Fun and games with Buxton Fringe comedy
Buxton Fringe’s comedy section is bigger than ever this year with some 50 entries, many of which will be creating a party atmosphere with plenty of fun and games.
Anything can happen when well-established comedy award winners ComedySportz dream up a comedy musical from audience suggestions or the ever-popular Fringe Award-winning Impromptu Shakespeare create a Shakespeare play from scratch. Meanwhile LU Comedy Institute is promising that nothing will stand in its way, not even difficult audience suggestions, as it produces an off-the-cuff sketch show, Molo-Prov Cocktail. More excitement comes with Imaginary Porno Charades in which performers from across Buxton gather to entertain punters with porno puns and naughty fun.
The party continues as drag act Angela Bra returns with two shows, the very imaginatively titled Microrave plus Annie & Angela’s Disco Divorce Party. Angela brings great fun and energy and a few pop song sing-alongs. Audiences can join in with more songs at Doll’s House’s talent show-style, knockout competition Pop Star of the Century, taking place in a number of atmospheric venues and requiring major involvement from the public to crown the winner - a guaranteed good night out. Having saved the library last year, Fringe favourites and Eurythmics lookalikes, Black Liver, are back with a soiree of satirical songs (including songs about books) and friendly banter.
Haus of Dench battled zombies last year but this time it is Drag Queens Vs Vampires and with great performers like Crudi Dench and local legend Kate Butch, it is sure to be a big hit. Team spirit is also required on various panel shows. A lot has happened since last year’s Fringe so the time is right for Jesters Dublin to bring back A Political Breakfast. Award-winning stand up Richard Pulsford is also back with his history show where the presence of a group of comics ensures it is definitely an Alternative History Show.
Anyone unsure who to see may want to check out a number of Fringe variety shows. Celebrating 18 glorious years, Underground’s Barrel of Laughs’ nights feature three or four top names. Henry Churniavsky brings his Laugh for Life Comedy, a compilation show raising money for mental health charities. Ingenious Fools are bringing a number of events to the Fringe including a club-style Comedy Night at the Rotunda’s new Bubble venue.
Fringe Chair Stephen Walker says: “People often think Fringe comedy is about one man on a stage but this year there is a definite party vibe and a desire to bring people together.”
There is plenty more comedy on offer at Buxton Fringe. Just pick up a programme, see www.buxtonfringe.org.uk or download the free Buxton Fringe App.
The Fringe wishes to thank High Peak Borough Council, its Fringe Friends and the town’s many Fringe supporters and venues.