Manchester is a city filled with invention and creativity, so it makes sense that The Greater Manchester Fringe is filled with new talent and experimental acts. It’s a city where you get to see the next big thing first. Now in its seventh year, The GM Fringe always has new delights to offer.

While you’re enjoying the Manchester International Festival, try not to forget the fringe runs throughout July and tickets are usually less than a tenner.  Let’s take a look at some of the cult entertainment style shows on offer in 2019.

And don’t forget to visit STARBURST’s favourite bar, Fab Café, for some pre-show drinks beforehand.

Mistress To The Midnight

19th, 20th and 21st July 2019. 7:30 pm (60 mins) – The Kings Arms: Theatre

Join the Sinema Society for a live stage comedy homage to the classic British horror movie.  This loving swipe at Hammer Horror style flicks takes us to a mysterious foreign land. There, the strange Madame Zozanov lures an unsuspecting lawyer into her lair. But all is not as it seems as every cliché in the horror movie handbook seems to be involved here.  Written and performed by award winning comedians and purveyors of terror – Jack Robertson, Jacob Lovick and Chazz Redhead. An evening of hilarious horror is pretty much guaranteed.

The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen

6th and 7th July 2019. 3:00Pm (60 mins) – Frog and Bucket Comedy Club

The Baron and his tall tales are a gift to talented improvisers and comedians. After all, we all know the Baron has never knowingly told a lie and every single thing he says is true. Including the story about the elephant and that thing about the castle made of cheese.   Utterly engaging and fantastic stuff. Award winning fringe theatre aimed firmly at children but just as likely to delight the young at heart.

Kasterborous in Bolton

9th, 10th and 11th July 2019.  9:00 pm (70 mins) – The Kings Arms: Theatre

It’s 1999. Doctor Who is just another cancelled TV show, but the fans are still going strong. Kasterborous is their chance to meet their heroes, even though the stars in question might not feel terribly special.  Two fans, a faded actress and a writer who’s glory days have long since passed make a recipe for nostalgia and adventure.  Created by 2018 fringe award winning writer Jonathan Hall.

What Remains

29th & 30th July 2019. 7:30 pm (75 mins) –  Salford Arts Theatre

Speculative fiction in a world very close to our own. What Remains is set on an Earth that has ran out of naturally harvestable materials.  Introducing Regenerate Waste Systems, an organisation that intends to save the planet by recycling the 90% of waste that can be recycled.  All it needs is you. And lots of other people. As many people as they can recruit, anyway they can. Thrilling new writing that showcases the sort of thing fringe theatre is all about

Tomorrow

15th and 16th July 2019. 8:00pm (45 mins) –  The Kings Arms: Studio 1

DMT Theatre presents a journey through time and space, exploring the intricate connections that make up the human experience and the power of the individual. Join Adam as he leads us through history and into the future, from VE Day to the distant shores of 2389. Learn the value of time and human meaning in this 45 minute show.

Scottish Falsetto Socks: Roll Up!

12th July 2019. 9:00 pm (60 mins) – The Kings Arms: Theatre

The award-winning Socks are a staple of the International Fringe scene and it’s always a joy when they come to Manchester. Essentially one man with a variety of squeaky voices, a very small tent and a pair of socks, it’s a totally amazing show and absolutely a must see.  This year’s show promises to be filled with extraordinary circus-themed stunts and we can well believe that a sock can walk a tightrope.  Brilliant stuff.

Isa Bonachera: The Great Emptiness

14th July 2019. 6:00pm (60 mins) – The Kings Arms: Studio 1

Isa wants to be an astronaut. Isa is obsessed with outer space. Isa has dreamed of going to space her entire life. Is she any closer to her goal? Will she ever touch the void?  Let Isa Bonachera take you on a tour of the cosmos without actually leaving the pub.  A hilarious routine of wild ambition and broken dreams from one of the most exciting comedians in the UK today.

Gary Starr Conquers Troy

27th, 28th and 29th June. 7:30pm (60 mins) – The Kings Arms Theatre

Though technically not part of the Greater Manchester Fringe, it’s worth an honourable mention. Gary Starr is a one man show that pokes fun at the whole idea of theatre with incredible energy and joy.  Quick, clever and frantic, the performer goes all in to skewer audience expectations and create a brilliant and unforgettable experience.  You will laugh very hard and smile an awful lot, whilst being constantly surprised by the inventiveness of this show. Oh, and it’s Greek themed this year.

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