Probably the most influential fringe festival in England, the Buxton Festival Fringe has been around since 1980. Running from the 9th to the 26th of July, it’s an essential launch pad for the international fringe scene. Let’s look at some shows that STARBURST readers might enjoy.
TERRY’S TERRYFYING TALES
Puppets for grown-ups, and yes, puppets are pretty much terrifying on their own. Terry Pastry (he’s been on the telly) explores UFOs, aliens, toys and cinema in the silliest possible ways.
AWKWARD RE-ENTRY
Phillip Carter’s latest stand-up show has a distinct sci-fi bent. Why don’t aliens visit us anymore? How can Chewbacca change your love life? What is the best way to use time-travel, and will it help you win an argument with your ex? All this and more may be revealed at Awkward Re-Entry.
SLIGHTLY PSYCHIC CYNTHIA AND LEON’S ALIEN GAMESHOW
A puppet (yes, more puppets) double-bill featuring a terrible medium and a bingo-loving alien. You may get a prize, or at least a badge. This is the sort of off-the-wall silliness that fringe theatre was made for.
CRAZY DIAMOND
The story of Pink Floyd’s Syd Barrett is one of the great “What Ifs” of British music history. Syd left an incredible impression on music, but at what cost? Crazy Diamond is a drama that explores Syd’s story through the lens of its protagonist’s own failures. Thought provking stuff rooted in alternate thinking.
IT’S NOT CLUEDO!
Six suspects. Six Weapons. Nine rooms. One Audience. Some performers. Tonnes of fun. A comedy panel game show with murder at its heart. Game-based improv silliness for pretty much everyone. Sounds irresistible to use.
