From an orchestra at Reading Station and a puppet bus on Broad Street to yoga at the Abbey Ruins and live music at the Oracle, the Reading Fringe Festival is taking over the town with its most varied line-up yet this July – and tickets are on sale now.
Reading Fringe – now regarded as one the leading festivals of its kind in the UK – brings together the best international, national and local performers for 10 days of comedy, music, family entertainment, film, art, theatre, talks, walks and much more, from July 19-28.
The flagship venue for this year’s Festival – which has the theme ‘Into The Woods And Beyond’ – is the Grade 1 listed church Reading Minster, which will host everything from Irish dancing and a ‘bring your own baby’ comedy afternoon for new parents, to a conversation with some of Reading’s refugees, a special new commission with artists from Norway and across the UK, and an evening of the best-loved songs from the musicals with a Brit-nominated tenor.
In addition to free family fun and live music at the Oracle Riverside, the Vue Cinema hosts the Fringe’s film festival for the first time, plus popular family show My Shadow and Me. For the best in cabaret, comedy and drama head to pentahotel, the Purple Turtle, After Dark, the Three Guineas, South Street and the Rising Sun, with performers from Norway, Germany, Russia and Spain as well as all across the UK and Reading itself. Music on offer includes jazz, rap, steampunk, folk, soul, classical, indie and a cappella with a twist, while Reading Museum and the Broad Street Mall both host special art installations. And younger audience members are catered for with shows including Britain’s only puppet theatre bus, magic with Quack Quack Bang! and Natalie’s Marvellous Mishmash of Musicals, plus some singing snails!
Festival Director Zsuzsi Lindsay commented: “We are beyond excited to be bringing our most eclectic line-up of events yet to the town that we all love. We truly believe there is something for everyone – whether you are a comedy fan, an art aficionado, a film fanatic, looking to keep the kids entertained during the holidays or none or all of the above! And the Fringe simply would not be possible without the support of local businesses, venues and volunteers. This is very much a festival by Reading for Reading.”
The full line-up of over 80 events for adults and children of all ages is available on readingfringefestival.co.uk with tickets for individual performances, ranging from £5-15 as well as several free events, available now. For more information please email Tom Ryan at press@readingfringefestival.co.uk.
