big wooden Horse presents DON’T LET THE
PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!
a show full of fun and feathers for children three and up!
this lively show is full of fun, feathers, laughter and excitement and features original music and lots of audience participation!
the friendly bus driver leaves us with one simple instruction: “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!”
However, the Pigeon is very clever and whines, bribes, pleads and even sings a song to get his own way bUt wIll YOU let HIM DRIVe?
2.30pm £7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 50mins HARPUR SQUARE All ages
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theatre of widdershins presents RUMPELSTILTSKIN & THE
WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Poor Polly buckwheat, the miller’s daughter, is in a bit of a pickle! If she doesn’t turn a roomful of straw into gold by morning, the greedy king will turn a bit nasty. but should she accept the kind help of an eccentric dwarf who mysteriously appears in her prison cell? Of all the fairytale characters, Rumpelstiltskin has got to be the most mixed up He is helpful yet demanding; secretive yet nosey; short yet owning a name as long as his beard. this story of transformation will make you laugh and gasp at the same time!
the Higgins bedford is delighted to present the bedford premier of a brand new version of this show before theatre of widdershins take it to edinburgh for their eighth consecutive festival appearance
11.30am & 2.30pm £8 (£6 CONCS, £24 FAMILY)
THE HIGGINS BEDFORD 60mins CASTLE LANE 5yrs+
bedfringe presents THE FROGS’ CHORUS:
BIG DAY OUT
Their first children’s festival show adored by parents and carers and children, the Frogs’ Chorus is all about live singing and performance, dancing and fun the more you join in, the more fun you’ll have!
It’s an all-ages affair with something for everyone – if you’re one or ten, you’ll want to sing along and join in the silliness a bit panto/a bit Cbeebies and definitely musical.
“We love it when Coco comes down to sing!” Emma, the Kiosk at Russell Park.
“Bedford’s number one early years’ music group If you like Cbeebies and music, you’ll love Coco and the Frogs’ Chorus and Big Day Out” The Bedford Clanger
4.10pm (25th) 2.30pm (2nd) £5 (£4 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 30mins HARPUR SQUARE All ages
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noisy Oyster present
THE THREE BILLY PIGS
Once upon a time there were three little pigs… and now it is time for them to leave home. they set off to build their dream houses in the green field on the other side of the river. but then these homes are put to the test by a misunderstood wolf who has a little bit of a problem and who is the grumpy person who lives under the bridge? the show blends two classic fairy tales the three little Pigs and the three billy Goats Gruff with beautifully crafted puppets, light hearted story telling, live music and a little bit of eco-awareness in a pig stylie
2.30pm
£7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 45mins HARPUR SQUARE 3yrs+
bedfringe presents
AFRICA ENTSHA
a smart, slick a cappella five-piece who reached a global audience last year performing at the world Cup opening ceremony they freely blend western pop elements of the male vocal harmony tradition into their performance, making for a diverse set which draws on the vibrancy of 1950s doo-wop and the all-singing, alldancing 1960s soul groups the more saccharine tendencies of the modern R&b outfits as much as the soft, healing invocations and exhilarating spirit of their own tribal cultures 2011 Spirit of the Fringe Award Edinburgh Fringe 2012 Best Vocal Group Trigon Jazz Festival
6.00pm (20th) 2.30pm (21st) 7.30pm (22nd) £8 (£7 CONCS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE All ages
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the Pad presents
ASH & SPECIAL GUESTS
Indie rock hit makers ash will be coming to bedford Corn exchange as part of bedfringe the three-piece have sold over eight million albums to date and first rose to prominence back in the mid-nineties with their debut album 'trailer' being released when they were still at school the band went on to release massive singles including Girl from Mars, Oh Yeah, Candy, burn baby burn, Kung Fu, Goldfinger and shining light amongst many others they come to bedford to play a hits-packed set from their back catalogue, one of our musical highlights for this year’s programme
Usifu Jalloh presents AFRICA’S
COWFOOT!
an exclusive cabaret of african storytelling and live music. the best african storytellers will be taking you into the magical, vibrant, colourful and mystical world of africa! all with genuine humour, laughs and entertainment guaranteed by this comedy show. energetic, funny and deeply inspiring storytelling performer from sierra leone with a mix of drumming, singing and a captivating narrative style Usifu takes the audience through the magic and nostalgia of childhood emotions
Bristol Grand Slam winner, BAFTA short film nominee Excellence Award Sierra Leone.
2.30pm (20th) 4.00pm (21st) £8 (£7 CONCESSIONS)
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 60mins HARPUR SQUARE 8yrs+
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Flash Gitz presents BLUES BROTHERS
BANNED
after playing the River Festival stage in 2008, blues brothers banned are thrilled to be returning to bedford and playing the Corn exchange the high-energy ten-piece show band perform regularly, taking to the stage at private functions, festivals, theatres and music venues all over the UK and Ireland from the tobacco Factory, bristol to london’s legendary 100 Club and Hard Rock Café blues brothers banned thrive on bringing back familiar songs then adding a unique twist, and, with this quirky mix of old and new, they are a far cry from the archetypal tribute acts.
“All good sweaty fun” The Herald “Their infectious enthusiasm spreads like wildfire” Three Weeks
8.00pm (Doors open 7.30pm)
£15
THE CORN EXCHANGE (HUB 1) 180mins
ST PAUL’S SQUARE
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Under 16 accompanied by adult
7.30pm £12 (£10 CONCESSIONS)
THE CORN EXCHANGE (HUB 1) 120mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE All ages
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bedford Creative arts presents
CONFESSIONS OF A CHORISTER
the bedford arts Choir is a new and unique music group for people of all abilities, performing specially commissioned works by local composers and arrangers Founded last year for Johnny Parry’s Concerto Magnificent: an anthology of all things, the choir is following up two sellout performances of this spectacular new work by continuing to seek out, rehearse and perform new and innovative music
Confessions of a Chorister showcases some of bedford’s most talented songwriters: Rebecca de winter, Danni nicholls, luke tuchscherer, Roger Illingworth, simon Gutteridge, Johnny Mudd, Christian webb and Davy willis with music arranged by local composers Johnny Parry and Roger Illingworth supported by arts Council england
FSSMTWTFS S MTWTF S SMTWTFS 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 123 8.00pm £8 ST CUTHBERT’S HALL 60mins NEWNHAM STREET All ages
south bank arts Centre presents MALODRAMA:
a heavy/progressive rock band fusing classic and alternative rock influences with progressive elements while undeniably a heavy rock act, Malodrama’s sound contains elements of progressive melodic rock and contemporary hard rock the band’s debut album, scheduled for release in late spring 2013, was recorded at lost boys studios bedfordshire under the watchful eye of producer/engineer Ru Cook, who also contributed additional guitar work to the album band members Don stick and angus nurse previously worked together in grunge rock outfit Grief society but now bring the heavier and adventurously melodic sides of their musical pedigree to the fore in Malodrama
“Tasty guitar work and a drive and spirit that offer universal appeal’” Rock ‘N’ Reel
8.00pm
SOUTH BANK ARTS CENTRE 80mins BEDFORD COLLEGE 16yrs+
eRGa present
KASTAPHOR
Making their debut appearance at this year’s festival are Kastaphor, who bring their own brand of musical nectar to bedfringe the band (Rob on guitar, emma on vocals, Karl on drums and Ged on bass) made their live debut in 2010 and since then have made appearances at venues and festivals around london and the south east. equally at home on stage in full electric effect or busking acoustically in the open air, this is the band who opened up the music stage at bedford’s legendary Castle Quay weekender in 2011. the four members of the band take their musical cues from across the sonic spectrum, and the end result is that Kastaphor’s music is both soulful and danceable, with hooks that will stay with you longer than the summer sun “Really like the line-up and sound We’ll be playing ‘Rollin’ this weekend” Richard J Hannah, GlobalRadio1
9.00pm £5
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 90mins HARPUR SQUARE 16yrs+
‘In the Club’ starring THE OUSE VALLEY SINGLES CLUB back again for another for summer time special, bedford’s finest comedy new wave skiffle trio delve into the essence of the working man’s club Using their usual blend of rocking tunes, observational poetry and rhyming rude words the guys reveal bedford’s own heritage of clubs and invite you to partake in the traditions eyes down for a full house!
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
bedfringe
Come and join the PVe for a special one-off show that is sure to raise the roof!
Formed just over a year ago, this is a group of bedfordians who pride themselves on the energy and highly participative element of their live shows they arrive at the Fringe from a series of packed-out shows culminating in a sensational evening at esquires at which the boys launched their debut eP
Dynamic original music and empassioned renditions of some of the greatest rock songs of all time
9.00pm £3 THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 90mins HARPUR SQUARE 16yrs+
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tony Phillips presents TONY PHILLIPS
AND JUKEBOX JUNCTION
From east end clubs to the white House in washington, the Royal family and showbiz celebrities – they have all witnessed the entertaining songs, stories and anecdotes of Mr tony Phillips.
why not sit back and enjoy nostalgia at its best?
accompanied by the top class trio ‘Jukebox Junction’ they’ll be performing the works of sinatra, Ray Charles, tony bennet plus lennon and McCartney
9.00pm £7.50 (£6.50 CONCESSIONS) THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 60mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 12yrs+
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visit www.lovebedford.co.uk
special events
bedford Creative arts presents
BCA ARTISTS’ OPEN STUDIOS
Meet our studio artists and get a peek behind the scenes at their work in progress artists at bedford Creative arts studios will open their doors to the public over the weekend of 20th to 21st July
Our studio artists are individuals all engaged in professional arts practice across a range of media including, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, film, sculpture, site-specific installations, writing and practice-based research. Feel free to visit and talk to the artists including sally annett, alison Goodyear and Kristian Purcell who will be on site to discuss their work
FSSMTWT FS SS MTWTF S SMTWTFS 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 123 12noon-4pm (Artists’ Talk 21st 2-4pm) Free BCA STUDIOS 150mins 104 MIDLAND ROAD All ages
BEDFRINGE CLOSING PARTY FEATURING STEVE HUGHES
Inimitable australian comic and ex heavy metal drummer, steve Hughes embarks upon his eagerly-awaited debut tour Direct from sell-out shows at the sydney and Melbourne Comedy Festivals and storming sets on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (bbC One) and stand Up For the week (CH4) “Hard-edged social commentary at its best” THE TIMES
YER BLUES BONES
Yer blues bones play upbeat Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rhythm & blues. take tracks from blues masters such as Chuck berry, Carl Perkins, Muddy waters and Howlin wolf and mix them with, amongst others, original Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall & the bluesbreakers.
Future legend present BEDFRINGE 7…
LIVE!
FEATURING THE AFRICAN ENTSHA
an evening of topnotch comedy and music hosted by multi awardwinning, Perrier nominated
comedian, author, explorer and occasional film star tim FitzHigham! Returning by popular demand! Don’t miss out on this very special night of the 2013 bedfringe Festival broadcasted live over the internet via bedfringe tV
8.00pm £11
THE HOWARD ROOM (HUB 3) 150mins ST PAUL’S SQUARE 16yrs+
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bedford Creative arts presents
EMPIRE
SUNSET NINE HOLE MINI GOLF
this event explores the creative work and legacy of the M!Ms (Maximum Irony! Maximum sincerity) artistic movement, which artist andy Holden founded with bedford school friends before training as an artist in 2003
andy is inviting you to play golf with sculpture! this temporary M!Ms exhibition uses simple and cheap materials re-made as a mini golf course Come and find us in the town centre for a quick round of golf or join us as the sun sets for a unique cinema experience. Please be aware that all the M!Ms events will be filmed by attending you become part of the work. this event is part of the Zabludowicz Collection annual Commission
3.00pm til late £2
THE HARPUR SUITE (HUB 2) 120mins HARPUR SQUARE 16yrs+
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THE TOWN CENTRE All day BEDFORD All ages
THE ROUGH CUT SESSIONS: BEDFRINGE SPECIAL
the Rough Cut sessions is bedford’s own internet tV show billed as bedford’s answer to Jools Holland, for the first time ever, it will be streaming live from bedfringe Come and be part of the audience and see some of the best new musical and comedy talent, sketches, interviews, exclusive music videos and much, much more! Details of acts are still to come, so keep an eye out for updates. and if you can’t get a ticket for what promises to be one of the events of the summer, why not watch the show live at home through the bedfringe tV website?
“A live medley of music, film, comedy and the best of the Bedford scene” The Bedford Clanger
8.00pm £5
THE ENT SHED 120mins CASTLE ROAD 16yrs+
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sally annett presents
SNAKES AND LADDERS
annett delivers the findings of her research into the areas of interface between contemporary artists, scientists and priests, for the first time in the UK. Using
presentation, performance, painting, photography and debate in an inter-active arts experience she explores their boundaries and interconnectivities, with additions from long-term co-writer Rowena willard-wright (english Heritage) “who, what, how, when and why?” a new collaborative piece of experimental, expanded cinema, ‘Response’ created in collaboration with avneet Chauhan and alex Deeley from wootton academy expect to be surprised, expect to participate bring your mobile phones
7.00pm £FREE pre-booking essential LARGE HALL, BUNYAN MEETING 120mins MILL STREET All ages
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“we
continue to broadcast to our global audience”
BedfringeTV is the official online broadcast channel for the Bedfringe festival. Over the past two years we have beamed our special ‘Live’ night over the internet to over 2000 viewers. This year we will be broadcasting on the 19th July from the Howard Room with our ‘Bedfringe 7… Live!’ show. The lineup includes the African Entsha, The Showhawk Duo, Sir Tim FitzHigham, Nat Luurtsema, Yianni Agisilaou & the YouTube phenomenon BeatFox. The Bedford Rough Cut Sessions will be presenting their summer show through our channel on July 13th from the Ent Shed on Castle Road. If you want to be in the audience for any of these events… get a ticket NOW!
bedfringe vlog
bedfringe tV
Tune in to “BEDFRINGE 7… LIVE” on July 19th @ 8pm
Become a reviewer at this year’s festival!
fringereview.co.uk are currently seeking new reviewers to cover fringe theatre in Bedford. If you know your theatre stuff, and are prepared to review for free tickets (as we do not pay for reviewers), then contact us at: paul@fringereview.co.uk
Also fill out our ‘apply to be a reviewer’ form online.
www.woodfines.co.uk
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