Manchester is famous for being a hive of creativity and a place where lots of amazing things begin. Now in its sixth year, The Greater Manchester Fringe runs throughout July, filling the city with fresh and exciting comedy and drama, much of which is on its way to the better known Fringe Festival in Scotland. Let’s take a look at some of the cult entertainment style shows on offer in 2018. And don’t forget to visit STARBURST’s favourite bar, Fab Café, for some pre-show drinks beforehand.
Moon Quest – Casagua Productions – July 6th & 7th, 3MT. July 9 & 10th, Kings Arms: Theatre
We are always up for a bit of pulp sci-fi, and Moon Quest looks set to deliver. Gabi is an ace pilot and intrepid spacewoman, sent to Mars to find a lost explorer. On her way she’ll meet strange aliens and become part of an insurrection. Moon Quest is inspired by the likes of Star Crash, Flash Gordon and Moon Zero Two. Sounds like fantastic fun to us.
One Man Bond – Invisible Six Productions – July 17th, 18th & 19th, Kings Arms: Theatre
Every Bond film in 60 minutes. Brian Gorman plays over 200 characters, including every James Bond from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig. We loved this show when we saw it at 2018’s STARBURST Media City Festival, so if you missed it, here’s your chance to catch it again. Watch one man throw himself into the world of Bond. Brilliantly entertaining stuff. Features an ultra-realistic Daniel Craig.
Quina Chapman: Fan Girl – MissQuinaC – July 19th & 20th, Kings Arms Studio
A light-hearted look at music and fandom, Fan Girl combines storytelling, poetry and original live music with tales from real-life super fans. Featuring scientific facts, a history lesson and a cameo from The Beatles. Utterly compelling stuff and a must for those with a fannish heart.
Pretty Evil – Hivemind Theatrical Solutions – July 4th, 27th & 28th, 53two
When the superheroes clean up all the crime, what’s left for their former foes? Three wannabes hire a local community centre and workshop giving evil a new face. When good triumphs, evil has to work on its CV. A play about three villains who haven’t a clue. Sounds like a good chuckle to us.
Chaos of Delight – Robin Ince – July 10th, International Anthony Burgess Foundation
A work-in-progress from the funny one out of The Infinite Monkey Cage. Robin is back on the road with his latest show, and among his experimental subjects are the lovely theatre-going people of Manchester. The multiple-award-winning comedian mashes up the two cultures of art and science, going from Dali to DNA.
The Girl in the Grate/Me, You & Godzilla Too – Cathianne Hall – July 5th, 3MT
Join Cathianne Hall and Jowanna Rose in a double-bill. From the sinister world of 1960s sitcoms to the party from hell, it’s a Babycham-fuelled journey into what it means to feel trapped, and how one makes the great escape. Expect more than a few surprises.
The Séance – Andous Productions – July 5th, 6th & 7th, 53two
We do like a good ghost story. This one is about love, loss, soulmates and dodgy toasters. Danny’s dead, but that’s not going to stop him from defying the laws of universe so he can make his beloved Kate his lawfully wedded widow.
Constellations – Ensemble Estate – July 9th, 10th & 11th, 53Two
A love story between a beekeeper and quantum physicist? Where each scene takes place in a parallel universe? Sounds like exactly our sort of thing. Constellations is the story of Roland and Marianne, which asks questions about love, fate, classic models of the universe, and bees. An intimate play by the award-winning Nick Payne.
Burn the Witch – Norris & Parker – July 11th & 12th, Kings Arms: Theatre
Weird. Odd. Deeply Funny. From the team who brought you the award-winning See You at the Gallows, Burn the Witch promises to be a late-night sketch comedy for lovers of the strange, the sordid, the musical and the dark. The witching hour is upon you. For those who like their comedy dark and clever.
Conspiracy Theory: A Lizard’s Tale – Half Chips/Half Rice – July 26th, 27th, 28th & 29th, 53two
One man’s journey into the world of lizards and denial, the truth may be out there, but it’s probably nowhere near the characters in this cracking bit of Fringe theatre. A revised version of last year’s critically acclaimed show.
Questions of England – Rampant Plays – July 2nd, 8th, 16th, 23rd & 30th, The Whiskey Jar (Free Entry)
Experimental improv comedy, which uses British pop culture and history? There’s bound to be something for everyone in all of that. Includes a bell you can ring for attention. Wouldn’t be a Fringe Festival without this sort of improv.
How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse – Narthen Productions – July 19th, 20th & 21st, Kings Arms TheatreLife seems pretty much sorted for Phil (job, partner and Coach holidays) and Mark (girlfriend, potholing and zombie films). Time may be ticking – but it’s a tick easily ignored. Dare they face their own personal zombie apocalypse?
For more details on all of this and so much more, be sure to visit GreaterManchesterFringe.co.uk.
