Over 100 acts already signed up for Buxton Fringe as deadline approaches

More than 100 performers have already registered for this year’s Buxton Fringe, with organisers expecting many more entries before the 19 April deadline for the printed programme.

Acts can still take advantage of a reduced entry fee of £77 until the end of March, ahead of what promises to be another packed programme of comedy, music, theatre and street entertainment across Buxton.

Comedy leads the way

Comedy entries currently make up more than a third of all submissions, including a series of shows planned for the Den of Laughs comedy weekends at the Lee Wood Hotel on 11–12 July and 18–19 July.

Among the performers are:

• Rising comedian Charlie Lewis with his debut solo show Hungry!

• International cabaret performer Enrico Touché

• Political comedy show A History of The Last Conservative Government… In Their Own Stupid Words! from Harun Musho’d

Elsewhere, intimate venue Beer & Bean will host comedy from The Menkle Brothers and stand-up performer Tim Biglowe with his show Plonka.

Music, theatre and family entertainment

Music also features strongly in this year’s early entries. Previous Fringe award winners The Burbage Band will return, joined by brass soloists Glyn Williams and Helen Williams.

Other musical highlights include jazz singer-songwriter Hannah Brine performing at the Buxton United Reformed Church, and violinist Ben Holder appearing with fellow musicians at The Old Clubhouse.

Theatre productions include Guardians of the Wye, a new puppetry show by Two Left Hands, with performances planned both indoors and outdoors in Pavilion Gardens.

Another highlight is Jane: England’s Nine Day Queen, a musical about Lady Jane Grey, staged at the Mechanics Institute, Eyam.

Walks, trails and community events

Street theatre and walking tours will also form part of the programme, including Hubert’s Buxton Ghost Walk and Buxton Is The Totally Made-Up Tour from Discover Buxton Tours.

Community events returning this year include activities at Serpentine Community Garden, the Pride Picnic in Pavilion Gardens, and the Funny Wonders Flowerpot Trail.

A new event, Saturday on the Bandstand, will take place on 18 July, replacing the traditional Fringe Sunday.

Preview event in April

Audiences will be able to get a preview of performers at Springboard, a free showcase event at the Pump Room, Buxton on 11 April from 7–9pm.

Fringe Vice Chair Carole Garner said:

“Every year brings new and surprising things to the Buxton Fringe. With so many returning and new entries, it’s clear that our reputation as The Friendly Fringe is spreading.”

Further details about performances, volunteering and how to take part are available at the Fringe website and through the official Buxton Fringe app.