Ventnor Fringe Festival Printed Programme 2024

and at pop-up venues across town.

BEAUTIFUL BEER

Welcome to

Ventnor Fringe is back! Celebrating our 15th year with over 100 different ticketed shows listed in this programme, and even more than this taking part in the wider ‘Free Fringe’ spilling out in venues across the town.

For 10 days each summer Ventnor transforms to host the Island’s largest arts programme, spanning comedy to cabaret, opera to dance, in venues that include ancient churches, circus tents and even locals’ front rooms!

At the Fringe, all artforms are welcome and performers at all stages of their career rub shoulders together, test new material and refine their craft. Pick and choose whichever shows you’d like to see, or simply explore the town and Fringe Village in Ventnor Park to soak up the atmosphere and watch the free entertainment on offer.

The festival was originally founded by local teenagers and is now organised by Ventnor Exchange, which you can visit on Church Street year round. We’re a ‘not for profit’ organisation which keeps us to our roots, re-investing any profits from every ticket and drink sold into local creative projects and our work with young people. In the past year alone we’ve provided opportunities for over 350 local 14-25 year olds, some of whom will be performing, exhibiting, and working behind the scenes!

Whether it’s your very first visit, or you’ve been with us since the beginning we hope you have a wonderful Fringe!

How to

With so much on at the Fringe it can be hard to know where to start! We’ve put together some helpful tips to help you make the most of your time in Ventnor.

Whether you’re a seasoned Fringe veteran, or it’s your very first time at the festival, follow our advice and you won’t go wrong!

When in doubt, head to the box office

If you’re ever not sure where to go, what to do, or need some advice on how to work your way around the Fringe, your best bet is to make a beeline for Ventnor Exchange, 11 Church Street, PO38 1SW. This is the main Box Office and information point where our team is on hand to help. Ventnor Exchange is open from 10:00–23:00 every day during the Fringe. There is also a Box Office tent in Ventnor Park next to the main entrance open 10:00–22:00 daily.

Culture Pass 2for1 ticket offers

If you’re going to see a lot of shows at the festival it might be worth becoming a Culture Pass holder. This costs £35 annually and gives you access to loads of 2for1 ticket deals. Culture Pass holders also get the same 2for1 deal on shows at Ventnor Exchange all year. Bargain!

Explore the Free Fringe

Sometimes the best things in life are free. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore Ventnor during the Fringe and between ticketed shows. Lots of shops,

Book (some) tickets fast!

It’s always fun to explore on the day and see what takes your fancy, but if there are a few key shows you really want to see it’s worth booking quickly as many performances will sell out. In particular look out for shows in smaller venues like Ventnor Arts Club and Pier St Playhouse.

Listen to our Podcast

In the lead up to the event we’ll be releasing our ‘How To Fringe’ weekly podcast packed with interviews and top tips for how to make the most of your time at the festival. Check out our website for links and to download/stream on your device of choice.

Booking Terms & Conditions

There is no booking fee for cash, card or online transactions. All tickets are nonrefundable and non-transferable. Venues will accept printed tickets or e-tickets displayed on a mobile phone. ID may be required if you have lost your tickets, or if you have purchased a Culture/ Unlimited Pass or concessionary ticket. All bookings are subject to our full Terms & Conditions which are available on our website.

Disclaimer

Ventnor Fringe is run by Ventnor Exchange CIC, a not for profit organisation that exists to provide creative opportunities and develop a creative community and economy on the Island. To the best of our knowledge, the information contained within this programme is correct at the time of print. Ventnor Exchange accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the content contained, and reserves the right to alter the programme without prior warning. Ventnor Exchange sells tickets on behalf of the artists taking part in the Festival.

Booking Tickets

You can book tickets for all Ventnor Fringe events through the Ventnor Exchange. There are no booking fees at the Fringe!

In Person

Visit Ventnor Exchange, 11, Church Street, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1SW, Open from 10:00–23:00 during the festival

Phone 01983 716767

Parking & Shuttle Bus

A new easy and convenient way to park or get around the town, our new park & ride and shuttle bus service will be running throughout the festival. Help us reduce congestion and avoid the need to search for parking!

Where is the Park & Ride?

The new Ventnor Fringe car park is located on the outskirts of the town at Watcombe Bottom, Whitwell Rd, Ventnor PO38 1LP

When will the bus run?

Every day of the festival (except Monday 22 nd ) from midday to midnight

Where will the bus operate?

The shuttle bus will run between Watcombe Bottom, Ventnor Park, Ventnor Botanic Garden and the Town Centre, connecting up all the main venues. Check out the map in this programme for the route.

How much does it cost?

Parking at Watcombe Bottom costs £5 per day, per car.

All single journeys on the shuttle bus cost £2 or you can purchase an unlimited bus pass for the whole Fringe for £20 per person.

You don’t have to use the parking to be able to use the shuttle service, just buy your ticket from the driver when you get on the bus.

Is there disabled access?

Unfortunately the bus does not have a lift or ramp but we hope to provide this in future.

Scan for dates:

Accessibility at the Fringe

We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy the Ventnor Fringe. This year we’ve made a range of improvements to make the event as accessible as possible

Steps

require space for a wheelchair or feel you need to be on the front row for the performance we will have accessible spaces reserved for every venue.

All venues have step-free access except the following:

Ventnor Exchange (two steps at entrance)

Ventnor Arts Club (one step at entrance and steps to toilets)

Ingrams Yard (approx 20 steps)

Some ‘pop up’ venues and private houses/studios.

There is step free access to all venues within the Fringe Village at Ventnor Park, but the pathway to The Big Top is very steep. Photos and more information is available on our website vfringe.co.uk

Carers/ Assistants

We’re happy to provide free tickets to registered carers/assistants. Please let the Box Office know when booking and we’ll issue a complimentary ticket.

Toilets

There are disabled toilets in the following locations:

Ventnor Park (for The Magpie and The Nest)

Flowersbrook (for The Big Top)

St. Catherine’s Church

Ingrams Yard Pier Street Playhouse

Additional Information

Please check out our website for more info: vfringe.co.uk/access-at-the-fringe

If you have any specific enquiries please feel free to contact us on 01983 716767 or email hello@vfringe.co.uk

VE NUES

Downtown

Head into downtown Ventnor and among the town’s independent shops and cafes you’ll come across a whole host of pop-up theatres, bars and galleries.

Ventnor Exchange

11 Church Street, PO38 1SW

This is the central information point and hub of the Fringe. Purchase tickets for any events, get advice and information on what to see, or find help with any other enquiries.

Ventnor Exchange also houses an epic craft beer bar with a great atmosphere, cocktail menu, and fresh coffee.

Open 10:00–23:00

St. Catherine’s Church & Fringe Square

Church Street, PO38 1SW

Directly opposite Ventnor Exchange, St. Catherine’s is a beautiful church, adapted with modern facilities to make it the perfect place for intimate concerts.

Outside is the Fringe Square, outdoor seating area and busking stage. Also home to The Book Bus, housed in a beautiful 1930’s Parisian bus, as well as a book market.

Church open for events only, Book market open Fri 19 th , Sat 20 th , Fri 26th & Sat 27th July 10:00–16:00

Ingrams Yard

Dudley Road, PO38 1EF

A new space located in a Victorian builders’ yard. This venue is a pop-up studio theatre hosting comedy, spoken word, talks and theatre shows. The outdoor yard to the rear is a real suntrap and is home to a bar, the Sheer Pink coffee garage and The Pizza Caravan. The resident artists studios will also be open for visitors.

Open for events only 10:00–23:00 Bar Open 12:00–23:00

Ventnor Arts Club

13 High Street, PO38 1RZ

An art deco bank, now converted into a luxurious cinema and venue, with armchair seating and a bar in the vaults! This is the perfect place to catch intimate concerts and comedy, with up to 4 shows a day. With just 45 seats, shows here can sell out fast!

Open for events only

Pier Street Playhouse

Pier Street, PO38 1SX

Right in the centre of town, this Baptist Church transforms into a little theatre during the Fringe with new writing,plays and comedy daily.

Open for events only

Makers’ Market

St. Catherine’s Church

On Friday 19 th , Saturday 20 th , Friday 26th and Saturday 27th July we will be holding the Makers Market at St. Catherine’s Church. Free entry to stalls of all kinds of makers – art, jewellery, crafts, cosmetics come and have a browse!

VE NUES

The Fringe Village

The Fringe Village is a whole festival in its own right, and home to some of the larger shows at the Fringe, as well as being a great spot for families with lots of events and activities for children. There are buskers, workshops and stalls to explore every day along with these key venues based in Ventnor Park & Flowersbrook:

The Big Top

Flowersbrook, PO38 1LF

Just beyond the edge of Ventnor Park is Flowersbrook, a beautiful field housing the Big Top tent, with stunning views out to sea and towards Ventnor Bay. Our largest venue.

Open for events only

The Flowersbrook Inn

Flowersbrook, PO38 1LF

A great place to see some of the most exciting new stand-ups on the circuit, with a whole selection of Edinburgh Previews and intimate music events. During the daytime this venue hosts a wide range of workshops and activities.

Open for events only

The Magpie

The Putting Green, Park Ave, PO38 1LE

Let’s Circus’ striking black and white tent has travelled to the Island each year since 2019. It’s become one of the most popular venues featuring many highlights of the festival, with a mix of stand up comedy, cabaret and theatre as well as family focused circus. Open for events only

The Nest

Ventnor Park, Park Ave, PO38 1LE

The Nest is a space to chill with a drink and tasty meal from the food traders. This tent also hosts wellbeing workshops in the morning including Soundbath and yoga. There will be live jazz bands in the evenings to soundtrack your Fringe night out! See the listings on our website for more details.

Sometimes the best things in life are free and alongside the main programme of ticketed events, there is a huge amount of free things to see and do at Ventnor Fringe. Here is just a selection of what’s on offer…

The Fringe Village

There are performances daily at The Bandstand for all to enjoy. Catch a variety of music and performances here from 12:00–18:00

The Fringe Square

There will be music, poetry and storytelling here, The Square will be open from 10:00–18:00

Ingrams Yard

Here you’ll find a bar and Sheer Pink’s popup coffee shop. In between shows you can catch buskers in the daytime or a chilled beverage in the suntrap courtyard.

See the full lineup on our website, with more acts to be added in the lead up to the festival.

The Book Bus

Located in the Fringe Square in front of St.Catherine’s Church is the Book Bus. A beautiful 1930’s Parisian bus transformed into the perfect bookshop. In The Fringe Square there is also a Book Market featuring stalls from Medina Bookshop and other independent booksellers. There will also be children’s storytelling at 11am on both Saturdays of the festival.

Open Fri 19 th , Sat 20 th , Fri 26th & Sat 27th 10:00–16:00

Busking and Street Acts

Busking brings the festival to the streets, and throughout the week you’ll spot all sorts of bands and artists performing around the town. The best places to head to are the Rene Stage (half way down The Cascade) , Spring Hill Garden (opposite Tesco), outside The Ventnor Heritage Centre and The Book Bus as well as outside Co-op – artists are taking over the town!

Food & Drink

Street Food

Feeling peckish? This year the Fringe Village in Ventnor Park will be home to a varied selection of street food offerings. From fresh pizza to aioli fries, vegan curries and artisan coffee. Evolving throughout the 10 days of the festival with different traders be sure to visit on multiple days to see what’s on offer! Traders joining us include…

Vintage Scoops

Need to cool down? Vintage Scoops have you covered with Bertie, their traditional ice cream tricycle and Betty, a beautiful 1973 vintage Bedford ice cream van.

The Hungry Raccoon Pizza

Independent food truck that offers a variety of foods and truly loves pizza... like a Raccoon :)

Thirsty Bay

Beautiful craft coffee, artisan tea and cocktails, all served from a classic vintage VW Campervan.

Nourish

Alex & Indy Box bring you hearty, healthy meals that don’t skimp on flavour! Everything they sell is animal product free and homemade.

Curry on Wheels

Charles and his team are back with their delicious homemade curries.

The Harbour Kitchen

Nobody does french fries quite like Harbour Kitchen. Serving everything from your classic cheesy fries to homemade vegan aioli!

The Big Eat Co.

Discover dishes such as Korean fried chicken burgers, Singapore noodles and secret recipe jerk chicken at this global street food inspired kitchen.

East Side Kitchen

We’re going to call it. The Island’s finest burgers, along with tasty bowls like chickpea and lentil dahl and sticky korean chicken

T in the Park

The Putting Green’s T in the Park Café, run by Jackie and her team, will be open throughout the Fringe, serving hot dogs, burgers, sausage rolls, cakes, ice creams and teas and coffees - great for pre-show snacks.

The Pizza Caravan (Ingrams Yard)

The Pizza Caravan is a beautiful 70’s caravan conversion serving up delicious pizza with fresh local toppings!

Craft Beer & Cocktails

Bristol’s famous Wiper & True are back to bring the finest craft beer in the South West to our bars this year, along with local ales on tap.

In addition to Ventnor Exchange, where there is always an epic selection of craft and Belgian beer, as well a tasty cocktail menu, we have a number of additional festival bars.

Parkside Bar

Ventnor Park, Park Avenue, PO38 1LE

Located right in the centre of the Fringe Village at Ventnor Park, this is a great place to soak up the atmosphere. Free live music every day, with open air concerts on the Bandstand during the afternoon and live Jazz under cover every evening.

Open 12:00–23:30

Big Top Bar

Flowersbrook, PO38 1LF

With stunning views out to sea, our Big Top Bar sits right on the coastal path, the perfect pit stop between Ventnor Esplanade and the beautiful Steephill Cove. Live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.

Open 12:00–00:00

Ingrams Yard

Dudley Road, PO38 1EZ

A brand new area right in the heart of town, with a sheltered courtyard that provides a new social hub in the town centre. Events here include Beer Tastings with W&T brewers from Bristol.

Bar Open 12:00–23:00

Ventnor Exchange

11 Church Street, PO38 1SW

Alongside being the main box office the Exchange’s bar and record store will be open with it’s vast selection of beers to try.

Open 12:00–23:00

VISUAL ARTS

Art-house-life @ 35 Madeira Road

Reality Disrupted

Contemporary artworks by 14 local, national & international artists selected for their innovative use of lens-based media, including the currently controversial AI. Artist talks & panel events. Open every day 10.30-12.30 and 14.00-16.30. Book in advance.

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sun 28 th July | 10:30–12:30 & 14:00–16:30

WHERE: 35 Maderia Road (PO38 1QS)

Kathy Williams

Place of Safety

TICKETS: Free

La Falaise Shelter on Ventnor seafront cliffs will transform into a “Place of Safety” this year –a co-created, temporary art installation exploring themes of belonging, comfort, and shelter. Public workshops in lead up invited participants to express responses to the themes through paint, which have been collected into a final 3D piece including an aspect of night illumination. kathywilliamsartist.co.uk | @kathywilliamsartist

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sun 28 th July | 10:30–20:00

WHERE: La Falaise Carpark Shelter

Ventnor Art Collective

TICKETS: Free

Ventnor Art Collective and friends Summer Exhibition

A CORNUCOPIA OF LOCAL ART. Come and experience an eclectic display of art representing local artists. The group meet and organise workshops, share ideas, and support one another in the Arts. Displayed and for sale are: Paintings, linocut, sculptures, decorative hangings, ceramics, cards, and much more. Using two venues opposite each other. So take a walk to the eastern side of Ventnor in an afternoon with a destination. Note; steps and uneven Ground.

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sun 21 st, Wed 24 th–Sun 28 th July | 13:00–16:00

WHERE: 27 & 38A Madeira Road, PO38 1QS

Peer Studios & Gallery

Caulabyrinth - the absurdity of humans

TICKETS: Free

Is it a faith? Is it a lifestyle? Is it a global empire? Or is it just a load of nonsense? Caulabyrinth uses the fantastical, the abstract, and the absurd to explore our roles in a bonkers world. A collaborative multimedia exhibition by Mischa Ying featuring Ventnor artists. Opening fiesta on Sunday 21 st 4pm–8pm. All are welcome.

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sun 28 th July | 10:00–16:00

WHERE: Peer Studios

Independent Arts

Art in the Park

TICKETS: Free

Join Independent Arts in the park to explore your artistic side. Whatever your style or level of experience, come and get creative! Easels and materials will be provided for donation to Independent Arts. Suitable for all ages from 4 – 104.

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sun 28 th July | 10:00–16:00

WHERE: Ventnor Park

TICKETS: Donations welcome

PERFORMING ARTS

Revel Puck Circus

Revel Puck Circus: The Nose Dive Assembly

Multi-award winning Revel Puck Circus make their Ventnor debut, bringing their unique brand of contemporary circus for families and audiences of all ages to the IW. Building on the company’s immersive and joyous energy The Nose Dive Assembly is a spectacular new production created for the festival Big Top! Expect high wire walkers, teeterboarders, bespoke apparatus and the only female Wheel of Death duo in the country.

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sun 28 th July (Except Mon 22 nd) | 13:00–15:00

WHERE: The Big Top

Stratford Productions

Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend

TICKETS: £22 | £17 u25

The compelling story of the great Victorian actor-manager, William Macready – the man to whom Charles Dickens dedicated ‘Nicholas Nickleby.’ A must for drama fans, this remarkable true tale captures the sheer joy, graft, and tribulations (!) of a life lived in theatre. With passion, humour, emotion, and an array of characters, Mark Stratford takes you on a journey through the fascinating world of Victorian theatre and the extraordinary, yet conflicted life of Macready.

WHEN: Fri 19 th July | 14:00–15:30

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Act284

The Enfield Poltergeist

TICKETS: £10 | £5 u25

The case of the Enfield Poltergeist in 1977 has long captured the public’s imagination. This dramatisation and original stage show based on the infamous incident, focuses on the human stories behind the lurid press headlines. This is a journey of redemption, and the chance to lay old ghosts to rest. Kiera Rhodes and Paul Voodini portray troubled characters, who must not only solve the mystery of the poltergeist, but also find peace with their tragic pasts.

WHEN: Fri 19 th & Sat 20 th July | 17:00–18:00

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Impromptu Shakespeare

Impromptu Shakespeare

TICKETS: £10

Hold onto your doublets, ruffs and trunk hose. The Bard is back! With story and verse improvised in the moment, enjoy a riotous new Shakespeare play every time – performed by Impromptu Shakespeare’s whip smart cast. “Ingenious and very funny” – Will Gompertz, BBC Arts Editor | WINNER: Best Comedy Event, Buxton Fringe 2021

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sun 21 st July | 17:30–18:30

WHERE: The Magpie

Rob Thompson & Rupert Page

Piano Smashers

TICKETS: £15 | £12 u25

Piano Smashers is a new play by Rupert Page and Rob Thompson about unwanted inheritance. Vera bequeaths her precious piano to her children in a will. They really do not want it but will they ever bring themselves to dispose of it? ‘Let’s smash it up. But we can’t. Why? Because it was mother’s and father’s. What were they thinking? I don’t know.’ Following a successful debut at Ventnor Fringe in 2023, Piano Smashers has since flourished and returns fully fledged.

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sun 21 st July | 18:00–19:00

WHERE: Pier Street Playhouse

TICKETS: £8 | £6 u25

PERFORMING ARTS

Night Owl Shows Back to Black: The Music of Amy Winehouse

Following sensational sell out runs at Edinburgh, Brighton and Adelaide Fringes, Back To Black: The Music Of Amy Winehouse takes you on a moving yet energising journey through the career of a modern legend. This captivating show is delivered in the Night Owl trademark ‘show-umentary’ format giving a fascinating insight into Amy’s sharp rise to fame and stardom. Experience the hits delivered by the dynamic and soulful Reine Beau Anderson Dudley.

WHEN: Fri 19 th-Sat 20 th July | 20:30-22:20

WHERE: The Big Top

Stratford Productions

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

TICKETS: £22 | £17 u25

‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic Victorian mystery tale about the inexorable conflict between good and evil. In this faithful adaptation Stevenson’s gripping narrative is brought vividly to life through a combination of powerful story-telling and masterful character creation.

WHEN: Sat 20 th July | 14:00–15:15

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

She Said Jump

The Guy In The Luggage Rack

TICKETS: £12 | £6 u25

Daisy is doing her best to keep her chin up and her head down – but as the first anniversary of her mumʼs death approaches she begins to realise grief isnʼt something she can put aside indefinitely, and whether sheʼs willing to admit it or not, things arenʼt fine. From the silly to the sublime to the scary to the ridiculous.

WHEN: Sat 20 th July | 13:00–14:00 & 15:00–16:00

WHERE: Ventnor Putting Green

Quantum Theatre

Great Expectations

TICKETS: Free

From misty marshes to the dusty, dirty streets of London, we bring you our brand new adaptation of Dickens’s most enduringly popular and atmospheric novel which delivers high comedy and dark drama as we follow Pip’s journey through adversity to discover the true nature of his ‘great expectations’. Please bring something to sit on and dress for the weather.

WHEN: Sat 20 th July | 18:30–20:00

WHERE: Ventnor Botanic Garden

Oscar Netherway

The

Madness

of Queen Dido

TICKETS: £17 | £14 u25 | £12 child

In a relentless one-woman-show inspired by Virgil’s Aeneid, Queen Dido has fallen head over heels for dashing Trojan prince Aeneas. She feels as if she’s been struck by Cupid’s arrow – and this is where her madness begins. But when the pious Aeneas leaves her on orders from the gods themselves, Dido is left to spiral out of control towards a tragic fate.

WHEN: Sun 21 st & Sun 28 th July | 14:00–14:30

WHERE: Pier Street Playhouse

TICKETS: £8

PERFORMING ARTS

Angus Baskerville

Naughty or Neurodiverse? I’m a Mentalist - The Magic of Angus Baskerville

Mind-reading and unbelievable trickery abound in this exploration of how autism and magic make anything possible, with rising star Angus Baskerville. Angus was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at age 15, and his school years were a struggle. But, learning and performing magic has turned his life around and his first solo show at the Fringe delves into that journey. A family-friendly show that brings the superpowers of neurodiversity to life.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd–Thu 25 th July | 13:00–14:00

WHERE: The Magpie

OperaUpClose

OperaCocktail

TICKETS: £12 | £8 u25

A heady cocktail of popular classics shaken with wit, stirred with drama, and served with a twist of ménage a trois. Old friends meet on a summer afternoon and try to make sense of life and love. Is it finally time to grow up? Featuring music by Puccini, Mozart, Verdi and more, with sparkling English translations performed by the UK’s brightest and best opera singers and musicians. “A thrilling, up-close encounter” - THE STAGE

WHEN: Tue 23 rd–Wed 24 th July | 17:30–18:30

WHERE: The Magpie

Underluminal

The Last King of Porn

TICKETS: £18.50 | £10 u25

“Probably a cult waiting to happen” (The Scotsman) What are you willing to do to become a legend? A porn actor performing his last record-breaking movie: a sex marathon with 100 women. The story is set in the waiting room where the actresses are waiting to perform; the atmosphere moves in short time from comic-sexy to an anxiety filled thrilling situation. An explicit drama about sex, love, family, suicide and much more.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd–Thu 25 th July | 17:00–18:00

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

The Arts Society Isle of Wight

Isabella: The Last Queen of the Wight

TICKETS: £8 | £5 u25

Join us for an entertaining gambol through the life of local heroine Isabella de Fortibus. How did she manage to remain independent, survive and prosper in the turbulent times of male dominated 13th century England? Why did the island become her home? How did she get her own way? What were the dangers? She was the last private owner of Carisbrook Castle and became known as the Queen of the Isle of Wight. But what was she really like?

WHEN: Tue 23 rd–Fri 26 th July | 18:00–19:00

WHERE: Pier Street Playhouse

Degrees of Error Murder, She Didn’t Write

TICKETS: £10

A classic murder mystery is created on the spot in this ingenious and hilarious show from Degrees of Error. You become Agatha Christie in this improvised comedy as each night an original murder mystery play is created based entirely on audience suggestions. So take up your magnifying glasses and don your deerstalkers for a never-seen-before (and never-to-be-seen-again) evening of murder, mayhem, and making it up.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd–Thu 25 th July | 18:00–19:00

WHERE: The Big Top

TICKETS: £20 | £19 u25

PERFORMING ARTS

Mellow Drama

An Afternoon of Comedy and Tragedy

Mellow Drama presents an afternoon of Comedy and Tragedy complete with comic sketches followed by a short play based on the life, incarceration and martyrdom of St Paul. You will be introduced to “A Choice of Viewing” before a version of “The Apprentices” plus “Bond’s back and his joints ache!” as Britain’s favourite ageing agent meets his nemesis demonstrating his work with British Intelligence as well as a British sense of humour!

WHEN: Wed 24 th–Fri 26 th July | 15:00–16:30

WHERE: Pier Street Playhouse

Mitch Ward

Confessions of a Card Cheat

TICKETS: £5

As a curious adolescent, Mitch always found that a deck of cards eerily slotted into the grooves of his palm like an extension of himself. From Blackjack to Texas Hold’Em, Mitch had studied all of the methods professional cheats would employ at card games before he was old enough to (legally) participate. Join Mitch for an evening of chronicles and demonstrations from his days as a cheat, culminating into a truly magical experience.

WHEN: Wed 24 th–Fri 26 th July | 21:30–22:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

Bethan Screen

Procreate

TICKETS: £10 | £5 u25

Procreate pokes fun at the motherhood penalty and prescriptive gender roles that pile on the pressure when you bang out a kid. Full of clowning, eggs, a sprinkle of audience interaction, and entertaining the wee ones with puppetry and juggling, Bethan births a surreal, silly show about contemplating procreating. A show for 90s babies, the broody, the childfree, mothers and former babies.

WHEN: Thu 25 th–Fri 26 th July | 14:00–15:00

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Lopsided Arts

FAKE

TICKETS: £12 | £10 u25

Girl Boss tells it like it is. She uses her prime-time radio show to amplify the voices of real people and won’t be bought by anyone. But life is full of interference, even when you’re young and hot. When breaking news puts her in a compromising position, can she uphold the honesty she’s always sworn by? With real-life stories, you’re invited to witness a woman bearing the cost of her truth.

WHEN: Thu 25 th–Fri 26 th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Temper Theatre

HOME

TICKETS: £11 | £6 u25

As the flood rises, Imogen is swept up on a fantastical wave of self-discovery, unlocking an entirely new perspective on the place she once called home…Temper Theatre’s critically acclaimed production combines their signature blend of fluid, muscular movement, soulshaking soundscapes and evocative imagery, accompanied by original music composed by Dave Price (National Theatre, RSC, Gecko).

WHEN: Fri 26 th–Sun 28 th July | 18:00–19:00

WHERE: The Big Top

TICKETS: £15 | £10 u25

PERFORMING ARTS

Pink Cow Theatre

Pinocchio (A new adaptation by Pink Cow Theatre)

Leaving other versions far behind, this story tells the real tale of the puppet’s adventures until he finally becomes a real boy. Dark yet entertaining, the audience learns the complexities of becoming your true self and the tribulations you encounter along the way... Written by Karl Whitmore, Directed by Mish Whitmore, Choreographed by Anne Abe, Original Music by Annelise Hallam & Harry Spencer.

WHEN: Sat 27 th–Sun 28 th July | 17:30–18:30

WHERE: The Magpie

Tide Nor Time Players

CIC

Wyrd Wight Tales

£10 | £7 u25

A captivating stage production that delves deep into the rich tapestry of folklore and legends originating from the mystical Isle of Wight. This is a celebration of traditions where stories were once shared around flickering firesides to both entertain and terrify using music, dance and dramatic storytelling. Written and produced here on the Island!

WHEN: Sat 27 th–Sun 28 th July | 18:00–19:00

WHERE: Pier Street Playhouse

Kai

Davies

Tropic Fire!

£10 | £5 u25

This brand new, sizzling showcase brings together the Isle of Wight’s hottest circus performers for a night that’ll leave you breathless. Created specifically for Ventnor Fringe, prepare to be mesmerised by dazzling aerial artistry, phenomenal fire feats that will set your senses alight, and more surprises that you definitely won’t want to miss!

WHEN: Sat 27 Th July | 21:15–23:30

WHERE: The Magpie

£15 | £12 u25

Ventnor Fringe is curated by

At Ventnor Park

Activities available at all times:

We are very excited to be working in collaboration with Wonderfell Theatre Company to create a new children’s area at Ventnor Fringe!

Family Fringe will be open on Ventnor Putting Green and at The Magpie for both weekends of the festival from 10:00–15:00 each day. It’s specially curated for families looking for something fun for children of all ages to engage with from board games to graffiti, carnival parades and a sensory corner for some time out. Tickets will be sold on entry.

Games – Hoops, skittles, parachute

Skipping ropes

Graffiti wall

Board Games

Colouring

Book Corner

Sensory Corner

Scraps and material for crafting

Check out all the workshops to take part in. Please note limited capacity for some sessions so will operate on a first come first served basis.

Saturday 20th July

10.30–11.30 (All Ages)

View of Ventnor Cardboard Launch with Teresa Grimaldi

12:00–13:00 (Ages 6–10yrs)

Colours & Colours Family with Lucia Para

12:00–13:00 (Ages 3+)

Wyld Woods Circus Workshop with Kai & Azaria

13:00–14:00 & 15:00–16:00 (Ages 12+)

The Guy in the Luggage Rack free show by She Said Jump

Saturday 27 th July

10:30–11.30 (All Ages)

Mythical Sea Creatures with Teresa Grimaldi

12:00–13:00 (All Ages)

Draw, Cut, Tape, Sculpt with Quay Arts

12:00–13:00 (All Ages)

Wands for Waving with Katy

13:00–14:00 & 15:00–16:00 (All Ages)

Tape That! Free show by Hands Down Circus

13:30–14:30 (All Ages)

Slotting Sculpture with Quay Arts

14:30–15:00 (All Ages)

Stretch & Relax with Katy

Sunday 28th July

10.30–11.30 (Ages 6+)

Illustrate Cartoon Characters with Neal Layton

11.30–12:00 (Ages 3–13yrs)

Beside the Sea Stories & Sea Art with Sue the Storyteller

12:00–12.30 (Ages 3–13yrs)

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Stokey Woodall

A Walk Through The Solar System

Join Stokey on an incredible solar system walk that has now become a Ventnor Fringe tradition. This unique experience follows a 1,000-yard model, where each inch represents 100,000 miles. Throughout the event, Stokey will captivate you with his stories and entertaining celestial facts, ensuring a delightful experience for all. Stokey will donate part of ticket revenue to the Better Days Café. The walk starts outside Ventnor Exchange and finishes at Ventnor Park.

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sun 28 th July | 13:00 –14:00

WHERE: Ventnor Exchange

Sue Bailey – But That’s Another

Story

Whatever the Weather: A Story Walk

TICKETS: Pay what you can

Come rain, wind or sun, we’ll weather the weather together, on this storywalk along a short section of Ventnor’s coastal path. There will be tales and tasks, and riddles and rhymes, all related to the weather. Great for anyone aged 4-11

WHEN: Fri 19 th & Sat 27 th July | 11:00 & 16:00

WHERE: Salisbury Gardens

Quantum Theatre

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck

TICKETS: £7

Prevented from hatching her eggs at the farm, foolish Jemima goes in search of a nesting place in the forest and soon she meets a charming ‘whiskered gentleman’ who offers her the perfect nesting place in his wood-shed... Michael Whitmore’s delightful new adaptation is packed full of songs, action and drama, with a score by Gideon Escott, and is guaranteed to delight and enthral all ages. Please bring something to sit on and dress for the weather.

WHEN: Sat 20 th July | 14:30–16:00

WHERE: Ventnor Botanic Garden

SESKA

SESKA: DON’T

WEE YOUR PANTS

TICKETS: £17 | £14 u25 | £12 child

Crazier than finding a penguin in your fridge... the funniest family friendly comedian we have in the UK is back with a new bonkers show! Turbo-charged SESKA is loved by familes throughout the world. ‘Get tickets quick! One of the world’s top comedy magicians’ BBC Radio ‘The funniest comedian entertaining families in the UK!’ London Evening Standard.

WHEN: Sat 27 th–Sun 28 th July | 12:30–13:30

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Hands Down Circus Tape That!

TICKETS: £8

Tape That is a playful exploration of the world we live in; when challenges present themselves, just how many problems can be fixed with a few rolls of duct tape? A charming, light-hearted, acrobatic duet by Hands Down Circus. Free performances at the Fringe Village in Ventnor Park

WHEN: Sat 27 th July | 13:00–14:00 & 15:00–16:00

WHERE: Ventnor Putting Green

TICKETS: Free

COMEDY & CABARET

Christie Grattan, Ann Brown, Joe Fortis

The ‘Escaping Debt Collectors’ Tour

Three of the UK’s best comedians have dared to venture across the water, fleeing South until their petrol ran out conveniently in Ventnor town centre. Seeing as they’re here anyway, experience Ann Brown, Joe Fortis and Christie Grattan!

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sat 20 th July | 16:30–17:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

PBJ Management

TICKETS: £7

Alexandra Haddow: Third Party (Work in Progress)

The news has been on fire for so long now we’re probably out of petrol. Should we all just embrace societal collapse and enter our Last Days of Rome era? This is a show about sex, politics, ageing, nihilism and maybe hope. In a world where we’re always told to pick a side, is here a third option? As seen and heard on Channel4, Comedy Central and BBC Radio 4 Extra.

WHEN: Fri 19 th July | 19:00–20:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Angie Waller/Nana Funk

An Evening With Nana Funk

TICKETS: £13 | £10 u25

Nana Funk, a whoknowshowoldanarian cabaret star, burlesque icon & political firebrand in sequin slippers brings her one Nana cabaret to Ventnor Fringe. This studio show with stadium ambitions combining live music, storytelling & improvised songs is no teatime with your granny – This is An Evening With Nana Funk! Get taken on a hilarious & emotional musical rollercoaster as Nana challenges ageism & how ageing is portrayed in society.

WHEN: Fri 19 th July | 19:30 –20:30 & 21:30–22:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

Alex Kealy

Alex Kealy: The Fear

TICKETS: £16

The ‘almost sexily cerebral’ (**** – Daily Telegraph) stand-up presents a work-in-progress comedy show about fear, after 2022’s ‘breakneck pace… wonderful new hour’ (**** – The List). As heard on BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show. Writer for Mock the Week and The News Quiz. “Excellent… dynamite, interstellar routine which I wish I had written!” Mark Kermode “A storming show” Sunday Times

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sat 20 th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Ahir Shah

Ahir Shah: Ends

TICKETS: £12 | £8 u25

Ahir Shah returns to the Ventnor Fringe with Ends: a stand-up show about family, immigration, marriage, history, politics, and beans. WINNER: 2023 Sky Edinburgh Comedy Award, Best Show | ‘The most important stand-up of the year, if not decade’ Stephen Armstrong | ‘An astonishing comedy hour… Takes audiences to the highest of highs of human emotion’ ***** Independent |’Poignant, powerful, extremely funny... Truly outstanding stand-up’ ***** Evening Standard

WHEN: Fri 19 th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: The Magpie

TICKETS: £16 | £15 u25

COMEDY & CABARET

Ventnor Fringe

The Pick of the Fringe

The return of a Fringe institution. Join us for a packed night of stand up comedy from a selection of some of the funniest acts at this year’s Ventnor Fringe, curated and hosted by Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Ahir Shah (Live at the Apollo, The Mash Report, BBC 2). Back for a fourth year this time with a brand new line up each night, following completely sold out shows in 2021, 2022 and 2023. It’s the perfect night out at the Fringe!

WHEN: Fri 19th– Sun 21st July | 21:15–23:00

WHERE: The Magpie

Avalon

TICKETS: £15

Garrett Millerick: Needs More Space (Work in Progress)

Comedy’s angriest optimist returns for a hilarious, honest and mostly historically accurate, exploration of space travel, his totally insignificant place in the universe and how little he actually knows about anything. Featured on Best Reviewed Shows of The Edinburgh Festival lists, 2018-2023. Critics Choice: The Guardian, The Times, The Telegraph, The Independent, Chortle and Time Out. As seen on Conan (US Late Night), BBC Radio 4, Have a Word, Sirius XM

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sat 20 th July | 21:30–22:30

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Janine Harouni

Janine Harouni:

TICKETS: £13

Does New Jokes (Work in Progress)

Two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Janine Harouni is here to try some new jokes (and escape her responsibilities as a new parent). Over 100 million views online. Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee, 2023. Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee, 2019. ‘Ready for her Netflix special’ ***** (Times) | ‘Harouni is the smoothest of comics, a marvel to behold’ **** (Guardian) | ‘Ripe for a standing ovation’ **** (Telegraph)

WHEN: Sat 20 th July | 17:00–18:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Jacob Hawley

Jacob

Hawley:

SPACE

TICKETS: £13

New stand-up show from award-winning comedian Jacob Hawley. Politics for idiots, feminism for lads, love stories for louts and self-care for those who don’t care. As seen on The Russell Howard Hour (Sky One), Ladhood (BBC Three), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2) and Secrets of the Comedy Circuit (ITVX). Over 4 million views online.

WHEN: Sat 20 th July | 19:00–20:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Plastic Jeezus

Plastic Jeezus: Leave Them Wanting Less

TICKETS: £9 | £7 u25

Winners of ‘South Coast Comedian of the Year’, Simon & Aaron are Plastic Jeezus - a deadpan, ukulele-totin’ musical comedy duo. They have been making waves up & down the country with their hilarious & often surreal original songs, all delivered in their own unique, straight-faced way. ‘Plastic Jeezus - Leave Them Wanting Less’ sold out at Leicester Comedy Festival. Come and see what the fuss is about. “These guys are genuinely hilarious” - Ed Byrne

WHEN: Sat 20 th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

TICKETS: £12 | £10 u25

COMEDY & CABARET

Elsie Diamond and Belinda Williams Show:Girls

After an administrative error double-books Opera Diva Belinda and Burlesquer Showgirl Elsie, they must find a way to share the stage. With gorgeous costumes, opera bangers, audience interaction and striptease, this is a fun and flirty exploration of being a woman in the spotlight. Williams is an international opera singer, hailed by Montserrat Caballé as having a “beautiful voice and marvellous line”.

WHEN: Sat 20 th–Sun 21 st July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: The Magpie

Avalon

Stevie Martin: clout (Edinburgh Preview)

TICKETS: £13 | £11 u25

Stevie Martin (8 out of 10 Cats, Guessable, A Thortons Advert) has been doing online comedy for a while (45 million views) but is now making a new live show. It will be similar to her online stuff, but she will be on a stage rather than behind a screen. You also can’t pause her to get a snack (meats?). ‘Funny AF’ (Time Out). ‘Exceptional’ **** (Fest).

WHEN: Sun 21 st July | 19:00–20:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Avani Films

Menagerie

TICKETS: £13

This is a show about Anu Vaidyanathan’s only learning in many decades – that shrouds have no pockets. Like Noah’s Ark taking the best pair of every species, this show unpicks the best of each season of life - of work, of marriage, of having kids and postmortem’s them into a little menagerie. Anu decants the things she carries with her when on the brink.

WHEN: Sun 21 st July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

PBJ Management & Queenie Miller

Adam Flood: Back of the Spoon

TICKETS: £10 | £9 u25

The Times – Top 3 Rising Stars of the Fringe 2024. Blah blah blahing about his feelings has, quite honestly, made things worse for Adam. Do you open a dropped bottle of coke right away - no, you leave it, for a long time before opening up. On a mission to find his own ways to avoid the deep stuff, can Adam distract you, but most of all himself with big questions like do all Dad’s love marmalade?

WHEN: Sun 21 st July | 21:30–22:30

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Avalon

Rob Auton: ‘The Eyes Open and Shut Show’

TICKETS: £9

This is a show about eyes when they are open and eyes when they are shut. With this show I wanted to explore what I could do to myself and others with language when eyes are open and when they are shut. After writing ten shows on specific themes including the colour yellow in ‘The Yellow Show’, the sky in ‘The Sky Show’ and myself in ‘The Rob Auton Show’ I wanted to think about what makes me open my eyes and what makes me shut my eyes.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd –Wed 24 th July | 17:00–18:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

TICKETS: £13

COMEDY & CABARET

Avalon Huge Davies (Work in Progress)

Huge Davies (Cats Does Countdown & Roast Battle) has been a professional musical comedian for 5 years and so far performed no music or jokes. This is the music show. Davies was nominated for the Edinburgh Best Newcomer Award for his first show ‘The Carpark’ and his second show ‘Whodunnit’ received multiple five star reviews. He is the creator and star of the Channel 4 sitcom ‘The Artists’ and has been seen on Hypothetical, Live at the Comedy Store.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd–Wed 24 th July | 19:00–20:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

IAM

Micky Overman: Work In Progress

TICKETS: £13

This year Micky finds her life at the point of no return. It’s too late to change things, no matter how much she wants to, plus she’s too old for the coping mechanisms she had in her 20s.

Micky Overman is an award-nominated comedian whose previous Edinburgh shows received critical acclaim. She has written for and acted in sketches for ITV2, Channel 4, and BBC3, and her social media content has received over 40 million views online.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd July–Wed 24 th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Burlesque Chair Dance

Coco Monroe’s Cabaret Showcase

TICKETS: £12 | £10 u25

Enjoy an evening of Burlesque Chair Dance with Coco Monroe’s dancers from around the island. After the success of last year, we’re returning this time to The Magpie; turning the tent into our very own intimate cabaret club. Sit back and enjoy your favourite pop songs as well as musical classics, while we entertain you with chair tricks and seductive dance routines that will have you shouting, “encore!”.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: The Magpie

Georgia House Productions

Eddy Hare: This One’s On Me

TICKETS: £7 | £5 u25

Eddy Hare (BBC New Comedy Awards Nominee) serves up his debut hour. Hold your bowl steady and watch this promising uncle of three as he spoons it out with care. One half of double act Crizards **** The Guardian | **** “Sweet and absurd” Broadway Baby | “Expect to be laughing regularly at him in future” - The Evening Standard | “Strong gag-writer… very strong payoff” - Chortle | New Comedian of the Year Finalist.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd July | 21:00–22:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Avalon

Sophie Duker is on fire (Work in Progress)

TICKETS: £12 | £10 u25

SOPHIE DUKER IS ON FIRE This is not a drill – SOPHIE DUKER is back rustling up a new hour of comedy fire. All this washed-up hag/ race-baiter/ big ol’ freak needs is a working microphone, a tequila-based cocktail, and a captive audience – honey, that’s you. As seen winning Taskmaster, Celebrity Pointless, Celebrity Mastermind, House of Games. Host of the Wacky Racists Comedy Club, Obsessed with… I May Destroy You and Everything I Know About Love.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd July | 21:15–22:15

WHERE: The Magpie

TICKETS: £15

COMEDY & CABARET

The Magpie

Jack & Sam’s Comedy Adventure

Jack & Sam’s Comedy Adventure offers an hour of exhilarating comedy from Hampshirebased comedians Jack Clay & Sam Love. Jack, renowned for his witty one-liner puns, Sam, a non-finalist in everything, once won the race to the egg and has regretted it ever since. As a promising up-and-coming act, he’s definitely one to keep an eye on. Don’t miss out on this show featuring two rising comedians making their mark!

WHEN: Wed 24 th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

Boogaloo Stu

BIG QUIFFY BINGO with Boogaloo Stu

TICKETS: £5

Boogaloo Stu is ready to bring you a bingo experience filled with frivolity, fun and flashmob dances. Feel the tension rise as Stu’s balls begin to churn; when they finally drop, you can expect non-stop nonsense, outrageous antics, buttock-clenching workouts, hilarious prizes and some very ballsy bingo to boot. Stu’s gift hamper will be stuffed to the brim with all manner of exotic prizes, so come on down and win it big! Please note: this show is explicit.

WHEN: Wed 24 th–Thu 25 th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: The Magpie

PBJ Management

Christopher Hall: Work in Progress

TICKETS: £11

Since the dawn of time, we have had Pop Music, and where there was Pop Music, there was Pop Stars. Are they anointed beings on earth, or is there one in all of us. Can you choose to be one, or is it thrust upon you? These are the questions that Chris may or may not be answering in his Work in Progress…he can hardly wait! Bring a paper and pen everyone!

WHEN: Wed 24 th July | 21:15–22:15

WHERE: The Magpie

Joe Wells

TICKETS: £15

Joe Wells – Another Autistic Show (Work in Progress)

Over 4.5m views online for his video Having a non-autistic brother. As seen on Rosie Jones’ Disability Comedy Extravaganza, BBC2’s Ouch! Storytelling Live and Channel 4’s Jokes Only a Neurodivergent Can Tell. “One of my favourite comics.” Frankie Boyle | “Some of the most surprising and thought-provoking material coming from any comedian.” The Guardian **** Chortle.co.uk | **** BroadwayBaby.com | ***** NeurodiverseReview.co.uk

WHEN: Thu 25 th–Fri 26 th July | 17:00–18:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Avalon

Glenn Moore: Work In Progress

TICKETS: £11 | £8 u25

Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee and one of the greatest joke writers of his generation, Glenn Moore (Live At The Apollo, Cats Does Countdown, Mock The Week, Glenn Moore’s Almanac, proud owner of House of Games and Pointless Celebrities trophies) runs you through a few hundred new punchlines he’s working on. ‘This is classy, gag-driven comedy at its funniest’ ***** Chortle.co.uk | ***** Mail on Sunday

WHEN: Thu 25 th July | 17:30–18:30

WHERE: The Magpie

TICKETS: £13

COMEDY & CABARET

PBJ Management Ed Night: The Plunge (Work In Progress)

The spectre returns to the feast for a fresh new hour of wailing and moaning. As seen and heard on Comedy Central, BBC Radio One and BBC Radio Four. ‘Ed Night stands at the dawn of the new age of stand-up... he has no right to be as good as he is’ – Fest | ‘So bleakly funny... you felt winded’ – Guardian | ‘As far as comedy goes he’s pretty much cracked it’ – Scotsman | Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee.

WHEN: Thu 25 th July | 19:00–20:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Mirth of Forth Productions

Richard Pulsford: Get Rich Quick

TICKETS: £13 | £10 u25

A show packed full of quality one-liners, wordplay and puns. You Must Be Joke King Winner 2024. UK Pun Championships Winner 2022. Scottish Comedian of the Year runner-up 2021. Nominated Best stand-up Buxton Fringe 2023. Top Ten Jokes of Edinburgh Fringe 2019, 2021 & 2022. As seen on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch. “Immediately establishing himself as a safe pair of hands, reminiscent of a master like Milton Jones” - The Scotsman (2021)

WHEN: Thu 25 th–Sat 27 th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

Ebdon Management

Shaparak

TICKETS: £10

Khorsandi: Scatter Brain (Work In Progress)

Having reassessed her life through the prism of an ADHD diagnosis in last year’s funny and moving memoir, one of Britain’s most beloved and most scatterbrained stand-ups lets you back into her mind (warning: it’s cluttered in there). Among other things, this show will be a love-letter to letter-writing, a trip back through her early years as a comic and woman-abouttown, and a whirlwind tour of a chaotic, hilarious brain.

WHEN: Thu 25 th July | 21:15–22:15

WHERE: The Magpie

Avalon

Steve Bugeja: Shiny (Work in Progress)

TICKETS: £16 | £14 u25

Loads of “experts” will tell you how to achieve your dreams. Well ignore them. Steve achieved his dream of creating a sitcom, one that people actually watched on TV, it even featured on The One Show! Come find out whether it was worth it… or not. Star and co-creator of ITV2’s Buffering, as seen on Zoe Ball on Sunday (ITV1), Love Island Aftersun (ITV2) and The Russell Howard Hour (Sky One). ‘Hilarious and compelling storytelling’ (Scotsman).

WHEN: Thu 25 th–Fri 26 th July | 21:30–22:30

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Pirates’ Prov Pirates’ Prov – Avast!

TICKETS: £13

Come aboard the good ship Pirates’ Prov for barrel full of freebootin’ shenanigans. An all new fully improvised piratical adventure with booty hunting, swashbuckling and inter-personal matelotering in this inspired by you. You may have caught us busking at the bandstand last year – this year we bring our full show. You’d be a scurvy ridden toothless scallywag to miss out!

WHEN: Fri 26 th–Sun 28 th July | 15:00–16:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

TICKETS: £12 | £8 u25

COMEDY & CABARET

Avalon

Sara Barron: Anything For You (Work in Progress)

Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, Sara Barron (Would I Lie to You?; Live at the Apollo) has a new show that’s fierce, savage and other adjectives from RuPaul’s Drag Race. The clock is ticking, and the questions aren’t cute anymore: is it your fault you’re angry? Are you too old to blame your mum? And why is she angry? Can we get some grief pie? No one’s died, but we’re exhausted. Do not sashay gentle into that good night. ‘Beautifully crafted’ **** Sunday Times.

WHEN: Fri 26 th July | 17:30–18:30

WHERE: The Magpie

Jack’s Comedy Club

Jack’s Comedy Club

TICKETS: £13

After a sold out show at the Ventnor Fringe last year & getting runner up in the audience choice award Jack’s Comedy Club is back again! Headlining the event is Russell Hicks, known for his appearances on the TV show The Stand-up Sketch Show. Supporting acts include Keefy, Callum Gohrisch, and Geet Chawla, with the event hosted by resident compere Jack Clay. Please note that lineups may be subject to change.

WHEN: Fri 26 th July | 19:00–20:30

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Drunk Women Solving Crime

Drunk Women Solving Crime

TICKETS: £15

After a sell-out show at Vfringe 2023, they’re back - this time for two nights! One of the UK’s top podcasts, with millions of downloads, great guests and (most importantly) more mentions of Ventnor and the Isle of Wight than any other podcast (probably)! Each episode sees the boozed-up panel of hosts Taylor Glenn and Ventnor local Hannah George, welcome a top guest to test out their drunk detective skills and solve a true crime case.

WHEN: Fri 26 th–Sat 27 th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: The Magpie

Joe Black

Joe Black: Club Cataclysm

TICKETS: £15 | £13 u25

Join cabaret reprobate, Joe Black, for an evening of devilish dirge, vaudevillian villainy and musical mayhem. Indulge yourself amongst the neon-lit rubble as we veer ever quicker towards the end of the world as we know it. An evening of mire, mirth and dirge – Oh My! It’s last orders at the bar, so let us toast and drink up. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

WHEN: Fri 26 th–Sat 27 th July | 21:00–22:45

WHERE: The Big Top

IAM

TICKETS: £22

Olga Koch Comes From Money (Work in Progress)

Star of Mock The Week and QI Olga Koch is bringing a brand new work-in-progress to Ventnor Fringe! She’s not really sure what it’s about yet, but the title should give you an idea. **** – The Guardian | **** – The Telegraph | **** – Chortle | **** – The Scotsman

WHEN: Fri 26 th July | 21:15–22:15

WHERE: The Magpie

TICKETS: £16

COMEDY & CABARET

Avalon

Ania Magliano (Work in Progress)

It’s that time of year! Ania has some (funny?) things to say and she would like you to listen please. Ania’s previous show was nominated for Best Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Fringe 2023. She has opened for Ed Gamble, Marc Maron and Catherine Cohen, and she also writes with comedian, journalist and viral sensation Amelia Dimoldenberg on Chicken Shop Date and Amelia’s Cooking Show. Her choices on Off Menu were widely regarded as one of the worst menus of all time.

WHEN: Sat 27 th–Sun 28 th July | 17:00–18:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Alex Kitson

TICKETS: £13

Alex Kitson: Must I Paint You a Picture (Work in Progress)

Alex Kitson is an award-winning comedian with a secret. One he’s fed up of keeping. Come find out what made this “incredible...so clever” (BBC Radio) “master of his craft” (Capers Comedy) perform the show he never thought he’d do. A story about hope, escaping the woods and jokes. Lots and lots of jokes. Tour Support for Tom Houghton, Tom Ward and Vittorio Angelone. “Bristol Comedy Legend” – The Kettle

WHEN: Sat 27 th–Sun 28 th July | 17:00–18:00

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Josh Baulf

Josh Baulf: Rumble

TICKETS: £10 | £7 u25

Josh Baulf has appeared on ITV, the BBC and his online sketches have amassed millions of views worldwide. He returns to Ventnor with a new show that hilariously tackles relationships, childhood and turning 30. “A very funny man” David Walliams “Quite brilliant...his timing, his delivery, his audience interaction, is just faultless” One4Review. 2023 sold out show

WHEN: Sat 27 th–Sun 28 th July | 19:00–20:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

KIZZA

KIZZA:

BIGFUNKYMAGICMAN

TICKETS: £10

Absurdly chaotic magical disasters, incredibly stupid mind-reading routines and big big laughs guaranteed – a comedy magic show for grown-ups! Get set for a frantically funny rollercoaster ride from the award-winning comedy magician, KIZZA. Amazing audiences from Marrakech to Brussels and beyond, catch this internationally acclaimed crazy man doing his funky thing here in Ventnor. WARNING: Tickets sell fast!!!

WHEN: Sat 27 th–Sun 28 th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Avalon

Bella Hull: Work in Progress

TICKETS: £10 | £7.50 u25

Join Bella Hull (as seen on BBC1, BBC3, C4, ITV2 and Comedy Central) for a new work-inprogress show about chihuahuas, cruises and self control. You should come! It will be fun!!

WHEN: Sat 27 th–Sun 28 th July | 21:30–22:30

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

TICKETS: £13

COMEDY & CABARET

Quivers EAT, SLAY, LOVE – A Quivers Stand Up Show

What do you get when you give an adult with a clown face a microphone and space to share their innermost thoughts? This show… Join Quivers as they spiral out of control, and talk relationships, proper jobs, fitting in, inner peace, and ponder what being an adult really means. Like an existential crisis on stage… y’know, with jokes

WHEN: Sun 28 th July | 21:15–22:30

WHERE: The Magpie

Book your tickets online at vfringe.co.uk

TICKETS: £12 | £10 u25

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Sam Schroeder

Zedhead – An Otherworldly Adventure!

There is oblivion. It is formless and timeless, until the first flickerings of awareness begin to break the void. And then there is light, and sound, and the complexities of life. For he is born, upon a slab of stone, within a moonlit wilderness. He has no memory of who or where he is, or what he should be doing. And so he explores, and stumbles into a world that is like a labyrinth, filled with mysteries and dangers. This is a stop-motion animation film.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd July | 14:00–14:20 & 14:40–15.00

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

Sam Lapham / Keeping It Reel

Boxed In

TICKETS: Pay what you can

Oaksbury Support Group has been a safe space for members of the local community to heal and grow for many years. As the apocalypse looms closer, four lost souls meet one last time to try to solace before the world ends. Filmed in one location with a local cast and crew, Boxed In is a claustrophobic dark comedy that serves as a parable for control, entrapment and codependency. We are thrilled that the Fringe will be hosting the public premiere for this film!

WHEN: Tue 23 rd July | 16:30–18:00

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

Malcompris series by MVM

Frankenstein: The True Story

TICKETS: £8 | £6 u25

This is the true story of Victor Frankenstein’s creation as told in Mary Shelley’s original novel, presented audio-visually through film clips combined with retro vinyl records played by a live DJ. This production is the first in the Malcompris series which looks at the misunderstood and aims to put the record straight.

WHEN: Thu 25 th–Fri 26 th July | 16:30–17:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

TICKETS: £10 | £8 u25

SPOKEN WORD, WALKS & TALKS

Susanna Hoe & Medina Bookshop

The Isle of Wight: Women, History, Books and Places

A comprehensive, fascinating and very readable history of the notable women from on the Isle of Wight. Nuns and philanthropists find their place, as does a notable pioneer photographer and a now recognised marine engineer, powerboat racers, aviatrixes, sailors, those campaigning for women’s suffrage, and a spy or two

WHEN: Fri 19 th July | 18:00–20:00

WHERE: Ventnor Library

Cat James and Steve Taverner

Taverner and James: Lucky Dip

TICKETS: FREE

Comic verse and provocative prose. Join bawdy bard Steve Taverner and opinionated newspaper columnist Cat James, as they explore the issues which perplex, enrage and entertain us. With their opposing writing styles, can these two established social commentators find some common ground? What topics will you draw out of their lucky dip? Contains references to nether regions.

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sat 20 th July | 13:00–14:00

WHERE: Pier Street Playhouse

C.J. Carter-Stephenson

TICKETS: £6

Tales in the Key of Terror – Spooky Storytelling Performance

A spooky storytelling performance by author and actor C.J. Carter-Stephenson. Prepare to be scared as C.J. brings two of his horror stories vividly to life with words, projected images and an immersive soundscape. This show will take you from the wilds of the West to the far reaches of space. See the spooks, hear the screams and have a howling good time.

WHEN: Sat 20 th July | 11:00–12:00

£6 | £5 u25

Cynical pessimist Happy Jon has managed to trick the Ventnor fringe into letting him perform many dark comedic, and sometimes perverse, short stories about why things in life suck! (Free chewy sweet for all who attend!)

WHEN: Sun 21 st July | 14:00–14:45

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

WHERE: Ingrams Yard Hunter Davies

TICKETS: £7 | £6 u25

The Beatles: How I Wrote The Authorised Biography

Returning following a sold out event in 2023. Hunter is the only authorised biographer of The Beatles. He spent two years with them between 1966 and 1968, at their homes and the Abbey Road when they were making Sergeant Pepper. This will also be an opportunity to see an unreleased short film of Paul and Linda on holiday with Hunter and his family in Portugal in 1968.

WHEN: Sun 21 st July | 16:30–18:00

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

TICKETS: £15

SPOKEN WORD, WALKS & TALKS

VEX Collective

Hugh Schmuck Is Dead A.F.

Join the critically acclaimed ‘VEX Collective’ (Previously known as The Ventnor Exchange Spoken Word Collective) for an interactive Spoken-Word Murder Mystery. With the help of ‘The Spoken Word Detective’ (...Investigating your crimes AND your rhymes) and his plucky sidekick, explore the clues, and help solve the mystery. A poetry night to die for!

WHEN: Sun 21 st July | 17:00–18:00

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Wight Salt

|

Rambling Tales and Musings from a Salt Farmer in Covid

March 2020–2022 was one heck of a crazy time for all of us. Living on the Isle of Wight and running a Sea Salt producing business, huge challenges emerged very quickly for me and so many other businesses dependent on tourism. Rambling Tales and Musings is a compilation of my thoughts and experiences during this strange, surreal time, with a quirky sense of humour throughout. I will be reading some parts of it as a book launch with a Q and A discussion

WHEN: Sun 21 st July | 17:00–18:15

WHERE: Ventnor Library

Stories’n’Harp

Tales of Britain and Ireland

TICKETS: £8

Two performances, two different sets, both accompanied by harp, both traditionally told. A magical mix of performance storytelling from Island-based storyteller Tony Hirst — aka Monty — and harpist Theresa Ellis, with sung verses from Jenni Charity in a cante fable tale each day. Tuesday: Tales of Ireland and Wales | Wednesday: Tales of England and Scotland

WHEN: Tue 23 rd–Wed 24 th July | 14:00–15:00

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

EEL Productions

The Story of Two Tone with author Daniel Rachel

£8 | £5 u25

Author Daniel Rachel discusses his definitive book about a label and musical movement that shaped British culture. Developed in Coventry in the late 70’s, 2 Tone was black and white: a multi-racial mix of British and Caribbean musicians singing about social issues, racism, class and gender struggles. One for all Rudies out there!

WHEN: Tue 23 rd July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

Niall Moorjani

Niall Moorjani’s ‘The

Green Knight (But

TICKETS: £10 | £6 u25

It’s Gay)’

Join award winning and critically acclaimed storyteller Niall Moorjani for their take on the medieval classic “The Green Knight”, it’s a version in which they make sub text-text! I’ll give you a clue, it’s gay. Follow the story of Sir Gawain and his adventures all started by the peer pressured, unfortunate and unsuccessful chopping off of The Green Knights head.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd–Wed 24 th July | 21:30–22:30

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

TICKETS: £11 | £9 u25

SPOKEN WORD, WALKS & TALKS

Holly Medland Middle Age Crisis

Drunken monks, wily wives and noble werewolves. Hear the world turned upside down in these strange and shocking, weird and wonderful tales of the Middle Ages.

WHEN: Wed 24 th July | 16:30–17:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

The Island Storytellers

The Seven Ages

TICKETS: £8 | £5 u25

Stories when the world was young, stories from another age and stories from many times. The Island storytellers tell tales to transport you across the eons.

WHEN: Wed 24 th July | 19:00–20:30

WHERE: Ventnor Library

Antidepressance & Ben Murray-Homes

TICKETS: £7 | £5 u25

After the Revolution & The Next 29 and a Half Years

Two shows, one price ‘After the Revolution’ is a collection of spoken pieces by VEX collective renegade Antidepressance. Intense, experimental and occasionally too blasé about serious issues. ‘The Next 29 and a Half Years’ is a spoken word show from Ben Murray-Homes about the anxieties of turning 30 and catching up on the life you think you’ve missed. 30 years, 30 minutes, 30 poems…ish

WHEN: Thu 25 th–Fri 26 th July | 11:00–12:00

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Sarah Liisa Wilkinson

The Girl and the Snake Witch

TICKETS: £8

A young woman rejects the crown. A house falls apart. And a witch hitches a ride…Sarah Liisa Wilkinson casts a contemporary eye over an ancient, entangled Finnish fairytale. Enter a place of promises, snake love, expectation, and the things we won’t let go of – so we can discover what it takes to know who we really are. This performance is hosted by the Island Storytellers and Somewhen Storytelling

WHEN: Fri 26 th July | 17:00–18:00

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Tis Tales

Elemental Tales

TICKETS: £10

An iron man with apples of gold. A fish that will grant your wish. A bridge across the Milky Way. Find the earth, fire, water and air that feature in these and other elemental tales, told by Island-based storytelling trio, Tis-Tales.

WHEN: Sat 27 th July | 11:00–12:00

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

TICKETS: £8 | £5 u25

SPOKEN WORD, WALKS & TALKS

Cody Pevreall

I’m in Love with a Dead Girl

‘I suppose I’ve come to love you too.’ A story of obsession, devotion, and loss, join Luke as he remembers his time with the dead girl he just can’t seem to let go of. A mixture of spoken word and storytelling, this show asks what a love story really is and does it depend on who is telling it?

WHEN: Sat 27 th–Sun 28 th July | 14:00–15:00

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Andrew Butcher

I Knew You: An Eras Tour of Poetry

TICKETS: £8 | £5 u25

I would say that it didn’t hurt to part, But… you’d only see right through me. One Poet. Five eras. Reflections peering through poetry… evolving, changing, dying, fading. From traditional heartache and turmoil to the self-confessed ‘Whitest rapper on the Isle of Wight’, we journey through Spoken Word styles, lockdowns, and Fatherhood to discover the identity of our art at the end of it all.

WHEN: Sat 27 th–Sun 28 th July | 15:30–16:30

WHERE: Pier Street Playhouse

Wight Salt

Earlier Times Salt Did Flow

TICKETS: £11

Simon Davis Owner of Wight Salt, presents a lively and informative look at SALT. The history from earths beginnings, where does it come from? why is it essential? an industry in the solent spanning several centuries, and how does Wight Salt get the white gold ( as we call it)from the sea. This will be a talk, and discussion to definately get the mind going (a bit) on a Sunday morning (eek)

WHEN: Sun 28 th July | 11:00–12:00

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Miranda Amapola Symington

Miranda Reveals All

TICKETS: £10

Miranda will be talking about her recently published autobiography in which she reveals intimate details about her early life at a boarding school, her experience of being a 60s catwalk model, an artist, sailing the Atlantic in a home made trimaran, a mother and a grandmother. For over forty years she has contributed to the arts scene on the Isle of Wight where she lives. Her story is captivating, touching, fascinating and beautifully written.

WHEN: Sun 28 th July | 16:30–17:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

Hunter Davies

Hunter Davies: Letters to Margaret

TICKETS: £13

In Hunter Davies’ touching and amusing book, to be published in August, he reveals to his late wife Margaret Forster what he has been doing in the last eight years since she died. Margaret (1938-2016) was an eminent novelist and biographer. Her novels included ‘Georgy Girl’ which became a popular film, and ‘Mother Can You Hear Me’. She also wrote biographies of Daphne Du Maurier and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

WHEN: Sun 28 th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

TICKETS: £15

MUSIC

Em & the Asteroid

Take Up Space

Join Em & the Asteroid for a musical exploration of space. Using atmospheric, calm synthwave beats and soft spacey vocals, this soundscape will take you on an exploration of how we take up space in the world. Em & the Asteroid is the project of Noah Johnson, recently ‘out’ transman local to the Isle of Wight, who’s songs for this show speak to his experience of growing up and finding out how he can take up space in the world.

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sun 21 st July | 15:30–16:30

WHERE: Pier Street Playhouse

Second Time Around

Second

Time Around – House of Cards

TICKETS: £8 | £5 u25

Second Time Around presents their latest album, House of Cards, a collection of re-imagined traditional folk songs and tunes. With lullabies, songs of love and loss,17th century protest songs and ribald and raucous renditions, House of Cards is an examination of the human condition seen through the eyes, hearts and minds of our forebears. Travel with us back in time and discover a rich and varied musical tapestry.

WHEN: Fri 19 th July | 16:00–17:30

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Aspire

Creative Hub

Aspire Creative Hub Showcase

TICKETS: £10

Aspire Creative Hub is a community multimedia production studio in Ryde, that provides access to music workshops, ehearsal facilities and recording studio to all! Our fabulous lineup this year includes youth bands from our free monthly Music Club, acts from our other community music groups, local Island bands and solo artists.

WHEN: Sat 20 th July | 12:00–17:00

WHERE: Better Days Caffe

PulsArts

Jazz Piano Recital by Adrien Brandeis

TICKETS: Free

French award-winning pianist-composer Adrien Brandeis plays latin jazz original compositions, telling the stories behind his music and lot of his travels around the world. His latest album “Siempre más allá” is a tribute to Mexico. Playing three performances – Sat 20 th & Sun 21 st at Ventnor Arts Club at 21:00–23:00 and an extra afternoon perfomance on Sun 21st at St Catherine’s Church at 14:30–16:00.

WHEN: Sat 20th–Sun 21st July | 21:30–23:00 & 14:30–16:00 (Sun)

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club | St Catherine’s Church (sun)

Amick Productions

Cameron & Christie

TICKETS: £13

Join singing duo they return by popular demand to Ventnor Fringe. Featuring songs from West End and Broadway, including Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, and classics such as Moon River. Classical BRIT Award nominee Cameron Mills and Wight Proms Festival founder and G4 star Mike Christie combine their spine-tingling tenor and bass-baritone voices to create stunning harmonies.

WHEN: Sun 21 st July | 14:00–15:00 & 19:30–20:30

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

TICKETS: £15

MUSIC

Nick Tann and The Whole Family

Nick Tann and The Whole Family Original Funk Review

Nick Tann and The Whole Family are delighted to return to Nick’s favourite festival of the summer. Firmly centred in the original jazz, funk and groove camp, with funked versions of Nick’s solo material and some brand new songs to make you nod your head and move your body. Join Guy - Drums, Jez - Keys, Chris - Trombone, Ben - Bass, Andy - Lead Guitar and myself on vocals and Fender Strat and we will funk your socks off!

WHEN: Sun 21 st July | 17:00–18:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Andy Roberts

Boulevard Days: A Play with Songs

TICKETS: £11 | £7 u25

The ‘Play with Songs’ tells a remarkable true tale of a lifelong singer-songwriter on a transformative journey through 1970s Paris. All the traditional dramatic techniques of the One Person Show pushed through a time warp to uncover new themes from the deep. Includes catchy original songs that survived 50 years performed live on a vintage 12 string guitar.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd–Thu 25 th July | 13:00–14:00

WHERE: Pier Street Playhouse

DASL

Doug Alldred & The Silver Lining

TICKETS: £10 | £8 u25

Returning to VFringe after sell-out shows in 2017 & 2018 with his Silver Lining to sing you songs that can mean whatever you want them to, but will take you on a journey making that decision. Instant foot-tappers, earworms with a message, not a band to miss. Presenting a special performance building from delicate solo acoustic material to a full seven-piece band, this will be a showcase performance from an accomplished songwriter.

WHEN: Wed 24 th July | 19:30–20:45

WHERE: St.Catherine’s Church

CJM Recording

Chris Milner-Journeyman

TICKETS: £13

CHRIS MILNER takes us on a journey through the many places, and encounters which have inspired him over his career. As Chris has been a well-known and respected figure on the British folk scene for nearly 50 years this is going to be some trip!” “all his songs are beautifully rendered. His song written for his teenage daughter almost made me cry.”

WHEN: Wed 24 th July | 21:00–22:30

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Hugh Wright and friends

Bob Dylan: A Quest for Meaning

TICKETS: £10 | £8 u25

Bob Dylan is the most decorated and written about rock star of his generation, yet strangely unknown and unloved by the general public. In this show Hugh Wright, formerly Vicar of this parish will seek to uncover his genius, mixing words with music, All this with the help of musicians who collaborated with him in the sold-out ‘Pressing On’ concert from last year, including Dick Taylor (Pretty Things) and Peter Banks (After the Fire).

WHEN: Thu 25 th July | 19:30–21:00

WHERE: Holy Trinity Church

TICKETS: £13

Ventnor Fringe Fleeper

Fleeper is a three headed melting pot of instrumental hip-hop electronica with a hint of jazz. Virtuoso performers individually, together they create a tour de force of music that’s almost impossible to define but definitely makes you want to listen to more. Don’t miss a rare live outing for listeners, dancers, musos, and explorers.

WHEN: Thu 25 th July | 21:00–23:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Steve Love

TICKETS: £7

Steve Love’s ‘World Tour of the Isle of Wight’ Show

Steve Love’s unique and original musical tour of the Isle of Wight takes an affectionate and amusing poke at our Island life. Capturing the ups, downs and quirks of this soggy little pile of mud surrounded by the sea, he sings of crab pasties, broken down ferries, donkeys, the Floatie (of course!), hovercraft, gin, rain, potholes, trains, seagulls, scooters, beer’n’bus weekends, landslides, how to get across the Solent for free, and plenty more - with plenty of ‘join-in’ songs

WHEN: Fri 26 th July | 13:00–14:00

WHERE: Pier Street Playhouse

Antidepressance presents Visions of the

Suburbs

TICKETS: £6 | £5 u25

Dear Someone, these songs describe the complicated relationship a person can have with their hometown, the houses they’ve been in, and their friends. Like walking past houses with radios blaring; the style switches between grunge, do-wop, folk-pop, pop-punk and with ‘weird’ blues included. Performed by one person on guitar. Most will like some songs, some will like most.

WHEN: Sat 27 th July | 13:00–14:00

WHERE: Pier Street Playhouse

Laurie McVay and the High Rollers

Laurie

McVay

TICKETS: £6

and the High Rollers: The Soul of the Blues

‘’If you want soulful, classy blues, Laurie McVay is your man’. So said Blues in Britain magazine and it’s hard to disagree. This show will take audiences to a place where blues meets soul and jazz - to irresistible effect. Laurie McVay and the High Rollers take a fresh, vibrant approach to the music. Audiences may pick up on a range of echoes – such as Ray Charles and B,B.Kingbut the sound is totally modern, emotionally tuned to unleash the eternal ‘Soul of the Blues’.

WHEN: Sat 27 th July | 21:30–23:00

WHERE: Ventnor Arts Club

Isle of Wight School of Comedy

Baron Fortitude: Victorian Rapper

TICKETS: £13 | £8 u25

Victorian Rapper, Baron Fortitude, is here to teach you why 19th century life was superior to Modernity, via the medium of hip-hop. Carefully enunciated and frightfully witty lyrics about the Victorian era, atop a mixture of vintage jazz samples and fresh beats, are interspersed with stand-up and historical facts. Find out how The Baron came to be frozen in time and then thawed in the 21st Century, who his greatest nemesis is, and how to make a cup of tea.

WHEN: Sun 28th July | 19:30–20:30

WHERE: The Magpie

TICKETS: £12 | £9

WORKSHOPS

Katy Rose Design

Drawing Club with Katy Rose Design

Drawing Club is a social gathering bringing together all of those with a love of drawing. Katy Rose is a professional illustrator who has worked for clients including Isle of Wight Festival, RSPCA, and Heineken as well as being an associate artist of Ventnor Fringe Festival. In this taster session Katy will be on hand to set you some fun challenges and help offer advice and feedback on how to improve your technique. The theme is ‘Under the Sea’ so let’s get nautical.

WHEN: Wed 24 th–Thu 25 th July | 12:00–13:30

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Up Your Improv Isle of Wight

Introduction to improvised comedy

TICKETS: £9

This two day workshop will take you through the techniques you need to become an improv pro. Learn about the ‘yes and’ ‘no but’ approach, play games and create a short form improvised scene in a small group setting. In the second session, you will be able to watch an improvised performance put on by Up Your Improv, who meet fortnightly at the Ventnor Exchange.

WHEN: Sat 20 th–Sun 21 st July | 15:00–16:30

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Tatty Devine

Tatty

TICKETS: £7

Devine Mini Bunting Necklace Jewellery Making Workshop

Learn how to make a unique party necklace. Choose from recycled, glitter, and mirror acrylic flags, then learn how to hand link five flags onto a gold or silver-toned chain. From nautical red, white, and blue designs to bold ombré arrangements, the options are limitless! Tickets are limited so book now. This jewellery making workshop is suitable for beginners. Please wear flat, closed-toe shoes. Under 16s need to bring a responsible adult who has also booked a place.

WHEN: Sat 20 th July | 12:00–13:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Tatty Devine

TICKETS: £40

Tatty Devine Flower Bunting Necklace Jewellery Making Workshop

Get crafty with Team Tatty and make a summer-ready Flower Bunting Necklace. Choose from an array of laser cut pastel, iridescent, and pearl acrylic flowers before learning how to hand link five onto a gold or silver-plated chain. What are you waiting for? Tickets are limited so book now! This jewellery making workshop is suitable for beginners. Please wear flat, closedtoe shoes. Under 16s need to bring a responsible adult who has also booked a place.

WHEN: Sat 20 th July | 13:30–14:30

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Echo

Me Sound Therapy

Summer Soundwaves Sound Bath

TICKETS: £40

Celebrate the beauty of the Island Summer with my Summer Soundwaves Sound & Gong Bath. Bathe in the captivating Sounds of: Symphonic Gongs, Crystal Bowls & Chimes to deeply relax and restore. This Sound Journey will be focussed on power of the Sun and draw inspiration from this Season of nurture, hope and clarity. *Unsuitable for those with seizures, pace-makers or in pregnancy. (see website for more info)

WHEN: Tue 23 rd–Wed 24 th July | 09:30–10:30

WHERE: The Nest

TICKETS: £11 | £9 u25

Brave Island Future Works

Want to start a band but don’t know a drummer? Want to write a play but don’t know any actors? Maybe you want to film a showreel but don’t know a filmmaker? Future Works is an event aimed at 16-30 year olds created by Brave Island, Platform One and the IW Creative Network. We’ll be joined by industry professionals to discuss different topics around starting your creative career, with a focus on events and festivals.

WHEN: Tue 23 rd July | 12:00–14:00

WHERE: The Flowersbrook Inn

Brave Island

Join the Fringe Review Team

TICKETS: FREE

Aged 14-25 and interested in going backstage at Ventnor Fringe Festival? We’re offering the chance to watch lots of shows, explore the festival, and meet performers, all for free! As a member of the Fringe Review Team you’ll work in a small group or as individuals to produce both printed and online content about your experiences to be shared to Ventnor Fringe audiences. To sign up, go to Braveisland.uk

WHEN: Fri 19 th–Sun 28 th July

Wiper and True Wiper and True Beer Tasting

TICKETS: FREE

Join Tim from Bristol brewery Wiper & True for an intimate guided tasting of the freshest craft beers in the South West. You’ll sample a variety of beer styles, learning about the brewing process, ingredients, and inspiration behind each drink. With plenty of time for questions, this is a must do for any beer lovers.

WHEN: Friday 26 th & Saturday 27 th | 15:00–16:00 & 18:00–19:00

TICKETS: £15

WHERE: Ingrams Yard

Ventnor Fringe is curated by

DAILY LISTINGS WEDNESDAY 24 th JULY

DAILY LISTINGS THURSDAY 25 th JULY

DAILY LISTINGS FRIDAY 26 th JULY

DAILY LISTINGS SATURDAY 27 th JULY

DAILY LISTINGS SUNDAY 28 th JULY

Special Thanks

There are so many wonderful people that help to make Ventnor Fringe happen! It’s a huge team effort and everyone involved loves it dearly, something we hope that shines through. Thank you to our amazing volunteer team, crew, bar teams, the Ventnor Exchange staff, all our contractors, our sponsors and supporters, our amazing and talented artists who come and perform, workshop practitioners and traders, the Culture/ Unlimited Pass holders and of course, thanks to you, the audience!

You are the reason we care so much and we hope you enjoy being a part of it.

Cheers to the next 15 years!

This programme is dedicated to Frazer Cunningham, an avid supporter from the start and Annie Filler, a wonderful singer and past fringe performer. Please join us in raising a glass to them this Fringe.

Cover & Illustrations : Hugo Bilton

Programme Design & Layout: Ada May

Photos: Julian Winslow, Maria Bell, Lucy Boynton, Chris Jones & Tobias Penner