From the 18th of September Melbourne Fringe Festival will take over more than 100 independent venues around Victoria. From the musical adaptation of Australian horror film Wolf Creek to a duo of world-class contortionists performing aerial stunts while telling an absurd tale of their struggle for freedom, this year’s edition is programmed to cater for all types of eventfindas. From those who are looking for a fun night out with friends, or the arts enthusiasts looking for something a bit left of centre, with over 300 events, performances and exhibitions to explore held from through September and October, Melbourne Fringe is a reflection of the cultural hub’s fast-paced evolution. To whet your appetite and save your download data, we’ve listed the ten shows we’re most looking forward to.
1) Wolf Creek The Musical
Starring some of Adelaide’s finest comedians - Demi Lardner, James McCann, Kel Balnaves, Chris Knight, Hayman Kent and Angus Hodge, comes a parody of the of the Australian road horror film Wolf Creek.
Dates: Sep 20-22, 24-29, Oct 1-5
Venue: The Loft, Lithuanian Club
2) Dave Callan: All Little Less Conversation
Previewing his 2014 Melbourne Comedy Festival Show for one week only, Callan is throwing an hour of shapes with dancers Clare Nica and Melissa Bruce. His 2013 Adelaide Fringe show was nominated for Best Comedy and resulted in Dave spraining his toe and getting three stitches in his head.
Dates: Sep 20-22, 24-27
Venue: The Ballroom, Lithuanian Club
3) 101 Vagina Exhibition
Breaking down the taboo around vaginas and body-image shame, this photography exhibition celebrates diversity and the sharing of story and wisdom, comprising black and white photos of 101 women’s' vaginas along with an accompanying message written by each woman from, or about, her vagina to the world. The exhibition premieres at the Sydney Fringe Festival.
Dates: Sept 25 - Oct 6
Venue: Colour Factory
4) Dropped
From the writer of the 2010 Melbourne Fringe Award-winning ‘These are the Isolate’ comes a dark comedy about waiting: for a sign, for an escape, for a drink, for the baby to stop crying, for the snow to stop.
Dates: Sep 28 and 29, Oct 1 – 5
Venue: North Melbourne Town Hall
5) A Tribute to George Harrison: All Those Years Ago
Beatles fans rejoice. A ten-piece tribute band will play tribute to inspired songwriter George Harrison. During his time in the Beatles, his solo years and the Travelling Wilburys, he wrote numerous hits including 'Here Comes The Sun', 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps', 'Something', 'My Sweet Lord', 'Handle With Care', the list goes on.
Dates: Sep 20 and 21
Venue: Banyule Theatre at Viewbank College
6) DIY or DIE
Melbourne's DIY music scene is represented though live visuals from Astral Projection Artwork and tunes from selected DJs from Melbourne's best record stores. Featuring Baptism Of Uzi & the DIY-All Stars feat. Michael Badger (Demon Parade, Painters & Dockers), Dan Moss (I, A Man), Raff Brous (Teenage Mothers), Dave Mudie (Immigrant Union), Courtney Barnett and Lucas Skinner (King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard).
Date: Sep 21
Venue: North Melbourne Town Hall
7) Another Point of View
There are some shapes the human body shouldn’t be able to make. This circus performance promises to leave you in awe of the twists and contortions that two girls can bend to.
Dates: Sep 24 – 28
Venue: Gasworks Theatre
8) The Marionettes Live
Eight-piece funk/soul/pop band from Melbourne, the Marionettes are fast becoming the next big thing on the city’s live music scene. The night will feature Melbourne pianist Fionn O'Sullivan and showcase the soulful sounds of Lorraine Salvador playing original tunes written by Melbourne big-band composer, Rob Simone.
Dates: Sep 20 and Oct 4
Venue: Tony Starr’s Kitten Club
9) 1992-1-OH!
The greatest ‘90s party since the actual ‘90s! BritPop, Grunge, Girl Bands, Boy Bands, R&B, Pop, Dance, Indie, Rock featuring Talei Wolfgramm and Tony Kopa singing and rapping all your favourite ‘90s hits, plus very special guests from the festival performing their own ‘90s faves.
Date: Oct 4
Venue: North Melbourne Town Hall
10) Winter is Coming
Backwards Anorak, winners of a Green Room Award, premiere their new comedy show: a homage to Game of Thrones and the answer to the most asked question of the year - What song would Westeros select to represent their people at Eurovision?
Dates: Sept 28 and 29, Oct 1 – 5
Venue: Upstairs at Errol's
Melbourne Fringe will run from 18 September to October 6.
