THERE is such a huge choice of shows to watch at Ventnor Fringe 2023, it is difficult to know what to choose!
Here, from the choice of 150-plus things to see, we've chosen a selection of five, all of which have a very local angle.
Ventnor Fringe runs from Friday, July 21, to Sunday, July 30.
Tickets are selling fast and some shows are sold out, so don't delay!
Director Moses Gale's new show
Islander Moses Gale brings 'the supermodel in the caff', a new solo show written and performed by Emma Bentley, to Ventnor Fringe for two nights.
It is the debut of the new play, set in a humble British caff, and centres around a moment when a supermodel enters and how this affects the different people inside it.
Covering themes of homelessness and including queer stories, the play has been likened to Fleabag meets Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads.
Emma said: “I’ve always thought writing something set in a caff or café would be a compelling concept.
"I find it strange that there isn’t a TV sitcom set exclusively in a caff, it’s always a secondary location, yet there’s so much intriguing stuff to unearth there."
Emma and Moses met last year working on a touring production of an open-air theatre show. After staying in touch and going to see some shows together, Moses approached Emma about taking a production to Ventnor Fringe.
Moses said: “Ventnor Exchange — especially the Fringe — have been integral to my development as a theatre-maker.
"In 2015, before I was even contemplating a career in theatre, I was in a youth production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona which appeared at the Fringe.
"Fast-forward to the pandemic, when opportunities to engage with Ventnor Exchange and their Brave Island network kept me connected to my industry and community.
"The skills and knowledge I picked up working with Ventnor Exchange gave me the confidence to pursue directing my own work. Choosing to debut the show at Ventnor Fringe was a no-brainer.”
The supermodel in the caff is on July 27 and 28 at 5pm.
The story about the last Isle of Wight witch
Time and Tide Players is performing a new musical about the Isle of Wight's last witch!
The story of Molly Downer deals with the themes of inequality and superstition and is set in the 18th century.
Molly struggles to find her place in a world that cruelly judges her. The illegitimate daughter of a clergyman, she faces condemnation for her birth, her way of life, and her then forbidden love for another woman.
Her struggle to be who she truly is, resonates with those today in the LGBTQIA+ community.
It is a story of betrayal and loss, Molly’s strength, her mother’s love, hope and loneliness.
Local actors play Molly though th different stages of her life.
The show is on July 28, 29, and 30 at 12.30pm.
Enjoy a bit of Bromance
Islander Thorne Bailey is returning home as part of Barely Methodical Troupe.
He is a Cyr wheel expert and starring in the show, Bromance.
The show is on at 4pm on July 25 to 27.
The Head Gardeners
Brothers Jake and Warren Oldershaw are born and bred West Wighters. While Jake made a career out of ’showing off’ on that gurt mainland and even further afield, Warren ended up with a nice (proper) job, designing and looking after gardens on the Island.
They’ll tell personal tales of why gardening is so important for mental health; design, draught and bring to life a unique and beautiful garden; share fascinating stories of different projects, plants and species; and maybe even throw a few songs into the mix.
The Head Gardener toured nationally last autumn, and the brothers are delighted to bring it to the Island.
The show is being held on July 26 at 3pm.
Some Enchanted Evening
Join singing duo Cameron and Christie for a spectacular musical celebration as they embark on a mini-tour of the Isle of Wight including Bembridge, Cowes, Freshwater, Ryde and Ventnor.
Featuring songs from West End and Broadway, including Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, and classics such as Moon River, Some Enchanted Evening and Ol’ Man River.
Classical BRIT Award nominee Thomas Cameron and X-Factor and G4 star Mike Christie, who lives on the Island, combine their spine-tingling tenor and bass-baritone voices to create stunning harmonies for what promises to be an evening not to be missed!
There are three shows all on July 30.
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