Get ready Victoria. The biggest theatre event on Vancouver Island is getting set to roll into the city this Thursday and provide endless hours of entertainment for the young and old.
The Victoria Fringe Festival, produced by Intrepid Theatre, is back for the 29th year and will feature 11 days of uncensored, untamed and uncut live comedy, drama, dance, magic, music, one-man shows and physical theatre during more than 300 performances from 58 companies from around the globe.
Classic fringe favourites will be back to entertain the crowds, along with show-biz heroes, and performers from across Canada, Australia, Japan and the United States. Twenty-three of the 41 Canadian companies featured this year are local entertainers.
According to Heather Jarvie, guest producer of the fringe, the number of companies wanting to be part of the fringe is growing every year, but the size of the festival is restricted due to the number of venues available.
This year organizers had more than 150 applications from performers, and had to narrow that down to around 50 by a draw. Last year’s festival had 51 companies perform. The festival was able to accommodate more performances this year thanks to the addition of an extra venue.
“I think it’s really great to remind people that the fringe is only here for 11 days so go see as much as you possibly can,” said Jarvie, noting the festival isn’t overlapping with Edmonton’s Fringe Festival this year so all of the performers will be in Victoria from start to finish.
“It’s an exciting festival and there are so many shows at many times. There’s no reason not go to see something.”
The Victoria Fringe Festival takes place from Aug. 27 to Sept. 5 at 11 venues throughout the city. Weekday show times start at 4:30 p.m. and weekend performances start at 11 a.m.
For more information visit victoriafringe.com.
— Pamela Roth