24 Adelaide Fringe shows to see in 2024
The Adelaide Fringe festival guide can be overwhelming with so many shows on offer – so here’s our guide to 24 of 2024’s best.
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The Adelaide Fringe festival guide can be overwhelming with so many shows on offer – so here’s our guide to 24 of 2024’s best.
The Inflatable Church
Light Square, February 14- March 17
Fringe boss Heather Croall will be among the first to check out this interactive theatrical experience on February 14, when she exchanges vows with her longtime partner Nick Phillips inside the, yep, you guessed it: inflatable church.
Located in Light Square, the blow-up venue will see up to 12 couples each day say ‘I Do’ (or renew their vows) in front of up to 100 guests, with over 300 dresses, grooms attire and accessories available with your $10 ticket.
And no two nuptials (which obviously aren’t legal) are ever the same with a “Love Army” of crazy vicars, bridesmaids, the Mother-In-Law, make-up artists and more, on hand to liven up the ceremonies.
Merrick Watts - An Idiot’s Guide to Wine - Volume two
The Garden of Unearthly Delights, March 8-17
If you like your Fringe shows with a drink or two on the side, look no further than this vino-inspired offering from radio funnyman Merrick Watts.
Watts is a certified wine lover, having earned his WSET Level 3 Award, an advanced qualification designed for those looking to work in the wine industry.
That knowledge comes through in An Idiot’s Guide to Wine, which sees Watts chatting to top winemakers and showcasing different grape varietals, with plenty of jokes, stories and food pairings included along the way.
Most importantly, each audience member will get to taste six wines during the show.
Natural Wonders
Adelaide Botanic Gardens, February 23- March 17
The Adelaide Botanic Gardens will be transformed into an outdoor art gallery for Natural Wonders, with spectacular installations, projections and immersive artworks by local South Australian artists such as Alex Frayne and Katrine Penning, Liam Somerville and Michael Ellingford.
Other artists featured in this magical trail of stories, light and music include artists such as Ngarrindjeri woman Nicole Gollan, Dan Acher and Andrej Boleslavsky, and light and installation duo, Harsh Realities.
Cirque Alfonse – Animal
The Garden of Unearthly Delights, February 16- March 17
You’ll never look at farm life the same after checking out this new show from world-renowed Canadian troupe Cirque Alfonse.
The agricultural world is reimagined as a rural fantasy land which sees a gentleman farmer surrounded by animals – with a difference.
Bringing together a unique combination of circus, song, dance and theatre, Animal is irreverent, comical and comes with an original soundtrack.
Future Cargo
The Garden of Unearthly Delights, February 16- March 17
Picture this: A mysterious shipment has arrived at The Garden and there are reports of power surges and electromagnetic waves in the area. As the shipment’s side rolls up, a machine is unveiled, and a “strange and unstoppable process begins”.
That’s the premise of this outdoor show by Frauke Requardt and David Rosenberg, a large-scale spectacle showcasing a sci-fi dance phenomenon performed under the stars.
Headphones will be available for audience members to connect them to the strange world and events inside the truck.
Simply Brill: The Teens Who Stole 60’s Rock n Roll
Gluttony, February 17 to March 17
SA cabaret icons Amelia Ryan, Michaela Burger and Michael Griffiths pay homage to the teenage songwriters who shaped 60s rock ‘n’ roll in this new show from the team behind 27 Club.
Think Neil Sedaka, Bobby Darin, Carole King, Cynthia Weil, and Ellie Greenwich, with classic songs including Rock Around the Clock, Splish Splash, You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling and River Deep Mountain High, just to name a few.
Featuring a live five-piece band, Simply Brill is a musical trip down memory lane that will reveal the stories behind some of the most popular tunes of the 20th century.
Plenty of Fish in the Sea
The Migration Museum, February 27- March 3
Still looking for ‘The One’? Then you might relate to some of the themes in this show, about a lost traveller – and hopeless romantic – who finds himself in a devout fishing village.
While there, he comes face-to-face with the locals’ disturbing hook-up culture, and their dreams and desires.
Inspired by dating apps and modern ‘friends with benefits’ scenarios, this piece of contemporary physical theatre is a delightfully absurd fable for anyone trying to find the perfect catch – wherever they may be.
So Fresh! Hits of 2000s
Gluttony, February 27- March 3
Before Spotify and back when teens listened to CDs, the seasonal So Fresh albums were the must-own compilation series for fans of popular music.
Now the spirit of So Fresh will be brought to life in a nostalgic show from Chloe Castledine and Winston Howard.
Packed with pop bangers – just like those classic CDs – the production features a 10-piece ensemble including a live band and dancers, performing hits by Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera, plus many more.
Afrique En Cirque
Gluttony, February 15-25
African culture is celebrated in this spectacular show which takes you into the heart of Guinea.
The scenery, costumes and staging are vibrant, and the performers energetic and acrobatic as they defy gravity to the contemporary sounds of Afro-jazz, percussion and Kora.
Created by Kalabanté Productions’ Yamoussa Bangoura, the production highlights the beauty, diversity and artistry of life in West Africa.
The Garden Feast
The Garden of Unearthly Delights, February 26 and March 4
Sometimes it’s just nice to go to the Fringe, forgo the shows and grab a feed. This new offering takes that to another level.
Dubbed a world-first gastronomic experience, the Garden Feast is two separate 500-person dinners under the stars in Rundle Park, curated by Africola’s celebrated chef Duncan Welgemoed.
He’s enlisted the help of some friends to create “audacious, bizarre, and exquisite menus” coupled with live performances to ensure you get the full Fringe experience.
On February 26, it’s Morgan McGlone (Sunday, ex-Belle’s Hot Chicken) and Nathan Sasi (Nomad, Mercado and Adelaide’s Leigh Street Wine Room), while March 4’s event sees Kiwi culinary kings Rewi Spraggon, Tama Salive, and Rob Elliott cooking up a storm.
It’s set to be a true feast for the senses.
The 60 Four: Living In The ‘70s
Gluttony, February 16- 18 plus selected regional dates until March 23
There’s shades of Human Nature about this young quartet, a South Australian tribute act performing beloved tunes from the 1970s, including hits from The Bee Gees, Elton John, Queen, ABBA, The Jacksons, Sherbet, John Paul Young and more.
The vocal harmonies are tight, the moves are slick, the suits are sharp and the sound is electrifying.
Led by director and vocalist Ben Francis, the group – also featuring Jack Conroy, Lachlan Williams and Finnegan Green – have been described “Las Vegas-worthy” following successful seasons in Perth, Sydney, Ballarat and Melbourne. Now go see for yourself.
Sam Simmons – Man With A Fork In A World Full Of Soup
The Garden of Unearthly Delights, February 16 - March 17
Amidst a sea of Fringe stand-up comedians, Adelaide-born Simmons might be my favourite.
The surrealist performer is far from your traditional funnyman, and his jokes are often completely bizarre or nonsensical – yet that’s all part of his charm.
A former Adelaide zookeeper, Simmons’s new show is seemingly about food but you can expect plenty of weird tangents and hilarious belly laughs.
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying his talents, with Simmons taking out the top prize at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, among other awards.
Meg in the Magic Toyshop
The Warehouse Theatre, March 1-17
Designed for pre-schoolers, this fun theatre show follows Meg the doll, played by Merrilyn Greer, who has lost a glove in a beloved toyshop.
With the help of fellow toys and lucky members of the audience, she goes on a whimsical hunt around the store to find it, unlocking enchanted toy boxes and revealing hidden surprises.
Using stories, dances and timeless children’s songs, this production brings a unique magic to the stage and will entertain even the toughest young theatre critics.
LIMBO: The Return
The Garden of Unearthly Delights, February 16- March 17
Just over a decade ago, pop superstar Madonna saw the original Limbo in London. She fell in love with it and watched it twice, later inviting its artistic director Scott Maidment to work on her Rebel Heart tour.
Now Maidment, and his company, Strut & Fret, are back with another version of the jaw-dropping show, which cleverly combines cabaret, circus, stunts, breath-taking acrobatics and heart-pounding live music.
If you’ve been left captivated in previous years by Fringe favourites Blanc de Blanc, The Party and Purple Rabbit, then Limbo: The Return will be right up your alley.
England & Son
Holden Street Theatres, February 13 to March 17
This one-man play by British comic, theatre maker, writer and actor Mark Thomas won critical acclaim at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
Now it’s coming to Adelaide for its Australian premiere, with Thomas set to shine in a powerful story about a working-class boy trying to gain his father’s approval, and his ensuing complex and chaotic life.
Crafted by award-winning playwright Ed Edwards, it’s an intense tale with some dark laughs and deep thoughts, skillfully told by veteran political stand-up Thomas.
Mario The Maker Magician
The Garden of Unearthly Delights, February 16- March 17
Described as the “best kids’ magician in the world” by acclaimed illusionist David Blaine, Mario’s talents have featured on The Tonight Show, Sesame Street and Universal Kids.
Now he’s showcasing his feats of magic, with elements of vaudeville and slapstick, in this upbeat and energetic show for the whole family. It’s fun and full of heart.
Hans: Disco Spektakulär
Gluttony, February 27-March 10
Is it really the Fringe if you haven’t seen Hans?
After a year off the festival scene, the Boy Wonder from Berlin – and US reality TV show favourite – is back with his Lucky B*tches for another cabaret extravaganza.
There will be plenty of the trademark glitter and sequins as the award-winning entertainer, aka Matt Gilbertson, performs some of disco’s greatest hits for his adoring audience.
Escape Room: Prison Break
The Migration Museum, February 16- March 16
Handcuffed and sentenced to life behind bars, you have only 45 minutes to find a way to break out of this dark, drab prison.
Working together with your team, this thought-provoking, interactive show asks players to decode cryptic clues and solve intricate puzzles in a quest to earn you freedom.
Are you up for the challenge?
PreHysterical Circus
Fool’s Paradise, February 17- March 17
Three Neanderthals are struggling to survive in the real world and must work together to navigate tricky situations such as creepy animal boneyards and caves with tigers.
That’s the premise of this G-rated Cirque de Soleil-meets-Flintstones show, which mixes slapstick circus with jaw-dropping tricks.
The trio of cavemen showcase incredible strength, flexibility, acrobatic talent, and some questionable dance moves, which will have children and parents alike in stitches.
Mythos: Ragnarok
The Garden of Unearthly Delights, February 16- March 17
The only theatre show using a cast of professional wrestlers, it’s no surprise to hear the fight scenes are intense in this production which brings Viking mythology to the stage.
Following Odin and Loki in their struggle to overcome primeval giants, rival Gods and Goddesses, and their own ambitions, there’s high-level storytelling and stage combat in this dark yet comic adaption of the Norse myths.
Wankernomics 2.0 – As Per My Last Email
Gluttony, February 16- March 3
Ever sat through a pointless meeting? Endured endless work bureacracy? Been forced to attend a mind-numbing training day?
James Schloeffel (The Shovel) and Charles Firth (The Chaser) are back with a new show about navigating workplace hell, delivered as a 60-minute corporate workshop.
Described as a “comedic lesson in company value, business speak and mission statements”, there’s shades of The Office and Office Space in this amusing piece about the banality of the working world.
Sleep’s Hill Tunnel
The Tunnels, Railway Terrace, Panorama. February 16- March 17
Built in the 1880s, the Sleep’s Hill Tunnel was once used by steam trains on the Adelaide to Aldgate line. Decommissioned in 1919, it was then used to store ammunition during World War II before being converted into a successful mushroom farm.
Now you can explore the forgotten history of the Panorama tracks in this stunning interactive installation, with light projections and unique time-lapse footage set to illuminate the 290m-long tunnel. It’s a one-of-a-kind walk through SA’s history.
GODZ
Fool’s Paradise, February 20- March 17
Explore the world of ancient Greece, complete with Apollo, Dionysus, Cupid and Hercules, in this acrobatic circus show.
From Melbourne-based company Head First Acrobats, Godz was a smash-hit at last year’s Fringe in the new Fool’s Paradise venue in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga.
Beloved for its gravity-defying stunts and circus arts, mixed with storytelling and comedy, there’s plenty of entertainment throughout the 65-minute show – though note there’s some adults-only content with occasional nudity.
Brilliant Bubbles
Fool’s Paradise, February 17- March 17
From the team behind the award-winning Godz comes this bubbly new show, starring the very clever Dr Hubble.
You’ll be stunned at the things this man can do with simple soap bubbles, from varied shapes, chimneys, and explode-a-bubbles among the creations.
Australia’s favourite bubbleman, Dr Hubble – aka circus and sideshow performer Shep Huntly – has nearly 30 years’ experience with bubbles and has wowed audiences in over 30 countries.
Perfect for the whole family, this enchanting spectacle needs to be seen to be believed.
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