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The last major event in the city’s summertime calendar, London Fringe is set for its biggest collection of theatrical shows since before the COVID-19 pandemic struck four years ago, officials say.
The five-day event, running from Aug. 13 to Aug. 17, will include more than 100 shows at six different venues across the city – with money generated through ticket sales going back to the artists.
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“We’ve been growing very slowly ever since (COVID) and we’re really excited about it,” said Kelly Gough, chair of the London Fringe committee. “It’s an opportunity for performers to showcase their work and support upcoming artists in their craft.”
Performances are scheduled at the following venues:
- Good Foundation Theatre at Fanshawe College, 137 Dundas St.
- The Rosewood at London Music Hall of Fame, 182 Dundas St.
- Auburn Stage at the Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond St.
- Proudfoot Hall at First-St Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Ave.
- David Long Main Stage at the Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St.
- Procunier Hall at the Palace Theatre
Shows are scheduled to run throughout the evening and all day on Saturday during the event. There are 18 artists performing, a mix of local and international. Here’s a sampling of the shows:
BANJOKER
For fans of music and comedy, Tony Molesworth will be performing at the Rosewood at London Music Hall of Fame at 182 Dundas St. Molesworth will be playing the banjo and throwing out a couple of one-liners between songs in a 55-minute show. Molesworth has been headlining shows for a quarter-century.
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THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
Being performed on the Auburn Stage at the Grand Theatre, this production tells the story of a girl and her best friend, a stuffed rabbit. It’s told through songs, puppetry and dance. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favourite stuffed animals for a chance to be featured in the show. It’s described as “feel-good fun for the whole family.”
THE POLE SHEBANG
This one is definitely not for kids. Professional pole dancer Andrea James Lui will perform the show at the Rosewood at the London Music Hall of Fame. Lui will take attendees on a behind-the-scenes journey about a tomboy pole dancer who is unexpectedly called up to the biggest stage in the country. Expect mature language, audience participation and flashing lights, officials say.
JELIMANA
The show, also at the Grand’s Auburn Stage, features Zimbabwe musician Hwabaraty. It tells the story of a young man forced from his village in 1960s Zimbabwe amid an intensifying war. “This is an international story because we share a lot of history with many people so I’m looking forward to seeing how the London community will respond to it. Jelimana is a calling that represents foreign spirits who conquered foreign lands,” Hwabaraty said. The 35-minute show is produced by the arts organization NISO.
From Aug. 13 to Aug. 16, Fringe London shows start at 6 p.m. On Aug. 17, they start at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 For more information about the shows and how to buy tickets, click here.
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