Last week, Guildford Fringe Festival announced that they would be returning for their eighth annual run from 2 – 25 July 2021, following a break due to Covid last year. With booking now open for over 60 events, with more to be confirmed, The Indiependent is taking a look at this cultural smorgasbord held in the heart of Surrey.
Established in 2013, the month-long festival incorporates events in a range of formats and styles, varying from spoken word, to outdoor theatre, to comedy, to art workshops and exhibitions. This year’s festivities will be kicked off on 2 July with ‘Gag House Comedy Superstars’ at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, with a display of some of the UK’s best stand-up comedy, headlined by Rich Hall.
The Managing Director of the Festival, Nick Wyschna, has said:
“It feels great to be talking about Guildford Fringe Festival once again after having to cancel it in 2020. It’s been a tough year but let’s focus on the positives. We were fortunate enough to be awarded a Cultural Recovery Grant from Arts Council England which gives us a blanket of security when it comes to planning. Throughout July, audiences can be immersed in theatrical energy whatever events they choose to come and see. The participating artists, producers and venues have had a tough year – come and celebrate with them and support the arts at the same time. As well as ACE, I would like to thank Chapters Financial, Guildford Borough Council, Experience Guildford, Guildford Arts and Churchmill Accountants for sponsoring this year’s Guildford Fringe Festival and for helping us put Guildford back on the map as a cultural hub.”
So far, events have been announced at five main venues, all located central to Guildford’s Town Centre, with the exception of Clandon Wood Nature Reserve, which is a short drive away. For a flavour of which each of these venues will be offering, we have included a short summary of each below.
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and The Mill Studio
A leading regional theatre, the Yvonne Arnaud sits by the river and at full capacity, can seat nearly 600 patrons. This is the biggest indoor venue of the festival, and will house the opening comedy night of the event, as well as more large-scale performances, such as The Surrey Police Band. The Mill Studio sits adjacent to the theatre, and will house an Art Exhibition, open weekly on Saturdays, allowing people free access to see a diverse and wonderful display of art by local and national artists, who will be around for a chat.
What to expect at this venue: The buzz of a big theatre, and the opportunity to see some amazing art!
Programme Highlights: Gag House Comedy Superstars (02/07); Guildford Arts Summer Exhibition (Each Saturday)
The Back Room, Star Inn
Guildford’s longest-running live music venue, The Star Inn brings together beautiful beer and brilliant bands for one of the best pub experiences in town. It’s located just off the high street, so is at the heart of the town’s action, having served up food and drink alongside live performances for over 400 years. The programme of events to be held here are a mix of Comedy, Theatre, Cabaret, and Live Music, giving a platform to up-and-coming voices covering topics such as the Anti-Diet movement, serial killers, understanding your sexual identity, and winning the lottery. This cutting-edge line-up is sure to be one of the most exciting aspects of the Fringe.
What to expect at this venue: An intimate performance atmosphere, fresh and experimental writing, and some cracking beverages!
Programme Highlights: Annette Gregory: Jazz and Me (10/07); Simon Brodkin – Alive in Guildford (12/07); Le Wine Club (13/07); The Improlectuals (15/07); Alex Kealy: Monopoly (20/07); Jekyll & Hyde: A One-Woman Show (22/07)
The Keep Pub
Located up near Guildford Castle, this locally-run pub prides themselves on warmth and simplicity. This venue will be housing comedians such as Bex Turner and Scott McPherson, as well as Spoken Word performers. They will also be doing something a bit different with their Singalonga Pub Quiz, which is sure to be a festival highlight!
What to expect at this venue: A chilled atmosphere with lots of laughs, and a bit of fun.
Programme Highlights: Singalonga Pub Quiz (11/07)
The Guildhall and Town Centre
Located at the top of the High Street, the town Guildhall is a great spot to gather to hear some live music from locals, or gather for a gardening workshop. With restrictions lifted and the high street being fully active once more, this should create a sense of buzz and community for all those who stop to listen to local choirs, or the opera that is to be held aloft from the Guildhall balcony!
What to expect from this venue: Free events for anyone passing through town, and an opportunity to support local artists.
Programme Highlights: Colour with Guildford in Bloom (04/07); Opera on the Balcony (04/07); and performances from the Surrey Fringe Chorus (03/07) and Guildford’s Rock Choir (11/07)
Clandon Wood Nature Reserve
Located a short drive from Guildford Town Centre, Clandon Wood Nature Reserve and Natural Burial Ground, seems an unusual choice for a Fringe Festival venue. However, its 31 acres of traditional wildflower meadows, lakes, wetland, and young woodland are sure to create a magical outdoor experience for every event scheduled here. Whilst this past year has forced us to do things outside more than we hoped, this chance to enjoy some outdoor theatre and live music could be a well-timed nudge to help us enjoy nature again.
What to expect from this venue: More traditional performances (both musical and theatrical), in a gorgeous outdoor setting.
Programme Highlights: The Hound of the Baskervilles (11/07); Music in the Meadows (18/07)
This year’s Guildford Fringe is sure to be an exciting return to live entertainment. Visit GuildfordFringeFestival.com for the full line-up and to book tickets. The Box Office phone number is 01483 361101. During the Festival, the Fringe Team will be at The Star Inn, Quarry Street, 7 days a week, from 6-7pm, where they will run a Box Office for all Festival events and be happy to have a chat.
Words by Rehana Nurmahi.
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