Bedfringe 2017 Brochure

welcome Welcome to the 11th annual Bedford Festival Fringe… 2.5 days hosting over 40 events, under one roof!

Director’s Introduction

Photography: Mark Lewis

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

So… the first thing you might have noticed about this year’s festival is that it’s a short one. Back in 2010 we ran a weekend festival as I was taking a show to Edinburgh and there simply isn’t time to organise a full length Bedfringe when you are taking a show to Edfringe.

This year I’m not taking a show to Edinburgh but I do have an extra member of the family! I thought that it might be best to run a weekend festival whilst I settle into my very important role of father. I’m also getting married on the 4th August…

That all being said, I have done the typical ‘cram as much stuff in as possible’. So in the three venues James and family (Main Auditorium, Studio Theatre and Garden Stage) there will be approximately 45 events plus a recent display of photos from Steve Best (who is also doing a show with a Q&A session) in the theatre Gallery.

Director’s Picks this year are Daniel Simonsen’s: I’m Working On It (a unique chance to catch him whilst he is in the UK) and Goodbear (two hand sketch comedy). One to watch shows are Murder She Didn’t Write and Will Seaward Discovers El Dorado.

As it was such a success last year, LCH Productions and Remedy Sound we have put a stage in the garden once again so please do enjoy the free fringe events that have been programmed (dance, theatre & live music!) but we do ask you to pay what you think (the artists need to eat!). There will be a donation bucket on the stage for you to drop some coins into!

Photography: Mark Lewis

Good things in small packages and all that…

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“The best things come in small packages,” my five foot, two inch mother always tells me, and nothing can be truer than this years Bedfringe.

You can however, expect to see Bedfringe friends and favourites Patrick Monahan, Ivo Graham, Pete Firman, and Marcel Lucont.

This year also sees the return of our free outdoor stage, hosting a number of music and poetry acts throughout the festival.

So pop in, have a drink and enjoy a (hopefully glorious) summers eve with us; see a show, take a punt and enjoy.

welcome

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

Bedfringe Team

Contents

Director ................................................James Pharaoh Co-Director...............................................Fiona Fowler

Welcome

Pages 2-5

Assistant Director & Social Media.....Lily Hannant Theatre Technician...........................Amy Jonas

Children’s Theatre

Page 6

Brochure Design ............................Rosetta Publishing Website Design .................................Jack Templeman Branding & Identity.............................We Can Creative Additional thanks to: Bedford School, The Harpur Trust, Susan & Harry Fowler, Jacquie Manners, Sandra Dudley, Erica Roffe, Caryl Jones, Vanessa Mason and to all of our 2017 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, Joshua Nethersole, Annette Hickey, Conrad Staroscik, Helena Prettyman, Bekki Short, Logan Jones, Bethan Tomas, Jonny Hosking and Ian Christie.

Comedy

Pages 7-14

Theatre

Pages 15-16

Dance & Physical Theatre Music

Page 17 Page 18-20

Other Events

Pages 21-22

With thanks to our 2017 sponsors

THIS YEAR’S CHARITY

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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 exchanged or refunded except in the event of a show cancellation or a show being re-scheduled. 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. 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 will be manned 10am – 10.00pm during the festival. For other Quarry opening times, please visit the theatre website. Please 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.

venue info

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

The venues

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 Gallery Venue 4: The Garden Stage

QUEEn’S STREET CAR PARK

VENUES PETER’S ✞ ST CHURCH

ST PETER’S ST CAR PARK

1-4

LURKE STREET CAR PARK

✞

ST PAUL’S SQUARE

E LAn TLE CAS

THE SwAn HOTEL

THE EMBAnKMEnT

5

children’s theatre SESKA: FRUIT SALAD!

THE TOPSY TURVY HOTEL

when SESKA comes to town, kids laugh out loud, Dads f*rt out loud and mums faint at his feet!

This show contains magic, mayhem and happiness. nominated Best Family Show Brighton Fringe 2015 “My kids loved him” Jonathon Ross “Buy tickets quick – he sells out fast!”

“Seska’s infectious, quick-fire energy means that even the most fidgety of children will be spellbound for 45 minutes of silliness’’ Broadway Baby NOMINATED BEST FAMILY SHOW BRIGHTON FRINGE 2015

Fernando’s rickety hotel is under threat from the pesky Property Developer.

Can you help?

Come check-in and expect a feast of physical slapstick and colourful characters that will make you laugh your socks off.

Featuring acclaimed Character Comedians Jody Kamali and Jo neary.

“Hilarious, inventive and loads of fun! I loved this show” Andy Day, Cbeebies

£7.50 (£6.50 conc) £26 Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children)

£8.50 (£7.50 conc) £30 Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children)

Sat July 22 – 11am. Sun 23 – 10.30am

Saturday July 22 – 10.00am

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

4yrs+

45min

WES ZAHARUK: PERFECTLY BANANAS

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

4yrs+

55min

WIND IN THE WILLOWS

wes Zaharuk has a worldwide reputation for a tornadolike approach to comedy, surreal feats and an eccentric collection of eye-popping prop tricks. He is a one-man tour de force, known to combine routines with power tools, bananas and film noir.

Perfectly Bananas received five star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival and picked up a 2013 Buxton Fringe Award for Best Comedy (Individual).

“Twin Peaks meets Cirque Du Soleil ... simply amazing” Toronto Sun “Zaharuk is mad as a box of badgers” Graeme Bright ”Cream of the Fringe” HHHHH Edinburgh Fringe 2012

Join Mole, Ratty, Badger and their ever excitable friend Toad, as they go on adventures along the riverbank and through the countryside. not everything in the wilde wood is as it should be though. Soon they discover a terrible plot from the Chief weasel to take Toad Hall all for himself. In order to stop him, they’ll have to work together to stop the villainous weasels from taking control!

Filled with larger than life puppets, songs, dances, interactive sets and a huge heap of adventure, ‘wind in the willows’ is sure to delight and entertain audiences of all ages.

“A thoughtful, funny, child friendly adaptation of this classic story. Pitched at the perfect level for its audiences whilst there being plenty of subtle adult humour for the parents. Well worth a watch’” The Ferrers, Rushden

£8.50 (£7.50 Conc) £30 Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children)

£7.50 (£6.50 conc) £26 Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children)

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Sunday July 23 – 1.00pm

Sunday July 23 – 11.45am

60min

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD 6

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

4yrs+

60min

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

THE BEST OF CASTLE COMEDY

Bedford’s No.1 Comedy Club

The Best Of Castle Comedy Special is returning to Bedfringe on July 23rd. Once again three of the biggest comedy stars from the UK comedy circuit will be taking the stage for the ultimate comedy show.

Opening the show is Sara Pascoe. She is charming, smart, extremely funny and one of the most in demand comedians on the UK comedy circuit. She received a Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination for Best Comedy Show 2014.

She is the star of ‘Mock the week’, ‘Live at the Apollo’, ‘Twenty Twelve’ and Taskmaster. She has also appeared on ‘QI’ and ‘Have I got news for You’.

“Always clever and sometimes exquisite” The Independent next up is Ian Stone. The Independent ranks him amongst the top ten stand-ups in Britain! He is one of the most talented topical acts in the country and a regular on television screens. Ian is the star of BT Sports ‘The

£15

Football’s On’ and presents My5’s topical show ‘Comedy Bigmouths’. He has also appeared on ‘nevermind the Buzzcoks’ and ‘Live at the Comedy Store’.

“Seriously funny” The Guardian Hal Cruttenden will close the show. He is one of the top comedians working in the UK today, as well as being a highly accomplished writer and actor. He has hosted Live at the Apollo!

Performed twice at The Royal Variety Performance, appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Have I Got news For You, has his own Radio 4 sitcom ‘Hal’, won Celebrity Pointless and is frequently seen on ‘Great British Bake Off – Extra Slice’.

“He’ll make you laugh…..a lot!’”

HHHHDaily Mirror

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Sunday July 23 – 8.30pm

16yrs+ 120min+interval

DANIEL SIMONSEN: WORKING ON IT

work in progress show from the norwegian comic and Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best newcomer.

Currently residing in new York City, this is a rare opportunity to catch one of Simonsen’s shows this year..

As seen on “Russell Howard’s Good news” and “House of Fools” “One of the most compelling voices of the moment” Independent “Funny before he even opened his mouth” Scotsman “Creepily brilliant” Fabulous Magazine HHHH Time Out HHHH Times

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF BEDFRINGE

BEDFRINGE DIRECTOR’S PICK £9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Saturday July 22 – 5pm

14yrs+ 60min 7

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

FUNMBI OMOTAYO: WORK IN PROGRESS

EAMONN FLEMING: CONFABULATION!

A comedy about memory and making stuff up.

Every act of remembering is an act of storytelling. So here’s mine.

It starts with a spotty teenager at a Motorhead gig and ends up at the cutting edge of Memory research.

The bellowing fans, the smell of beer and sweat, the thunderous music. when I think back, it’s all so vivid – it’s all completely made up.

Join me, Eamonn Fleming, writer, performer and ‘O’ level Biologist (Grade C), as I stumble through the amazing world of Memory Palaces, False Memories and werther’s Originals.

Slides will be projected (old school), sweets will be handed out (if you’re lucky) and a guitar might be played (if you’re not).

COnFABULATIOn! is a funny and startling show about not being able to trust a single thing you remember about your past. £9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

£9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

Saturday July 22 – 6.30pm

Friday July 21 – 6.00pm

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

12yrs+

60min

As seen on ‘The Premier League Show’, ‘Play To The whistle’ and ‘The John Bishop Show’, Funmbi Omotayo road tests material for his new show at Bedfringe 2017!

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

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

14yrs+ 60min

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

GEOFF NORCOTT: RIGHT LEANING BUT WELL MEANING

The correspondent for BBC2’s The Mash Report, as seen on Question Time (BBC1), Edinburgh nights & The Daily Politics (BBC2), returns following his sell-out run at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe. writer for Alternative Election (Channel 4), 8 Out Of 10 Cats (Channel 4), A League Of Their Own (Sky 1), The Sarah Millican Television Programme (BBC2) and Live At The Apollo (BBC1). Geoff has also been tour support for Katherine Ryan and Kevin Bridges.

“Norcott is an absolute tonic” HHHH The Telegraph “Objectively funny regardless of your political leaning” HHHH Fest “Funny, sharp and well-polished” HHHH The List “Comedian with a big future” HHHH Mirror

£9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Sunday July 23 – 8.30pm

14yrs+ 60min

GOODBEAR

Critically acclaimed sketch duo Goodbear return to Bedford to preview their brand new show. Join Joe Barnes and Henry Perryment as they guide you through a strange and mysterious hotel, inhabited by all manner of hilarious and extraordinary characters.

“A hilarity that deserves to be experienced” HHHHH EdFest Magazine “Very funny” HHHHTelegraph “Slick, classy performances. Ones to watch for sure” HHHH Chortle “Excellent’ Edinburgh 2016: The Shows we recommend” The Guardian “The duo keep the laughs coming thick and fast” Fringe 2016: “Five Shows Not to Miss” The Week BEDFRINGE DIRECTOR’S PICK £9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Sunday July 23 – 7.00pm

14yrs+ 60min

IVO GRAHAM – EDUCATED GUESS (WORK IN PROGRESS)

After two blissfully happy summers at Bedfringe, Graham’s jumping on an advance-booked East Midlands Train and coming back to make it three in a row. How much has he learnt? And what good has it done him? A show about privilege-checking by a chap with more privilege to check than most and a show about self-improvement by a chap whose intellectual peak was Latin GCSE. As seen/heard on Mock The week, Live At The Apollo, As Yet Untitled, Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central, Fighting Talk, The now Show.

“Honed to within a whisker of perfection… a joyous show” Evening Standard “Sharp punchlines, topper gags and the unmistakable sense of a young comic finding another gear” The Scotsman “Like Hugh Grant’s less well-adjusted younger brother” The Guardian

£9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Saturday July 23 – 3.00pm

14yrs+ 60min 9

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

JODY KAMALI: HOTEL YES PLEASE

JIMMY MCGHIE: WORK IN PROGRESS

need a room? why not check-in to Fernando’s shambolic Hotel.

A 5-star show in a 1-star hotel.

Imagine if willy wonka ran a hotel and Fawlty Towers met Tripadvisor.

Expect a feast of physical character comedy from the Bristolian clown.

“Brilliant, original visual comedy” Harry Hill “There is a genuineness to Kamali’s performance which is inspiring” The Stage “An extremely talented comic, and completely, unfathomably ridiculous” Nouse

Jimmy’s debut appearance at Bedfringe!

“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

£9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Friday July 21 – 9.00pm

10

14yrs+ 60min

£9 (£8 concessions)

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Friday July 21 – 6.00pm

16yrs+ 55min

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

JOHN HASTINGS: AUDACITY

JULIETTE BURTON: BUTTERFLY EFFECT

John Hastings returns to Bedfringe with his brand-new show!

John Hastings is working through a lot. He is in love. So that’s something.

BBC 3’s John Hastings, the funniest white comedian from Canada, was briefly vegan and is currently in love.

An Amused Moose Comedy Award-nominated comedian, he is here to confront his fear of confrontation and prove that love starts in the toilet (not that kind, you yucky idiots).

“This fast growing comic is a pleasure to watch” The Times “His act is packed with observations and wit that will stay with you in a good way” ★★★★★ The Mirror ★★★★ Herald ★★★★ Fest ★★★★ Threeweeks ★★★★ BroadwayBaby £9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

£9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

Friday July 21 – 7.30pm

Saturday July 22 – 7.00pm

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

14yrs+

60min

Following total sell-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe 2015 and 2016, award-winning comedian Juliette Burton investigates the power of kindness in a brand new docu-comedy. At a time when most of us find it hard enough being kind to ourselves – let alone others – is being nice outdated? Or can we still connect and change lives for the better? Join Juliette for her one-woman revolution! would you #DareToBeKind?

As seen on The One Show (BBC One) & This Morning (ITV) “Huge talent” ★★★★★ Daily Mirror “Powerful” ★★★★★ Sunday Express “Impressive” ★★★★★ Daily Record “Entertainment with real social purpose” ★★★★ Broadway Baby

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

14yrs+ 60min

MARCEL LUCONT’S WHINE LIST

The finest flâneur brings a new interactive show to the baying masses. A kind of self-help group where everyone potentially leaves more depressed.

Expect louche musings, deadpan wit and Gallic superiority.

As seen on BBC1’s The John Bishop Show and Sky Atlantic’s Set List. winner: Chortle Award 2015 winner: Best Comedy – Fringe world 2013 “Who can resist Marcel Lucont?… pulling clever punchlines out of every interaction with his audience… Sometimes, arrogance is bliss” HHHH The Scotsman “Fresh, accessible and hilarious” The Guardian

£9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Sunday July 23 – 7.00pm

14yrs+ 60min 11

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

NICK HALL: SPENCER

PATRICK MONAHAN: REWIND SELECTOR 90s

Spencer Percival has one claim to fame. He’s the only British Prime Minister to ever be assassinated.

Unfortunately, no one’s ever heard of him. 205 years later, comedian nick Hall tries to tell his story.

But will he succeed?

As seen on BBC2, BBC3, and BBC Radio 4.

“Side splittingly funny” ★★★★★ThreeWeeks “Mad cap energy” ★★★★★British Comedy Guide “Crackingly original” ★★★★ The List “One not to miss” ★★★★ The Skinny

£9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Saturday July 22 – 5.00pm

A brand new stand-up show from multi award winning Patrick Monahan who compares life as an Irish/Iranian teenager in the 90s. As identity cards and ‘Cool Britannia’ were being introduced, Monahan found himself on the periphery as a teenager – trying to blend in but ending up with all the other ethnic groups!

“His tales of being an immigrant to Britain are thoughtprovoking yet hilarious, he loves his audience and they love him back. Patrick is a Fringe Legend and it’s easy to see why” HHHHThe Mirror “He really hits the mark… great depth” HHHH Broadway Baby

13yrs+ 60min

£9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Friday July 21 – 9.00pm

13yrs+ 60min

PETE FIRMAN: WORK IN PROGRESS

The UK’s leading comedian/magician returns to Bedfringe with his critically acclaimed live show.

Recently seen on ITV1’s The next Great Magician and BBC1’s Let’s Sing & Dance for Comic Relief.

Expect Pete’s trademark blend of crowd-pleasing comedy and jaw-dropping magic.

Other television appearances include BBC1’s The Magicians, BBC2’s The Sarah Millican Television Programme, BBC1’s The John Bishop Show and BBC1’s Celebrity Mastermind.

“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 comedymeets-magic in the 21st century” The Times

£9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Saturday July 22 – 9.00pm 12

14yrs+ 60min

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

SIMON MUNNERY RENEGADE PLUMBER: WORK IN PROGRESS

PRINCES OF MAIN: NEW YEAR’S EVE

Princes of Main are hosting a new Year’s Eve party and boy, are they excited about it.

There’s going to be confetti, music, romance, resolutions and disappointment. Sure, it’s only July but frankly it’s been an awful year and its time for a reset.

Join these millennial nightmares for the biggest, baddest, strangest party Bedford has ever seen.

“Utter genius’”HHHH Broadway “A recipe for comedic success’” HHHHH Young Perspective “Fresh, crafty gags for Generation Y” Time Out “Formidable” Independent “Outstanding” The Telegraph London SketchFest Finalists 2016 BEDFRINGE DIRECTOR’S ONE TO WATCH £9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Saturday July 22 – 1.00pm

16yrs+ 55min

An opening to die for, seven wry observations, a tone poem, four fresh skits and two new commandments.

Simon is a British Comedy Award nominee, Perrier Award nominee and Chortle Award winner.

He’s a star of Comedy Central’s Alternative Comedy Experience - as seen on BBC2’s Culture Show and heard on Radio 4’s news Quiz, amongst others.

May contain adult themes and language. £9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Friday July 21 – 7.30pm

14yrs+ 60min

STEVE BEST: CLICKING COMEDIANS

Clicking Comedians is the comedic ramblings of stand-up comedian/photographer Steve Best, his trials and tribulations into the publishing world and a journey to who knows where.

Steve is a headline comedian and a damn fine photographer. He has performed all over the world including South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bosnia, South Africa, Holland, Denmark, The Falkland Islands and Southend-on-Sea. He plans to go further afield.

He has been on huge nationwide tours with Frank Skinner, Craig Charles and Omid Djalili. He has been on TV (a few times).

Steve’s first book, COMEDY SnAPSHOT, a collection of his photographs of 427 comedians with their jokes and quirky facts, became an instant classic. Its sequel, JOKER FACE will be published by Unbound and Penguin Random House this summer.

Praise for COMEDY SnAPSHOT: “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 Includes a 20 minute post show Q&A. Ticket Prices: £8.50 (£7.50 concessions)

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Sunday July 23 – 5.00pm

14yrs+ 80min 13

comedy

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

WILL SEAWARD DISCOVERS EL DORADO

Intrepid comedian will Seaward is mounting an expedition to search for the ancient Lost City of El Dorado, rumoured to be covered in solid gold and thought to be located somewhere in the jungles of South America and he’s putting a team together.

This show is his pitch.

Fancy a spot of adventure?

Genuine danger?

The possibility of endless riches and eternal fame?

Then come and sign up!

Disclaimer: this is actually, genuinely happening.

Second disclaimer: it’s also a show, and will certainly work as an amusing hour’s entertainment if giant anacondas and Mesoamerican ruins aren’t your thing... will Seaward makes regular appearances in the role of director at the Comedians’ Cinema Club.

BEDFRINGE DIRECTOR’S PICK £9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Saturday July 22 – 3.00pm

14

13yrs+ 60min

theatre

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

HERCULES: THE SUN OF THE GODS A STORY IN THE STARS

Hercules: demi-god; son of Zeus; slayer of monsters; hero.

Join the God-sun as we travel the skies and the ancient world on a quest to bring prosperity to the kingdoms of the Earth and stars.

Over the last 4500 years many great civilizations have risen and fallen, each of them looked to the stars and planets to tell them more about the world they lived in. This is a story about those people, about their heroes and monsters, gods, and villains, told through epic poetry and ancient ritual, we investigate the world of the early civilisations.

The work explores areas of ancient folk tradition, shamanistic style song and dance, ritual and theatre as lived experience. £FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Friday July 21 – 7.00pm

8yrs+ 50min

MURDER SHE DIDN’T WRITE

Move over, Sherlock! In Degrees of Error’s Murder, She Didn’t write, YOU become the author and watch your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece unfold on stage.

Brace yourself for an evening of hilarity and suspense as improvised theatre company, Degrees of Error, expertly combine the tension of a classic murder mystery with quick-witted improv, as killer jokes mingle with cold-blooded killers!

Recommended by Radio 2’s Steve Wright in the Afternoon “Unrestrained bursts of enjoyment” HHHHH Bristol Theatre Review “They are without exception hilarious, unique and original” HHHH Broadway Baby “One of the funniest [evenings] you’ll have in quite some time” Ed Fringe Review BEDFRINGE DIRECTOR’S ONE TO WATCH

£9 (£8 concessions)

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Sunday July 23 – 5.00pm

Produced by a collective of students from the University of Bedfordshires MA Performing Arts programme, weblies 2K17 investigates our relationship with all things social media.

Join us on a journey from email to twitter.

The show is an immersive, interactive performance with virtual elements for all to enjoy.

£8.50 (£7.50 concessions)

£9 (£8 concessions)

“All those people who died young; you’ve got their life, you’ve got the chances they never had and what are you doing with it?” waving Goodbye is an emotionally charged black comedy which asks fundamental questions about existence and our relationships with each other. A play about the horrible choices we have to make every day. Should we take risks or take the road most travelled?

Tree Shadow Theatre put out a call for new, contemporary scripts that explore big issues and what it is to be a young woman in today’s world. This two-hander black comedy was the outright winner.

After successful performances at the Phoenix Artist’s Club for the Camden Fringe, The Blake Theatre and the Cygnet Theatre, waving Goodbye has been redeveloped for a 2017 tour, starting with a sold out performance at the Bike Shed Theatre for the From Devon with Love Festival.

Saturday July 22 – 1.30pm

60min

WEBLIES 2K17

WAVING GOODBYE

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

12yrs+

12yrs+ 45min

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Saturday July 22 – 3.10pm

16yrs+ 70min 15

theatre

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

WILL SEAWARD’S GHOST STORIES IV

will Seaward's Spooky Ghost Stories IV The ghosts are back! Run while you can! The fourth incarnation of will Seaward's legendary late-night torch-wielding vampireflavoured witch-shaped comedy storytelling spookstavaganza is coming to Bedford after three smash-hit runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! Oh no! Ghosts! Cobwebs! Ruined castles!

Zombie dinosaurs! Skeletons! Ghouls! wailing! warning: May cause audience members to melt with fear.

“Part Brian Blessed, part Oscar Wilde... a naturally funny fellow” The Telegraph “Utterly absurd and belly-achingly funny” ★★★★★ Three Weeks

“Will Seaward makes pure comedy gold” ★★★★★ Fest

“The only real way to describe him is ‘legend’... leaves you open-mouthed with wonder” ★★★★★ The New Current “I haven't stopped raving about it once” ★★★★★ TheatreFullStop

“Unlike anything you will ever have seen...genuinely hilarious” ★★★★ Broadway Baby

“Utterly, utterly ludicrous, but delightful” ★★★★ One4Review “Absurd and absolutely BRILLIANT” ★★★★ PhringePhantom

“It’s impossible not to love him...a master” ★★★ FringeReview

16

£9.50 (£8.50 concessions)

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Saturday July 22 – 9pm

14yrs+ 60min

dance & physical theatre

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

STACEY CHARLES CHEERLEADERS

Cloud 9 Academy will be showing a range of different cheerleading styles and dance incorporating Tumbles, Jumps, stunts and choreography.

Cloud 9 Academy offer cheerleading and dance classes in Bedfordshire! we aim to provide a fun, energetic and safe environment for all our students. Our team is at the heart of all we do and here are some words from a few of our stars!

“Cheerleading with C9STARS has allowed me to meet new people and make friends for life. C9STARS are like a second family and I love every training session” Paige Charles “Starting C9Stars has built my confidence and the academy have allowed me to make new friends! I love our training sessions” Lilly-Mae Dawson “Everyone at C9Academy is lovely and so welcoming! I have a lot more confidence and my skills have improved loads, I cant wait for more to come!” Ruby Stovell

£FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Saturday July 22 – 2.40pm

30min

BLOSSOM & ARE WE NEARLY THERE YET?

Blossom focuses on how we blossom in our lives, respond to falls and change as people. Patsy Izzard Company have worked closely with dancers to examine our reactions to struggling in life. How do we deal with this and do we make it out the other side as the same person?

‘Are we nearly there yet?’ is a beautiful, quirky, emotional insight into motherhood. The attachment, the constant learning curve, the unconditional love, the sleepless nights, the early mornings and much, much more.

Both performances, choreographed by Artistic Director Patsy Izzard, made their debut at the University of Bedfordshire, before being developed further for a their first full performance at Bedfringe. £7 (£6 concessions)

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Sunday July 23 – 3.00pm

60min

KINETIC VIBES DANCE ACADEMY

Kinetic Vibes return for their 10th Bedfringe performance!

“Here at Kinetic Vibes, we are passionate about dance and we pride ourselves on offering high-quality, professional and affordable dance classes for students in the Bedford area from aged 2-92 years!”

£7.50 (£6.50 conc) £26 Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children)

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Saturday July 22 – 11.45am

60min

ZOE STAFFORD SCHOOL OF DANCE: DANCING THROUGH TIME

Come on a journey through time and dance with the Zoe Stafford School of Dance.

An unfortunate time machine mishap transports us through history, dropping us off in different eras of the past and future to explore the music and dance of that time as we race to get back to the present. But will we succeed in making it back to the present day?

The use of ballet, tap, modern and contemporary dance helps us to tell our tale of bygone times and a little glance into what our future world may look like. with music from some iconic musicians and performances from our dancers aged 6-18, there is something for everyone, old and young.

The Zoe Stafford School of Dance are a small, Bedford based dance school for dancers from three years old to adults. £FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Saturday July 22 – 2.00pm

30min 17

music

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

MARISA JACK AND DAVY

ALIBI

Alibi are an acoustic duo from Bedford playing covers from all decades including a wide variety of genres.

They have been playing together for over a year and are now regulars on the live music scene in Bedfordshire.

£FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Sunday July 23 – 6.00pm

60min

Marisa Straccia, Jack Sharp (founder member of well known UK psych folk-rock band wolf People) & Davy willis are a guitar and vocal trio specialising in strange old British traditional music, mainly sourced from their local Bedfordshire area.

Their eclectic repertoire includes a song about trees, a song about a disastrous aristocratic wedding and a song about an eccentric farmer who ploughs his field with a team of rats!

In 2015 they started Mill Race Folk, atmospheric nights of beautiful acoustic folk concerts at Bromham Mill.

The best folk musicians in the country have played there including Martin Carthy, Stick in wheel and wizz Jones. now The Place Theatre in Bedford is the new venue for these folk shows. £FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Sunday July 23 – 2.00pm

60min

MAXWELL, HAMMER & SMITH

MAT ROBERTS

Mat Roberts returns to the festival once again.

Pull up a bench in the Quarry Garden and enjoy!

£FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Sunday July 23 – 12noon

60min

18

Join us in the garden as Maxwell, Hammer & Smith close the 2017 festival!

The band cover songs from Queen, to Eagles, to Focus and Boston, Kansas, Steely Dan and are noted for the difficult songs they attempt as a three piece – many bands wouldn’t try.

The band members have played all over the world and put all their musical knowledge and experience into their show.

£FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Sunday July 23 – 9.30pm

14yrs+ 70min

music

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

SAVA CHARM

Sava Charm are an AngloPolish-Sri Lankan group based in Bedford.

The band was formed in 2012 as a classical violin duo. Band members and instruments have (and continue to) constantly change as we explore new musical paths without getting lost too much. we have performed as a duo up to a quintet and have also been a backing band for choirs. we are group of close friends who got together through study and teaching of music. Our aim is to perform a very wide range of musical genres with the violin being the focal point for our own arrangements.

Repertoire consist of classical music, traditional folk, film themes, pop, swing, soft jazz, techno and heavy rock.

The band: Edyta Sawa, classical/electric violin, piano; Lucyna Ratajczyk, piano, recorder, vocal; Steve Batcup, bass guitar, drums, vocal; Stuart Smith, piano, cello, vocal; Shandy, drums/percussion, bass guitar. £FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Saturday July 22 – 6.00pm

60min

SUNSINGER

Sunsinger, aka Simon Gutteridge, is a songwriter from Bedfordshire, based in good old Bedford town. Expect altcountry, folk and Americana tinged songs with a hint of pop and tunes packed full of catchy melodies and soaring choruses.

A disciple of Dylan, a believer of Buckley and fast running out of alliterations, a general fan of folk, his only aim is to lightly drizzle pleasant melodies unto your ears serving up foottapping ditties and wistful laments.

Influences include Ryan Adams, Elbow, nick Drake, Beirut, Elliott Smith, the Decemberists, Gram Parsons, REM & Josh Ritter to name a few. working towards his first proper release under the Sunsinger name (the first E.P. being under his old name Kid Charlemagne) recent support highlights include wolf People and Ian McCulloch of Echo & the Bunnymen at Bedford Corn Exchange. Currently recording, he hopes to have the first Sunsinger E.P. out next year.

£FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Saturday July 22 – 4.00pm

60min

SNORKEL PARKA: A NIGHT AT THE WINDSOCK

Snorkel Parka is a local singer and songwriter, his real name so mundane that even he has trouble remembering it…

Upon reaching middle age, he was struck by the fact of his own mortality as commonly happens to men of his age and concluded he could deal with this realisation by one of two ways: Buy a silly sports car and try to run off with a woman half his age.

Adopt a retro sounding nom de plume, learn the trickier barre chords once and for all and attempt to deal with his feelings about his ever receding hairline through his guitar.

Thankfully, for the young women of his town but to the aghast of local second hand car dealers, he chose the latter and started looking back into his own life and the town and times he was brought up in as inspiration for a collection of songs.

£FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Saturday July 22 – 12noon

60min 19

music

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

SPACEGOAT

Born from several jam nights at local venues, an indie-pop band with classic song-writer vibes and a fun outlook on life. Armed with an acoustic guitar, keyboard and three part harmonies their sound drifts anywhere from pop, rock, old classics and a cup of tea. Taking a name for themselves that reflects their tongue-in-cheek attitude, Space Goat have a tendency to miss the point of biographies and unusual habit of speaking in the third person.

Performing unplugged this Bedfringe in a four-piece format, Space Goat will offer the ideal backdrop to a sunny afternoon of drinking in the garden. Expect renditions anywhere from Simon and Garfunkle, Fleetwood Mac, Toto, Cat Stevens and right up to Incubus, Tiao Cruz or Bastille; with a few originals thrown into the mix.

£FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Sunday July 23 – 8.00pm

60min

TKO: MANSPLAINING

Sparky TKO returns with his second fringe show, offering a poetic exploration into gender disparities in the west and beyond, how the priviliged can work to support this and just what exactly his obsession with his arch nemesis is all about.

SPOILER: it started with a tongue-in-cheek slogan on a t-shirt.

£FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Sunday July 23 – 4.00pm

16yrs+ 60min

YER BLUES BONES

Back for their 4th Bedfringe!

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 original Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and some lesser known Stones and Beatles to name but a few. Add to that some of YBB’s takes on modern classics and you have a set that will have you clapping, singing and moving your feet!

Yer Blues Bones are a three piece with Mart and Rich from the top tribute band ‘The Rolling Stones now’, who have gigged with amongst others; The Yardbirds, Geno washington, Art wood and Jimmy Cliff.

They will also be joined by the legendary singer Tony Phillips who over the years has performed with the likes of Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Haley the Comets and The Searchers.

£FREE (PAY wHAT YOU wAnT)

THE GARDEn STAGE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Saturday July 22 – 8.00pm 20

14yrs+ 60min

other events

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

QUEEN OF KATWE

The special friendship between Bedfringe and film continues with Bedford Film Festival joining us for the fifth time this year and it’s something quite special on offer, Disney’s Queen of Katwe starring: Madina nalwanga, David Oyelowo and Lupita nyong’o.

Living in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona (Madina nalwanga) and her family. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who teaches children how to play chess. Phiona becomes fascinated with the game

£7.50 (£6.50 concessions) £4 for under 12yrs

MAIn AUDITORIUM 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Sunday July 23 – 10.15am

and soon becomes a top player under Katende’s guidance. Her success in local competitions and tournaments opens the door to a bright future and a golden chance to escape from a life of poverty.

“Disney’s rags-to-riches tale of a Ugandan chess champion will leave you with a lump in your throat” HHHH The Guardian “An exceptional underdog sports story that breaks the rules.

Who knew an uplifting Disney chess movie could be so satisfying?” The Verge HHHH The Telegraph

PG 124min

PLAY / TIME

Play / Time is a workshop that will give participants an opportunity to engage in spontaneous play in a spirit of conviviality, acceptance and joy.

Play is an essential part of human development that somehow gets lost as we grow older.

Play enables us to engage with our inner sense of creativity and imagination, whilst engaging with others in a shared moment of fun.

There are numerous evidences showing that nurturing a sense of play is essential for our mental well-being and our ability to build relationships with others.

Play / Time provides a framework that enables participants to engage with others in spontaneous and improvised playfulness within safe and agreed boundaries.

There is no agenda or expectations in Play / Time. Participants learn to accept whatever emerges from the playful encounter with others. Play / Time enables the creation of unique playful moments that produce laughter, wonder, magic and surprise.

Play / Time does not require any specific skills other than a willingness to be playful!

The workshop is led by J. F. Jacques who is artistic director of Kempston Community Theatre that previously performed at Bedfringe in 2014. He is a performance maker interested in how play and playfulness help and support personal and community development.

The workshop is open to all regardless of abilities or background and can accommodate up to fifteen participants. So book early to avoid disappointment.

£5

STUDIO THEATRE 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Sunday July 23 – 1.15pm

16yrs+ 70min 21

other events

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

Clicking Comedians is an exhibition of Steve Best’s photographs of stand-up comedians, from the very new, the seasoned professional, to the downright famous.

Steve Best’s many years on the comedy circuit has allowed him to build trust with some of the funniest people on earth.

This exclusive access has given him an opportunity to take hundreds of intimate, deeply moving images.

Steve’s first book, Comedy Snapshot, a collection of his photographs of 427 comedians with their jokes and quirky facts, became an instant classic. Its sequel, Joker Face will be published by Unbound and Penguin Random House this summer.

He is now working on his third book, Comedians Back To Front, a collection of fine art photographs of comedians back stage and front of stage.

Cameras: www.fujifilm.eu/uk

£Free (non-ticketed event)

THE GALLERY 26 ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

All ages

Exhibition runs until July 23

All day

c i s u m eadows m

Sunday’s from 3pm to 5pm Mill Meadows Bandstand The Embankment, Bedford

in the

The Summer Bandstand Concerts return to the Embankment Bandstand this July and August.

Come along, bring the family and a picnic and enjoy two hours of traditional bandstand music...

8th July 2017

Taste Bedford Gourmet & Street Food Festival

30th July 2017

Bedford Saxaphone Workshop

6th August 2017

The Heath Band

with music, demonstrations & stalls

13th August 2017

Leighton - Linslade Concert Band

20th August 2017

Hitchin Band

27th August 2017

Bedford Town Band

For more information, call 01234 718616 or visit www.bedfordevents.co.uk 22

Photography: Mark Lewis

STEVE BEST: CLICKING COMEDIANS EXHIBITION