Fringe World Festival is back for 2024, and boy oh boy are there some red hot hits on the program!
With 300+ events fresh out of the oven, we’re proud to host a whole crowd of them here as part of our very own Fringe World Festival Hub, Subilicious.
First up, before the official Fringe Dates have even started, we have CIRCUS The Show at The Regal Theatre (16 – 20 January). Winner of Best Children’s Event (Adelaide Fringe Weeklies 2021, 2023), this sell-out family spectacle brings world-class illusions, tumbling acrobats, elegant aerialists, and side-splitting comedy to Subiaco. Prepare to enter a world of whimsy and wonder that will enchant both the young, and the young-at-heart.
Next up at The Regal is Justin’s BIG Balloon Show (19-20 January), also from the masterminds at Showmen Productions. Led by Justin, winner of TV show Blow Up!, this extraordinary stage show is bursting with grand illusions, thrilling circus stunts and, of course, Justin’s signature big balloon creations that have to be seen to be believed! Take the kids – little or big – and discover what happens when magic, circus and balloons are combined.
If you’re looking for something a little more mature, hit up Club Nightmare at Subiaco Arts Centre (24-25, 27 January). A musical by Ashley Elliott, presented by Donita Cruz, this ret hot romp tells the tale of El (fallen angel) and Sephie (devil incarnate). Desperate to get her wings back, El strikes a deal with Sephie, owner of the smoking hot but criminally understaffed Club Nightmare. It’s a business arrangement that might just raise hell – and you’ll love every delicious minute of it.
Other shows not to miss at Subiaco Arts Centre are The Man From Sunny Side Lodge (31 January – 3 February), an endearing contemplation of freedom and family, and the final Perth encore of Dr Ahmed Gets Hitched – My Big Fat Gay Greek Pakistani Wedding (2-3 February). The latter was a Fringe World Weekly Comedy Winner in 2021 & 2022 and is back by popular demand for one last raucous send off.
Dry comedy lovers can’t miss local stand-up legend Ant Meczes in And they named their child… at the Irish Club of WA (20-21, 27-28 January). With deadpan delivery and his quirky offbeat style, Ant considers why people want children until they actually have children…and why it begins with the contentious naming process.
From stand-up to singing, there’s truly something for everyone at the Irish Club this year. Fans of Irish tunes (or simply an ethereal voice) will swoon over An evening of Contemporary and Traditional Irish Music: Bridie Fitzgerald & Ensemble (3 February). Featuring the premiere performance of Bridie’s album Beautiful Place, this event will also showcase songs you know and love sung in Gaelic. Is Broadway more your beat? Check out Broadway Unleashed (2 February) for a night of classic hits performed by Perth’s hidden (and not-so-hidden) musical theatre talent.
For the foodies, it’s hard to go past the Subiaco Hotel and their hospo-inspired hits. Beer fanatics after a bevvy can’t miss Brewed Laughter: Beer Tasting with a Comedian (25 January, 1, 8, 15 February), where comedy meets craft brews (you’ll get 5 tastings with your ticket). Vino lovers, Uncorked Comedy: Wine Tasting with a Comedian (25 January, 1, 8, 15 February) is the one for you. Alternatively, fans of comedy can choose their own drink of choice at Subi Comedy Gala (25 January, 1, 8, 15 February). Also taking place in the Subi’s famous Lobby Bar, this night of laughs hosted by Chris Shin is your golden ticket to sample the best comedians Fringe World has to offer.
Last but certainly not least, Mossenson Galleries will be hosting David Ives’ award-winning Venus in Fur (2-4, 9-11 February). Presented by Company O, this production tells the story of Thomas Novachek, a jaded director who has suffered through a long day of abysmal auditions for his adaptation of German sadomasochistic novel Venus in Furs. All hope seems to be lost – until a crass and pushy actress called Vanda enters the room.
From theatre, musical and musicals, to comedy and circus – and everything in between – Subilicious is a smorgasbord of entertainment for all to enjoy.
Explore the individual events on the program and book your tickets now.
