Creativity, liberty, passion, and innovation are at the core of artists, as they bare their souls on a stage. Often, smaller, yet just as important and monumental, are the shows that drive theatre forwards with out of the box thinking; Fringe shows. From London's Viola Festival, to pub theatre exclusives, or the legendary Edinburgh Fringe Festival, these shows pack a hefty punch.
Here are the team's favourite brave and bold new shows from a new wave of artists.
The Mad Ones | Old Joint Stock Theatre
"My first visit to Birmingham's Old Joint Stock Theatre was to see this production of The Mad Ones and it was potentially one of the easiest five star reviews I've given. I was blown away by how this production was brought to life in this intimate venue, the cast were sublime and the story and music are absolutely stunning. I am so thrilled that The Mad Ones is returning to The Other Palace in London for a strictly limited run in 2025."
Vicky
Diva: Live From Hell | King's Head Theatre
"A one person musical is never easy, much less taking on multiple roles, fully fledged choreographed songs, and numerous songs to belt. But Luke Bayer makes it look easy. A brilliant performance and amazing songs that I wish I could listen to again!"
Oviya
Pop Off Michelangelo | The Other Palace
"A wonderfully camp musical about the artistic rivalry between Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo, with some bombastic songs, great performances and a promise to make audiences laugh out loud every few minutes."
Oviya
BFG | Theatre Porto
"Another highlight for me this year was Disley Theatrical Productions' BFG at Theatre Porto in Ellesmere. This production perfectly encapsulated the magic of theatre and the way in which the whole team assembled to create this piece of theatre was quite simply magical."
Vicky
Police Cops | Southwark Playhouse
"Police Cops right at the start of the year made me consistently laugh out loud. It’s stupid, ridiculous, and I had an enormous amount of fun, plus I always appreciate a show that isn’t afraid to take the piss out of itself. These guys are as good as SpitLip, and deserve every success for their show!"
James
Cassie and The Lights | Southwark Playhouse
"An incredibly moving piece of theatre based on the real stories of care-experienced young people, Cassie and the Lights follows three siblings navigating the care system after their mother disappears. This is a production which has stayed with me, and I hope to see future life for it."
Julie
Shake It Up (The Improvised Shakespeare Show) | The Other Palace
"Shake It Up (The Improvised Shakespeare Show) was a real surprise! The actors ask the audience to write lines on pieces of paper that they will have to use in random moments during the improvised Shakespearean show. It is absolutely hilarious!"
Emma
Kenrex | Sheffield Playhouse
"This was my first time ever visiting Sheffield and I hoped that Jack Holden could repeat the success he had with Cruise, and by the looks of it he will. Kenrex heads to London next year after rave reviews including my 5 stars. This is one piece of theatre that you do not want to miss next year."
Jordan
Swim, Aunty, Swim | Belgrade Theatre
"A greatly written play by Siana Bangura about three mature West African women who, through various journeys, found themselves in Coventry, giving a platform to a group of people we hardly ever hear from onstage, giving voice to their experiences and struggles. With a brilliant cast as well, this play needs to have a future!"
Benjamin
Locomotive for Murder | Theatr Clwyd
"I am always blown away by the talent from the Pinch Punch Improv team who are absolute masters of their craft. I've seen this show twice now and both shows had me in tears of laughter. Locomotive for Murder is the perfect improv show for a hilarious and light-hearted night out at the theatre!"
Vicky
Let us know your favourite fringe piece of 2024 and check out the rest of our categories of AIT's Twelve Days of Christmas in the blog section..
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