The annual Newcastle Fringe Festival is set to take the stage from March 14 to 29, 2024, showcasing over 250 shows, featuring 125 acts and 800 artists. This year’s festival promises a vibrant mix of performances that range from the bizarre to the hilarious, catering to a diverse audience across various venues in Newcastle and beyond.
Among the highlights is Canadian performer Joylyn Secunda, who will present her mime show, The Routine, which has garnered critical acclaim during its run in Adelaide. Texas native Movin’ Melvin Brown is anticipated to captivate audiences with his unique blend of comedy, song, and tap dance. The festival will also feature UK comedian Kate Smurthwaite, who will perform three distinct shows: Slight, Evolution Revolution, and Severe Lacerations To The Head.
One of the standout productions is the acclaimed show by Kurt Murray and Iulia Benze, who serve as artistic and creative directors. Their award-winning performance, which won “best show” at the previous Newcastle Fringe Festival, offers both an adults-only and a kids’ version that captivates with its extraordinary bubble artistry. Murray describes the adults-only show as “artistic, surreal, and filled with exceptional bubble skills.”
The show features nine visual stories that incorporate giant bubbles and fire effects, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Each year, the couple performs between 200 and 250 shows across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, making their participation in the Newcastle Fringe Festival a highly anticipated event.
Another notable act is double-bass player Rosemary Ponnekanti, who returns for her second year with her performance Wild Looping Bass. Ponnekanti describes her act as “a nature sound meditation” that combines improvised melodies, spoken-word poetry, and recordings of natural sounds. She aims to create an immersive experience that allows audiences to engage with nature through sound. Her innovative approach to music was inspired by her previous work, including a performance at a zoo that made headlines when Pacific walruses responded to her bass playing.
The festival also marks the debut of Hot Potato Band, formed by drummer Simon Ghali in 2009. Drawing inspiration from New Orleans brass bands, the group delivers high-energy performances that blend original music with unexpected covers. Their vibrant style aims to engage audiences, encouraging them to dance and enjoy a unique auditory and visual experience.
Celebrating a decade at the festival, duo Wayne Thompson and Clark Gormley will debut new material alongside favorites from their album You Can’t Polish a Nerd. Gormley humorously reflects on their long-standing presence in the Fringe scene, noting that their journey has been filled with memorable milestones, including radio airtime.
Longtime performer and comedian Eddy Rockefeller will present her show The Best of Eddy Rockefeller, a reimagined version of her previous work, The Vibrator Diaries. With a focus on feminist themes and personal anecdotes, Rockefeller’s performance promises to mix humor with poignant commentary on dating and self-discovery.
The Newcastle Fringe Festival offers an eclectic lineup that highlights both emerging local talent and established international acts. As the festival unfolds over the next two weeks, it provides a platform for artists to showcase their creativity and engage with audiences in a vibrant and dynamic environment.
