Bedfringe 2018 Brochure

welcome

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

Welcome to the 12th annual Bedford Festival Fringe.

More than 50 events over five days!

From the Festival Co-Director and Assistant Director

Welcome once again to Bedford’s answer to The Edinburgh Fringe…

12 years eh? Who’d of thunk it. The naïve 17-year-olds, who only understood a fringe to be the thing that your mother cut embarrassingly unevenly as a child, have blossomed into the festival-wise co and assistant directors of this fine event. So, we would give you, the fabulous Bedfringe audience, some of our recommendations and hopefully inspire you to join us for the 2018 Festival: Who are your Festival Favourites for 2018?

Lily: (drumroll for the longest company name at the festival…)

The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre Company are always fantastic but also Bedfringe would not be Bedfringe without a cuddle from Mr Patrick Monahan (returning for his mammoth 11th festival) Fi: The return of Murder She Didn’t Write (an improvised Whodunit) who are back after a great show at Bedfringe 2017 and run at the Edinburgh Fringe, also the always mind-boggling magic of Pete Firman.

What would you suggest for people who have never been to Bedfringe before?

Lily: I would say come down (on what will hopefully be a glorious sunny weekend) to see some of our free events on the garden stage, have a drink at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere.

Fi: Take a punt. Of course come and see our headline acts but take a risk on something a bit different. You never know who you might see here that goes on to great things.

What makes Bedfringe for you?

Lily: The Volunteers – we have the most incredible group of Front of House and Technical volunteers, many of whom come back to help us year on year from their various places within the industry.

Fi: The support of local people – we have audience members that take annual leave to be able to come to as many festival events as possible, also those that come to see one show and stay for a whole day!

This year we are running the festival over five days; some of you may ask “hang on… didn’t I read it as 19 – 22 July some time back?” Well, yes! You are correct, only we were offered some really cool comedians with availability on 18th July so we thought we must extend it for an extra day!

Look out for Lost Voice Guy whose YouTube BGT audition video has currently gathered 4.8million views (at time of writing)!

Do you like the brochure front cover and our posters / flyers this year? The artwork for these has been designed by children from Bedfordshire schools. Congratulations to our winner Makaiya Kosic whose design is featured on the front cover of this brochure, as well as the festival posters and flyers.

Our two runners up were Issabelle Brazier and Tesfa Bernard, and their artwork is also featured on the posters and flyers.

All three received a book bundle from Bedfringe which was selected by Rogan’s Books. We hope to continue this competition into 2019 and beyond!

Many thanks to Kayte Judge at The Culture Challenge for leading this new project.

Photography: Mark Lewis

Photography: Aidan Huxford

I’m about to hand you over to Fiona and Lilly but before I go, here are my 2018 director’s picks: The Lost Voice Guy, Gary Delaney, Mat Ricardo and Pip Utton’s brand new show Before I Forget I Love you, I Love You. Happy fringing everybody!

James Pharaoh 2

Photography: Barbara Asboth

From the Festival Director

Fiona Fowler

Lily Hannant

welcome

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

Event Categories

Bedfringe Team Director ....................................James Pharaoh Co-Director...................................Fiona Fowler Assistant Director & Social Media Manager: ....................Lily Hannant Quarry Theatre Technician: ........................Jacob Newton Website Design: ............We Can Creative Front of House (at time of going to print): Alex Monks, James Mann, Alice Wright, Hywel Thomas, Mark Steinhardt, Logan Jones, Conrad Staroscik, Jackie Thomas, David Baxter, James Doughty, Helena Prettyman, Annette Hickey, Jonny Hosking, Ethan Chappell-Mason, Megan Holden, Oliver Milton and Tom Walker.

Additional thanks to: Bedford School, The Harpur Trust, All Our Fabulous Poster Artists, Sandara Dudley, Kayte Judge, Annaley Pharaoh, Vanessa Pharaoh, Willow Pharaoh and Erica Roffe.

Welcome Pages Children’s Theatre Comedy Theatre

Dance & Physical Theatre Music Other Events

With thanks to our 2018 sponsors

OUR 2018 PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

MANY THANKS TO THE CULTURE CHALLENGE FOR LEADING OUR ARTWORK COMPETITION

THIS YEAR’S CHARITY

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how to fringe

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

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.

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.

Booking tickets: This year tickets for our events can be purchased online at www.bedfringe.com Booking fees apply – £1.50 per cart/transaction.

Your might like to add a donation to Autism Bedfordshire at time of booking.

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

/bedfringe

@bedfringe

Go straight to the Bedfringe website (scan QRcode).

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.

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

For all your personal and business legal needs

01234 270600 www.woodfines.co.uk 16 St Cuthberts Street, Bedford, MK40 3JG e: mail@woodfines.co.uk 4

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 Garden Stage

QUEEN’S STREET CAR PARK

VENUES PETER’S ✞ ST CHURCH

ST PETER’S ST CAR PARK

1-3

LURKE STREET CAR PARK

✞

ST PAUL’S SQUARE

E LAN TLE CAS

THE SWAN HOTEL

THE EMBANKMENT

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Wednesday 18 July IN ADDITION

FROM THE WATER’S EDGE The space where land, air and water come together.

A place of transformation, suffering and joy.

Join folk and story telling duo Karuna, Stuart Prince, Ukulele, Harmonium and Vocals and Rosamund Hoskins, Viola, Violin and Vocals as they narrate and, perform music and songs on a journey from where we are, around the globe and back again.

Journey down the river Thames in a Royal barge, and Thames sailing barge.

Meet characters from Dickensian London, whalers, adventurers, gold diggers and entrepreneurs as we join the gold rush to Australia and partake in the grain races aboard a windjammer.

Songs will be a mix of original material and covers.

Ticket Price: £9.00 (£8.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 6.00pm

16yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

Set in a near-future Britain where healthcare is privatised, a young couple's relationship is quietly pulled apart by an aggressive lack of sleep.

A piece of physical theatre with score

by YouTuber Christopher 'Bing' Bingham.

In Addition realises the spiralling of minute problems in a life without the NHS. “Powerful… surreal and original.” Eastern Daily Press Shortlisted for the Les Enfants Terribles Edinburgh Award 2018

Ticket Price: £9.00 (£8.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 6.30pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

LOST VOICE GUY: INSPIRATION PORN

ADAM VINCENT: STUCK IN THE SUBURBS WITH YOU

BBC New Comedy Award winner and star and writer of BBC Radio 4’s brand new comedy series, Ability, has unwittingly become an unintentional porn star because of the inspirational memes that are everywhere these days. Come and see why he doesn’t want to be an inspiration because of these stupid memes and why he thinks they’re bollocks. He may not be able to talk but he definitely has something to say and his comedy will leave you speechless.

“Laugh-out loud funny” ★★★★ The Independent “Savagely funny” ★★★★ Wee Review “Candid & inspiring...consistently hilarious” ★★★★ Broadway Baby AS SEEN ON BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT 2018

See this award nominated (best comedy Buxton Fringe 2017) Australian stand up (now lives in Bedford) who played to full houses throughout his entire Edinburgh Festival run (2017).

See the man who writes for Adam Hills on Channel 4’s award winning flagship show The Last Leg (not the leg jokes).

See how family demands, societal expectations and unfulfilled joys are controlling his life (true).

“Makes me laugh louder and more inappropriately than most people I know” Adam Hills “One of those rare comedians who make it all look so easy” The Age” Recklessly honest and entirely relatable” Chortle “Undeniably one of the more talented comedians I have seen” Broadway Baby

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Ticket Price: £12.00 (£10.00 concession)

Time: 7.30pm 6

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

16yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

Ticket Price: £10.00 (£9.00 concession)

Time: 8.00pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

Wednesday 18 July

GARY DELANEY: WORK IN PROGRESS

DIANE SPENCER: 2018 COLLECTION

Following on from his successful appearances on Mock The Week, Live at the Apollo and his nationwide tours Gary is now working on a new tour show.

He will be testing a rough and ready big bag of new born jokes.

Come and help him figure out which should be immediately put down for a good school and which should be quietly drowned in a bucket.

“A hugely impressive collection of exquisitely crafted gags by one of Britain’s grandmasters of the one-liner” Chortle “I laughed, I laughed and I laughed “ Times

A brand new stand-up comedy hour from delightfully engaging comedian Diane Spencer.

With her charming onstage persona and refreshingly honest confessional style, Diane delivers heart-warming autobiographical wit and laughout-loud humour.

Her other seven hit shows are all available on YouTube.

“Not for the faint-hearted but also not to be missed” ★★★★★ ThreeWeeks “Artists use paint to depict their work, Ms Spencer uses wellcrafted words and stories to illustrate her art, words that ensured her set was full of genuine laugh out loud moments.” ★★★★ One4Review “Personable, ballsy and hilarious” ★★★★ Broadway Baby Woman of the Year 2013 The New Current Best Newcomer 2011 Chortle

Ticket Price: £12.00 (£10.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 9.00pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

Ticket Price: £9.00 (£8.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 9.15pm

18yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

7

Thursday 19 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

PLAY / TIME 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.

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

Play / Time does not require any specific skills other than a willingness to be playful! The workshop is open to all regardless of abilities or background.

The workshop is led by J. F. Jacques who is artistic director of Kempston Community Theatre.

£Pay what you want

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 6.00pm

16yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

EVOLUTION OF WOMEN From the starting point of Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution Model, the Evolution of Women focuses more so on the evolution of women in society, the evolution of female choreographers within the dance industry; as well as the general evolution of women.

The dancers take on the challenge to exploit the strength of women. Their execution is athletic, strong and powerful, which incorporates weight baring engagements as well as physically risk taking movements.

The empowerment of women comes to mind…

This MA work was given a First Class Award in choreography.

Includes a post performance Q&A Ticket Price: £6.50 (£5.50 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 6.30pm

All ages

Running Time: 30mins

GERARD HARRIS: ATTENTION SEEKER The shy, anxious joke writer for a top comedian accidentally crashes into the stand-up spotlight and, armed with paralysing fear, blind panic and jokes the comedian didn’t buy, sets out to prove just who’s really the funny one... and the rest is history.

Except history is normally written by the winners.

An award-winning Off-Broadway and global Fringe hit from the mildly acclaimed British-Canadian stand-up & storyteller, it’s also a true story that dares confront those age-old conflicts of Nature vs Nurture, Heart vs Mind, Comedian vs Comedian and Chocolate vs Poo. Best Solo Show, Nelson Fringe 2016 Best Comedy, Dunedin Fringe 2016 Best of Fest, Ottawa Fringe 2016 “Incredibly smart & funny ★★★★★ Edmonton Journal, CAN “All the wit and timing of an accomplished road comic” ★★★★ Winnipeg Free Press, CAN “A masterful storyteller” Stage Whispers, AUS Ticket Price: £9.00 (£8.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 7.30pm 8

16yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

Thursday 19 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

SIMON MUNNERY: THE WREATH Simon Munnery returns to Bedfringe once again!

“I went to a funeral the other day. Caught the wreath…” That’s what came to me, from the mysterious source of the inexplicable. Hear the story of the joke, the painting, and what happened next.

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.

“Poetic, quicksilver smart and blessed with a ceaselessly inventive comic brain” ★★★★★ The Scotsman “One of the finest gag writers in the business” ★★★★ The List “Convention defying, innovative stuff. Simon Munnery is a brilliant comedian” The Times Ticket Price: £12.00 (£10.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time:7.30pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

ROBIN BOOT’S ROCKOMEDY: WELCOME TO THE PUNGLE After sell-out Edinburgh shows in 2015, 2016 and 2017, Robin Boot is bringing his latest Rockomedy masterpiece to Bedford Fringe!

Clever wordplay, darkly surreal lyrics, tasty guitar skills, percussive feet and beautiful hair – rock’n’roll has never been so funny!

“Voted one of the top three New Comedians of 2016” Last Minute Comedy “Always a favourite with the crowd” John Wildgoose, Into The Wild Festival “Big presence, big delivery, big laughs” Paul Revill, Castle Comedy “The Springsteen of Comedy” G&B Comedy “A one-man pun machine” Christian O’Connell, Absolute Radio Make Freddie Laugh, Edinburgh 2017 - Winner

Ticket Price: £12.00 (£10.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 9.00pm

16yrs+

Running Time: 55mins

SCOTTISH FALSETTO SOCK PUPPET THEATRE: SUPERHEROES Back with a brand new show!

Sock! Pow! Wham!

Earth’s funniest footwear are back with their 10th new show of songs, sketches, socks & violence.

This time they’re real live Superheroes! You think you’ve seen heroes in tights before? This pair will run and run.

“Space age comedy to knock your socks off” ★★★★ Daily Record “Had every single audience member… laughing until they cried.” ★★★★★ Edinburgh Evening News

Ticket Price: £12.00 (£10.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 9.15pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 60mins 9

Friday 20 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

DIRTY WHITE BOYS: MANNERS

CONSTELLATIONS One relationship. Infinite possibilities.

“The basic laws of physics don’t have a past and a present. Time is irrelevant at the level of atoms and molecules. It’s symmetrical. We have all the time we’ve always had. You’ll still have all our time.”

Nick Payne’s “Astonishingly fine new play” (The Independent 2012) is laced with humour, pathos and drama.

Ed Hulme’s new production of this dazzling play about free will and friendship, quantum multiverse theory, love and honey, features Marissa Rowell as Marianne & Damian Schedler Cruz as Roland.

Ensemble work at a high level.” ★★★★★ Remotegoat (For The Long Mirror, 2018)

Ticket Price: £9.00 (£10.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 6.00pm

16yrs+

Running Time: 70mins

The award-winning double act are back with a fresh hour of fast paced idiocy.

Expect quizzes, Shakespeare, and maybe a musical finale. Often silly, sometimes rude, constantly hilarious.

“A slick operation with punchlines to match... Pitch perfect!” ★★★★ Mumble Comedy “Exceptional sketches... highly talented” ★★★★ FringeBiscuit “This comedy duo have oodles of talent up the yin-yang... Clever, witty, and brilliantly acted” ★★★★ LondonTheatre1 “Wrapped with comic cleverness” ★★★★ Young Perspective “Spectacularly and compellingly funny” The List Ticket Price: £9.00 (£10.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 6.00pm

16yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

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

Unfortunately no one’s ever heard of him. 206 years later, Nick Hall tells his story.

In this inventive and hilarious journey through history, Nick brings alive the world of the 19th century, while drawing parallels with the present. In this age of Brexit, Trump, Corbynista and Maybot, could we still learn something from the past?

As seen on BBC2, BBC3, and heard on BBC Radio 4! ★★★★ Broadway Baby “Side splittingly funny” ★★★★★ ThreeWeeks “Mad cap energy” ★★★★★ British Comedy Guide “Crackingly original” ★★★★ The List “One not to miss” ★★★★ The Skinny Ticket Price: £10.00 (£9.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 7.30pm 10

12yrs+

Running Time: 50mins

Friday 20 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

ROBIN MORGAN: HONEYMOON July: Robin’s wedding.

Three days later: a month away without his wife.

Not exactly the ideal honeymoon.

Brand new hour from the The News Quiz (BBC Radio 4) writer. ★★★★ Sunday Times “Utterly hilarious” ★★★★ Broadway Baby

HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI The host of BBC Radio 4’s Sketchtopia, and BBC1 Question Time & This Week regular, follows up his acclaimed 2017 hit with a brandnew show mixing his trademark “worldly wit and fabulous punchlines” ★★★★ Fest “Immensely funny” Daily Express “Consistently thought-provoking” ★★★★ Arts Award Voice “Something quite special... inbetween the laughter are stories of genuine power” ★★★★ Broadway Baby

Double Bill Ticket Price: £15.00 (£13.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 8.00pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 135mins+interval

JACK LEFT TOWN: THE IMPROVISED ROCKUMENTARY Spinal Tap meets Whose Line is it Anyway?

Jack Left Town is the greatest band the world has ever known. The only problem is, they never existed.

Based on audience suggestions, we hear about their childhoods, their lost loves, trashed hotel rooms, run-ins with the law, and how it all inspired their iconic debut album (name TBD).

A charming and silly parody of rockstar lifestyles with a strong absurdity curve and some sweet, sweet air guitar.

“Astounding” ★★★★ Arthur’s Seat “Enormous fun” ★★★★ London Pub Theatres Ticket Price: £10.00 (£9.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 9.00pm

16yrs+

Running Time: 60mins 11

Saturday 21 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

DANCEVYBZ

VyMy Dance brings all of its classes together for an end of term showcase. Get ready for an extravaganza of street dance, contemporary, musical theatre, ballet and even some of the pupils’ own creations. A celebration of the hard work and talent of VyMy Dance students.

Dancevybz is an established dance school in Beds, Bucks and Northants.

We have competed all over Europe and USA and have won many National and International titles for our street dance.

We have over 30 classes a week across the three counties and cater for all ages and abilities.

Our classes are fun, creative, inspiring and designed to build confidence and passion.

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

TAKE THE STAGE

Ticket Price: £8.00 (£7.00 concession)

Time: 10.00am

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

Ticket Price: £10.00 (£9.00 concession)

Time:12.00pm

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

SESKA: FRUIT SALAD! SESKA performs incredibly silly magic tricks… repeats them again but with a crazy added difference…

And when you spot the difference you win a fab prize!

A party atmosphere, hilarious entertainment and a competition all in one… SELLS OUT SUPER-FAST SO GET THE TICKETS NOW DONUTFACES! Crazier than finding a penguin in your fridge – when SESKA comes to town kids laugh out loud, Dads f*rt out loud and mums faint at his feet!

“Children will be spellbound for 50 minutes of silliness” Broadway Baby

Ticket Price: £8.50 (£7.50 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 12.00pm 12

KINETIC VIBES 2018 SHOWCASE Kinetic Vibes return for their 11th 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!”

All ages

Running Time: 50mins

Ticket Price: £9.00 (£8.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 2.00pm

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

Saturday 21 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

DISTURBING THE DUST

UKE BELONG TO ME

Lost Key Theatre invites you to a world lit only by a skylight, where playtime never stops.

Antonio, Teddy and Annabella have been in the attic longer than they can remember when they are introduced to someone new.

Tom Ellwood, mid-twenties Zoologist, lover of words and innocently bird watching comes across a dishevelled, ukuleleholding runaway bride, Kitty Chen stuck in a tree. Little does he know this is about how his life changed.

Through witty dialogue, the odd quirky tune and a bit of 21st century technology, watch as these two polar opposites have a rollercoaster relationship which travels all around the world (well… some European countries).

Winner of Cambridge and Sawston Drama Festivals, and Audience Award Winner at the British All Winners Festival 2017

Sketch isnʼt like any other toy they have met and they struggle to understand this.

Disturbing The Dust explores the life of four very different characters stuck in an attic and how they each deal with their confinement and escape attempts on a daily basis.

So, open the hatch, let down the ladder and come on in.

Ticket Price: £9.00 (£8.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 2.00pm

12yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

Ticket Price: £9.00 (£8.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 4.00pm

12yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

MURDER, SHE DIDN’T WRITE

MAT RICARDO vs THE WORLD

‘Degrees of Error’ present...

A classic murder mystery is created on the spot in this ingenious and hilarious show from Bristol Improv Theatre’s resident company.

You become Agatha Christie in this improvised comedy as an original murder mystery play is created based entirely on audience suggestions. So take up your magnifying glasses and don your deerstalkers for never-seen-before (and never-to-be-seenagain) evening of murder, mayhem and making it up on the spot.

“Absolutely fantastic… incredibly clever… laugh out loud funny… a truly entertaining and hilarious take on the murder mystery and absolutely not one to miss” ★★★★★ Voice Magazine “Had me howling with laughter… the Murder, She Didn’t Write troupe are mesmerizingly impressive” ★★★★ Arthur’s Seat

Award-winning cabaret star and the UK’s most successful juggler, Mat Ricardo, had a problem – after a 30-year career as the go-to guy for jaw-dropping dexterity, he'd run out of new tricks.

So he did something stupid.

He bet everyone in the world that he could learn any trick they could think of.

This is a one-man variety show – world-class juggling, magic and illusion, escapology, sleight of hand, knife-throwing, stand-up comedy, feats of strength, demonstrations of dexterity and the only good trick that exists with a fidget spinner. ★★★★★ “Brilliant” The Herald ★★★★ “Captivating” The Scotsman “Probably the best juggler you will ever see” What’s On Stage

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Ticket Price: £10.00 (£9.00 concession)

Time: 4.00pm

12yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

Ticket Price: £10.00 (£9.00 concession)

Time: 6.00pm

12yrs+

Running Time: 60mins 13

Saturday 21 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

OWEN ROBERTS: I LET A SIX-YEAR-OLD WRITE MY SHOW

WE ARE HEROES

After a severe case of writer’s block, Owen has thrown caution to the wind and decided to let a six year old child write his show for him. Kids are funny, right?

What could possibly go wrong?

She can’t spell, she can’t focus for more than three minutes, and her ideas are wildly unrealistic to say the least.

From a cross dressing police officer’s adventures in Africa, to a man eating foot that lives under the sea, this is a show is about how children think and how annoying they are to work with.

From one third of the critically acclaimed sketch group BEASTS “A tsunami of silliness” ★★★★Telegraph Press for BEASTS “Hilarious” ★★★★ Telegraph “Unforgettably nutty” ★★★★ Times “Deliciously demented” ★★★★ Metro

One year ago Sara and Elizabeth met in Bedford and bonded over a mutual frustration that their acting and performance careers were not as they thought they would be.

However, they decided to assist each other in the search for success, whatever that is.

Drawing on autobiographical experiences of life as an aspiring performer We Are Heroes is the story of two women’s attempts to understand the insecurities that stood in the way of achieving a life-long goal, and how forging a new friendship can turn that fate around.

Join Bedford’s newest theatre company as it transforms a chance meeting between two people into an epic quest of self-realisation for an inner hero that can make your dreams come true.

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Ticket Price: £11.00 (£9.00 concession)

Time: 6.00pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

Ticket Price: £10.00 (£9.00 concession)

Time: 7.30pm

12yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

PETE FIRMAN: EDINBURGH PREVIEW Pete returns to Bedford with his brand new Edinburgh show.

“The UK’s leading comedy magician” (Time Out) is returning to the Fringe with an astonishing new show.

As seen on ITV1’s ‘Tonight at the London Palladium’ and ‘The Next Great Magician’ and BBC1’s ‘The John Bishop Show’ and ‘The Sarah Millican Television Programme.’

Expect Pete’s trademark blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and jawdropping magic.

“The man from Middlesbrough sets the pace for comedy-meetsmagic in the 21st century.” Times “The new poster-boy for British comedy magic.” Telegraph “Seamless blending of quality magic and stand-up comedy. It is a joy to watch.” Edinburgh Festivals Magazine “Breathtaking illusions.” List

Ticket Price: £10.00 (£12.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 7.45pm 14

14yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

Saturday 21 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

PATRICK MONAHAN: #GOALS

EDDIE SUMMERS: ROCKET FUEL! Explosive Eddie’s looking for one lucky new flat mate.

Could you cope with the energy bomb?

Expect toast, kissing, rap, catwhiskers, violence, flirting with an apple crumble and a giant rabbit! “a uniquely brilliant highoctane comedian!” “a supremely confident performer, infectious energy, crazily random/disconcertingly normal” “Highly Recommended!” Fringe Review

Multi award winning comedian and Fringe Favourite, returns with another brand new stand up show, #goals. We all have life goals, whether it’s to win the lottery or marry up, make it your goal to come and watch an hour of great comedy from an Irish Iranian smoggy!

Constantly Touring, comedy website Ents24 has listed him for the past 3 years in the Top 3 of the hardest working comedians in the UK. “A definite must see” ★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine, ★★★★The Scotsman “Patrick’s a Fringe Legend and it is easy to see why!” ★★★★ Mirror

Ticket Price: £10.00 (£9.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 9.10pm

16yrs+

Running Time: 50mins

Ticket Price: £12.00 (£10.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 9.15pm

16yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

15

Sunday 22 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

FILM SCREENING: SONG OF THE SEA Bedford Film Festival and Bedfringe love working together, especially when we can show works of art on the big screen.

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

Then there are films where every frame is a work of art that takes your breath away. Song of the Sea is one of those films. This enchanting Irish animation tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse, the last Seal-child, who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea.

The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land.

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

“Every scene of Tomm Moore’s beautifully drawn, Oscar-nominated animation feels like a warm hug at bedtime” ★★★★★ The Telegraph “A wonderful family animation, rich in Irish folklore” ★★★★★ Mark Kermode

Ticket Price: £7.50 (£6.50 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 10.30am

“An exquisitely composed film, teeming with curiosities and compassion.” ★★★★★ Empire Did you come and see this film in 2016?

Do get on touch! admin@bedfringe.com

All ages

Running Time: 90mins

THE RELUCTANT DRAGON Munchkins & Monsters return to Bedford Festival Fringe after their 2017 ‘Sell Out’ performance of Wind in the Willows with their brand new show, The Reluctant Dragon!

Long ago, in a time that has almost been forgotten, in a land unlike anything that you are likely to find today, there was once a kingdom but in this kingdom not everything is as it seems…

Not all dragons are bad and not all people are good.

Meet Assipattle, a young girl who believe in magic and dragons!

One day, her cruel and treacherous siblings hatch a horrid plan to banish her and take over the family farm for themselves. Alone and afraid, she finds friendship from an unlikely companion…

Neak the dragon!

Featuring playful puppetry, dance, songs and much more, The Reluctant Dragon invites you to a world of fantasy you’ll never want to leave!

Ticket Price: £8.50 (£7.50 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 12.00pm 16

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

AND BEFORE I FORGET I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU The multi-award winning (17 awards!) Edinburgh Fringe legend returns to Bedfringe with a brand new show!

Pip Utton, one of the world’s foremost solo performers (Adolf, Churchill, Chaplin, Playing Maggie) returns to the Fringe with his moving and affectionate performance about the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s.

Pip is famed for his skill in ‘breaking the fourth wall’ and speaking directly to an audience involving them in the emotions of his performance. Based on his personal experience of seeing his mother deteriorate and die with Alzheimer’s and on intensive research, Pip’s character takes the audience with him on a journey full of smiles, laughter, respect and tears.

WINNER: The Stage Special Award for Acting Excellence 2015 (Playing Maggie) WINNER: FringeReview Award for Outstanding Theatre 2015 (Playing Maggie) Ticket Price: £10.00 (£9.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 1.00pm

13yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

Sunday 22 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

WAYLAND THE SMITH

NATURE KNOWS BEST

And how he repaid the injustice done to him A storytelling performance

by Mark Steinhardt, back at Bedfringe for the fifth time.

After the bronze, iron.

The iron moved west, changed the world, made an empire.

In the North, beyond the forests, there arose smiths of skills unsurpassed.

And the greatest of these was Wayland.

He was a Saxon, his story is as old as any from the north. The story of a king, cruel and dishonest, setting the world askew, and of how Wayland restores the balance, exacting no more, no less, than what he is owed.

But at what cost?

A compilation of three short comedy plays by Devonshire playwright Nick Discombe.

“Sheep Mount” is a hilarious, yet poignant piece, in which an ewe and a ram escape their depressing lives on an enclosed farm in Devon, to roam free on Dartmoor. The defiant ewe Zoe, who is fed up of the farmer taking her young, hopes to rescue her relationship with her ram, Wayne despite his roving eye.

“Sea Gull Heaven” gives us a look into the life of two gulls that have been living out their days at a tip where there are easy pickings for food, because of mans wasteful habits.

“Seahorse Ride” changes our perceptions as we see conventional roles within a relationship switch. The male of the species carries the children and gives birth to them which he is not at all happy about. Not just for the obvious reason but also because of mans effects on environment, which are deteriorating any chance of his births being successful.

Touching, modern, yet Aesop like” The National Theatre

Ticket Price: £9.00 (£8.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 2.00pm

10+yrs

Running Time: 60mins

Ticket Price: £10.00 (£9.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 3.00pm

12yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

GEOFF NORCOTT: WORK IN PROGRESS

THE COMMITTEE: IMPROVISED COMEDY London’s hottest new improvised comedy group, The Committee, bring their hilarious long form improv show to the Bedfringe. Everything made up on the spot by performers as seen on BBC 1, Channel 4 and BBC Radio 4.

All they need to start is just one single word from you, the audience.

“Making their Edinburgh debut, this new team have a real buzz about them with an inventive style of improv” The Times Ticket Price: £9.00 (£8.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 4.00pm

16yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

Star of Mash Report, Live at the Apollo, Question Time and his own Radio 4 special.

Comedy’s premier right of centre comic is working up a new hour of provocative and playful humour.

Also written for Have I Got news for you, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and Channel 4’s alternative Election. ★★★★ Telegraph ★★★★ New European ★★★★ Mail on Sunday ★★★★ Mirror

Ticket Price: £10.00 (£12.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 5.00pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 60mins 17

Sunday 22 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

PAUL REVILL: REVILLATIONSHIPS Award-winning comedian Paul Revill returns with a brand new show. With a marriage date set, a dog rescued and a death in the family, it’s time to look at relationships!

“This bright sparky chappy was a real quick witted geezer” ★★★★ ArtsinLeicestershire.co.uk “Steals the show” ★★★★ ThreeWeek “There’s a notable charm in the gag delivery that shows skill with a punchline. The show is an argument for Revill’s decision to be a comedian, and it’s a convincing one” Fest, 2017

Ticket Price: £11.00 (£9.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 6.00pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

ALL THE THINGS YOU HAVE EVER LOST An improvised comedy about the things that get lost...and found.

What happens to the sock in the washing machine, the keys dropped down the sofa, or the thoughts we lose track of?

All the Things You Have Ever Lost is a comedy show which finds inspiration in the things that you have lost, abandoned or simply forgotten about. A set of scenes and sketches where the misplaced takes centre stage.

“The best part of this kind of theatre is that it enables the talented cast to show their best qualities, from quick thinking to their imaginative ability to reconstruct objects with hand gestures.

Each of the cast shone in this respect.”

The Cambridge Student website Ticket Price: £9.00 (£8.00 concession)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 6.30pm

12yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

TOM HOUGHTON: THE HONOURABLE TOM HOUGHTON

BEDFORD’S INDEPENDENT MONTHLY ART & CULTURE MAGAZINE PROUDLY SUPPORTING BEDFRINGE SINCE 2011 www.thebedfordclanger.com

TheBedfordClanger

@bedfordclanger

Tom’s just been made “The Honourable”. Not by his own merit (he’s been sacked from Weatherspoons twice) but the traditional aristocratic way, by default. Basically, his Dad, ExChief of Defence Staff and current Constable of the Tower of London, was inducted into the House of Lords, making Tom “honourable”, apparently.

The 2017 sell-out, critically-acclaimed star of BBC, Comedy Central and Channel 4 presents his second show, reminiscing on growing up and discovering that true honour often lies where you’d least expect.

“This unexpected tour de force warrants a 21-gun salute” ★★★★ The Daily Telegraph “A crafty idiot” ★★★★ The Daily Mail As seen on BBC1, BBC3, Channel 4’s “First dates” and Comedy Central’s “The Jim Jefferies Show” Ticket Price: £11.00 (£9.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 7.30pm 18

14yrs+

Running Time: 60mins

Sunday 22 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

‘BEST OF’ CASTLE COMEDY SPECIAL BEDFORD’S NO.1 COMEDY CLUB The Best Of Castle Comedy Special is returning to Bedfringe on July 22nd. 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 Lucy Porter.

She is one of the most loveable comics in the country and a fringe favourite! She starred in the new series of ‘Live at the Apollo’ and has also appeared on ‘QI’, ‘Nevermind the Buzzcocks’, ‘Mock The Week’ and ‘Have I got News for You’.

“Porter is one of the most talented comics on the circuit. Brilliantly crafted jokes. This is get happy comedy at its very best.” ★★★★★ Time Out Next up is Marcel Lucont. He is a flâneur, raconteur, bon-viveur, and easily the greatest UK-based French comedian around!

He has appeared on ‘The John Bishop Show’, ‘Live at The Electric’, Sky

Atlantic’s ‘Set List’ and ‘Russell Howard’s Good News’.

“Fresh, accessible and hilarious” The Guardian The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue will close the show. They are without a doubt the maddest, silliest, stupidest, cleverest, strangest and the funniest double act of comedians on the circuit.

Likened to Morecambe and Wise and the Two Ronnies, they count David Walliams amongst their legion of fans. Guaranteed to bring the house down.

“A mad, anarchic triumph of stupidity over style. Not to be missed” The Guardian

£16 (No concessions)

MAIN AUDITORIUM ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 8.15pm

16yrs+

Running Time: 105mins

IVO GRAHAM Bedfringe favourite Ivo Graham returns!

After three blissfully happy summers at Bedfringe, Graham’s jumping on an advanced-booked East Midlands Train and coming back to make it four in a row.

A feisty new hour about facing the future, named after my fourth favourite Hot Chip song.

As seen on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, and, crucially, at three previous Bedfringes. Enough to qualify as a Bedfringe Ledgefringe? It’s not for me to say.

“Persona and material more polished than ever…on the brink of comedy’s Premier League” Evening Standard “Harp punchlines, topper gags and the unmistakable sense of a young comic finding another gear” The Scotsman 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.

Ticket Price: £11.00 (£9.00 concession)

STUDIO THEATRE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Times 9.30pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 60mins 19

Wednesday 18 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

On The Garden Stage

REBECCA DE WINTER Rebecca De Winter’s delightful and kooky repertoire features new material and songs about books, Campanologists, French boats and seagulls, a shy bride, a London tailor and a lady from Bedford adorned solely in Edwardian fashions! The songs are developed like a series of imagined film stills and delivered with narrative, emotion and storytelling at heart.

Rebecca’s acoustic three-piece has supported the likes of 10cc’s Graham Gouldman, International Music Award winners ‘The Webb Sisters, Ivor Novello Award nominees ‘The Leisure Society’ and San Diego Music Award winner ‘Eve Selis’ to name a few. £pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 7.30pm

20

All ages

Running Time: 30mins

CHRIS HEPWORTH: RYAN ADAMS TRIBUTE Chris will perform for us tonight a mini tribute to one of his favourite artists, Ryan Adams.

If you haven’t heard of him, Ryan is an incredibly successful and respected American artist in the alternative folk/country scene. His album Gold is not to be missed, as well as everything before and since. His releases include 1989 on which he recorded covers of the whole of Taylor Swifts album, 1989!

If you’re already a fan then you will love this, if not, then you can expect some of the best written songs you’ve ever heard.

£pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 9.00pm

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

Thursday 19 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

On The Garden Stage

JOHN GARDEN: WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT WITHOUT ANNETTE? Improvised music from composer and musical director John Garden.

John has over 20 years’ experience working in the music industry at all levels, both live and in the studio. He is currently on tour with Alison Moyet as musical director, keyboard and guitar player. John co-wrote The Rarest Birds and Reassuring Pinches from Alison’s latest album, Other.

“John Garden of the band Scissor Sisters has spent the last few months touring with his thrillingly weird new electronic score for the 1925 Hollywood version of The Lost World.” Sunday Telegraph “An electronic soundscape, somewhere between Brian Eno and Jeff Wayne, full of ominous tones and lurking menace.” Lee Callaway, Bristol Evening Post £pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 7.00pm

All ages

Running Time: 30mins

SPARKY THE ORATOR Sparky TKO is a purveyor of poetical cabaret, postpunk sensibilities and casual glam aesthetics.

Their dalliances with melody and verse evoke hope as much as despair, mild chortles as much as major facepalms.

As seen at: Bedfringe 2015 Camden Fringe 2017 and the brief rise and gradual petering-out of #HAND.

£pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 8.30pm

All ages

Running Time: 45mins 21

Friday 20 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

On The Garden Stage

ALEX MONKS “It’s been over a week now and I still don’t think I get it, sometimes I just forget it ever happened”.

Alex Monks is a spoken word poet from Bedford, who used to do things until he started paying London rent. He likes to focus his writing on the complicated mess of human relationships and the world it all plays out in. It makes him feel a bit better sometimes.

Alex has performed sets and won slams across the UK and has delivered two full shows previously at Bedfringe. (‘Poetry and Other Words’ 2012, ‘Poetry and Other Vices’ 2013) He’s very excited to be back.

£pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 7.30pm

22

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

23

Friday 20 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

On The Garden Stage

SOUL FOOD POETRY: UNPLUGGED The Soul Food Poetry platform showcases local talent in the spoken word field.

With events in Luton, Bedford, London, Amsterdam and Northampton featuring a line up of local up-and-coming poets and artists gracing the stage; the natural hunger and rawness of their drive and passion is what helps to make Soul Food Poetry such a sought after event!

We love spoken word, we love poetry, we love live music and of course we love food!

So come down, bring your people and immerse yourselves in two hours of positive vibrations and open honest refreshing spoken words!

This time we're going Unplugged! £pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Friday July 20 – 8.30pm

24

16yrs+

120mins

Saturday 21 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

On The Garden Stage

TIMOTHY “A young British dreamer who sees the world through hopeful eyes, Timothy has been making music for longer than he can remember.

Growing up in rural Shropshire, he had the opportunity to experience and experiment music of many genres, from folk to jazz, classical to pop.

He has toured in Europe and performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the UK with various bands, and now he wants to show the world his own music.

Timothy is a multi-instrumentalist now living in Bedford and loving life, faith and beauty”

£pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 11.00am

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

VOCAL WORKS Vocal Works is a modern singing school providing outstanding vocal tuition and musical training for 4-16 year olds led by music industry professionals.

Classes are limited to six children of a similar age/ability and focus on the performance of contemporary music styles.

Our students study individual and group songs, rehearse with microphones every week, and have the opportunity to perform at

special ‘gig’ events and work towards Trinity Rock & Pop Vocal examinations.

Vocal Works Bedford was established in 2017 at Goldington Academy.

£pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 1.00pm

All ages

Running Time: 60mins 25

Saturday 21 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

On The Garden Stage

FAVOURITE AUNTIES: THE MATURE ‘GIRL’ BAND WITH A SHARED LOVE OF MUSIC AND CUPCAKES Jo Hyne (ukulele, percussion, vocals), Chris Mottram-Wooster (bass), Anita Gabrielle (guitar, banjo, percussion vocals) are The Favourite Aunties, women of advancing years who play an eclectic mixture of predominantly acoustic music. The Sex Pistols, Ed Sheeran, Daft Punk, First Aid Kit and Prince are among artists whom the trio have ‘auntified.’ They also perform their own songs.

Anita played in a punk band with Chris and they won the Melody Maker annual competition for rock bands in 1980. Decades later, in 2014, they met Jo singing in a choir and, together, they formed the

Favourite Aunties here in Bedford. The aim of the band was to get together to make music simply for the fun of it and to raise money for good causes. In April 2017, the Favourite Aunties released a CD of original songs, ‘Part Earth, Part Star’, raising money for Bedford’s Friends of Refugees and the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre. The gig to launch the CD, held at the ‘Shed’ in Castle Road, was a sell out and described as ‘fun, musical mayhem.’ For Bedfringe 2018, the Favourite Aunties are excited to be joined by keyboard player and composer, Sophie Viney, who, they say, ‘knows all the notes.’

£pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 3.00pm

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

LUNA Luna are a Bedford-based blues-rock four piece named after a cat.

Their eclectic mix of songs ranges from 1965 all the way up to today and covers a wide range of genres – there is definitely something for everyone with this band!

They are regulars on the local music scene and can be seen frequenting venues around Bedfordshire.

Influences include Fleetwood Mac, Nina Simone, Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters, Paramore, Alicia Keys and many many others, all brought together to give you the unique Luna sound. £pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 5.00pm 26

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

Saturday 21 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

On The Garden Stage

EDYTA SAVA & FRIENDS Edyta Sava & Friends will play a selection of songs covering soul, old-school rhythm & blues, jazz, and rock-fusion.

Ranging from Peter Gabriel’s ballads, through to electrified funk.

All songs arranged to put the modern sound of acoustic violin at the centre for the musical experience.

£pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 7.00pm

All ages

Running Time: 30mins

SARA Exciting Hemel Hempstead based artist ‘Sara’ started as a solo music venture by singer songwriter Sarah Cosgrove with the release of her 2017 EP ‘Haunt’.

Since then it has evolved to encompass a bigger sound with the addition of three new members and increasingly varied material.

Citing influences as diverse as Sufjan Stevens to Frank Ocean, their tone shifts around acoustic, electronic and indie genres, all the while maintaining something personal, with an unnerving vulnerability to their sound.

New single ‘Low Signal’ explores the artist’s feelings on her parents moving away to Africa, and reflects on their strained relationship over the years.

The single is a huge shift in production from earlier offerings, with bold songwriting that underpins upcoming releases, with Sara’s main aim of always making something meaningful.

You will be hearing much more from the songwriter in coming months.

£pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 8.30pm

All ages

Running Time: 30mins 27

Sunday 22 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

On The Garden Stage

MAT ROBERTS

Mat Roberts returns to the festival once again.

Pull up a bench in the Quarry Garden and enjoy!

FAVOURITE AUNTIES: THE MATURE ‘GIRL’ BAND WITH A SHARED LOVE OF MUSIC AND CUPCAKES Jo Hyne (ukulele, percussion, vocals), Chris Mottram-Wooster (bass), Anita Gabrielle (guitar, banjo, percussion vocals) are The Favourite Aunties, women of advancing years who play an eclectic mixture of predominantly acoustic music. The Sex Pistols, Ed Sheeran, Daft Punk, First Aid Kit and Prince are among artists whom the trio have ‘auntified.’ They also perform their own songs. £pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

time: 11.00pm

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

£pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 1.00pm

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

CHRIS HEPWORTH Chris will delight us with a selection of songs you’ll have heard before, with some surprising and some familiar arrangements. He may even play the odd request if you’re bold enough to shout them out. Chris plays regularly in and around Bedford with his bands, but more often on his own, and has been performing since he was 14. £pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Sunday July 22 – 3.00pm 28

All ages

60mins

Sunday 22 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

On The Garden Stage

AMY DORIS

MARISA JACK AND DAVY Marisa, Jack & Davy’s unconventional interpretation of the folk tradition is shaped by the harmonic blend of their three unique voices, acoustic guitar styles and their music backgrounds.

They run Mill Race Folk, a unique and intimate acoustic folk night, which acts as an inspiration and platform for experimenting with traditional songs.

Shows are held in various locations around Bedford including an 18th century watermill, a museum, a community boat and a 15th century timber-framed market hall.

Through Mill Race Folk they have shared the stage with Martin Carthy, John Kirkpatrick and The Askew Sisters. Marisa, Jack & Davy are using the opportunity to learn straight from the people who sing folk songs and are sharing these discoveries via their podcast.

The trio are currently recording in Bromham, Bedfordshire and continuing to host the Mill Race Folk podcast and Mill Race Folk events in Bedford.

£pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 5.00pm

All ages

Running Time: 60mins

Amy Doris is a singersongwriter from Bedfordshire who writes and performs psychedelic folk for guitar and voice.

She has been performing as a covers act under the name ‘Acoustic Amy’ for many years, and is now ready to present her (more grown up) original repertoire at this year’s Fringe festival.

Previous performances include: Bedford River Festival, Vicfest (Hitchin), Balstock (Baldock), Oxjam (Bedford), Zone 52 festival (Northampton), Bedford Esquires.

She is currently working on her debut E.P. More information can be found on her Facebook page’ £pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 7.00pm

All ages

Running Time: 30mins

JOYRIDER (WARM-UP SET) Joyrider brings together some of the most talented musicians in the business. Ray and Ian have worked throughout the music industry, including touring with world-famous bands and eleven years together in pro-band Maxwell, Hammer & Smith. They are joined by the fantastic vocals and exceptional keyboard skills of Lily Norman, also an accomplished professional solo artist. The rhythm section is completed with Mark Stier on the bass.

Joyrider will bring the life and soul to any party.

£pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 8.30pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 25mins 29

Sunday 22 July

box office: 01234 362337 www.bedfringe.com

On The Garden Stage

THE 2018 BEDFRINGE CLOSING PARTY FEATURING JOYRIDER Come and join us in the garden for the 2018 closing party featuring the fabulous Joyrider!

Joyrider brings together some of the most talented musicians in the business. Ray and Ian have worked throughout the music industry, including touring with world-famous bands and eleven years together in pro-band Maxwell, Hammer & Smith. They are joined by the fantastic vocals and exceptional keyboard skills of Lily Norman, also an accomplished professional solo artist. The rhythm section is

30

completed with Mark Stier on the bass.

Music from any decade, from the 60s to latest hits Abba to AC/DC, Beatles to Bruno Mars, Eagles to Ed Sheeran!

Joyrider will bring the life and soul to any party. £pay what you want

GARDEN STAGE ST PETER’S STREET, BEDFORD

Time: 10.00pm

14yrs+

Running Time: 60minsl