This July, the Quarry Theatre will host the 17th International Bedford Festival Fringe, bringing a record-breaking 150 events to the town over 11 days.
From Thursday, 18 until Sunday, 28 July the theatre will be a hive of activity with comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance and physical theatre, spoken word and poetry taking place throughout the Quarry’s three venues.
This year’s festival is so jam-packed that Bedfringe director, James Pharoah MBE, has had to create a special ‘pre-Bedfringe warm-up gig’ category to squeeze in festival fave, Ivo Graham. “We couldn’t get him into the festival dates, but we love working with him so have programmed him in on 16 July.”
More of the events than ever before are Edinburgh previews (44) and almost half are free to attend or ask for a voluntary donation, making it even easier to binge the Fringe!
And there’s not just the events to take part in – why not wander into the Quarry foyer and bar to have a go on their retro games, help ‘put the brand back together’ by contributing to the Bedfrige logo jigsaw or build something in pink Lego?
As ever, the Bedford Clanger has asked James for his top five tips for this year’s festival, so if you’re new to Bedfringe and want to ease yourself in, or if you have already booked your faves and want to discover something new, here they are:
1. Frankenstein (on a budget)
Saturday 20 July @ 4pm / Sunday 21 July @ 2pm
“From the same company that brough us War of The Worlds (on a budget) in 2022, which was great fun.”
One man, one monster, one glorious dream to singlehandedly tell the most famous horror story of all time, and absolutely no budget whatsoever.
Featuring one actor, an epic soundtrack, some decidedly dodgy backdrops, lots of weather based puns, plenty of cardboard props and more hats than you can throw a stick at, this is the comedy musical hammer horror homage that you didn’t know you needed.
From the creators of the hit War of the Worlds (On a Budget)
2. The Dark Room
Sunday 21 July @ 7.30pm
“John Robertson returns with this hilarious interactive game show where you stand to win £1,000.”
The Dark Room is the world’s only live-action, text-based adventure game. It’s strange, insane and addictive – it’s a choose-your-own-adventure, so choose it!
Now in its 10th year, this high-octane interactive show is the brainchild of comedian and cult leader John Robertson. Filled with stand-up, appalling prizes and more audience chanting than you’d get at a protest – it’s a gut-busting rock n’ roll geek experience for everyone who buys a ticket.
3. Tarot
Tuesday 23 July @ 8pm
“My of my favourite sketch comedy acts.”
The best show of 2019 according to Chortle. The sixth-best show of 2022 according to The Guardian. A work in progress from the critically-acclaimed, nightie-clad sketch-zealots.
4. Alex McAleer: Mind Reader
Friday 19 July @ 9.10pm
One of the stars of Champions of Magic (USA)
Alex McAleer possesses the uncanny ability to apparently tap into his audiences minds and read their thoughts at will.
Featuring unbelievable demonstrations of his psychological skills, this show is interactive, engaging, and laugh-out-loud funny. He reveals audience members innermost thoughts, demonstrates why you should never play cards with a Mind Reader, proves his exceptional people watching skills, and allows a member of the audience to delve into his mind and divulge some of his own personal private thoughts.
5. Cartoonists Go To The Theatre Exhibition
Meet the artist event on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 July @ 2 – 4pm
Originally exhibited in the heart of London’s theatreland and now on display at the Quarry Theatre, this collection of gags and caricatures features humorous takes on the stage, stand-up, Shakespeare and more by the Professional Cartoonists Organisation (PCO).
There will be a ‘meet the artist’ session on 20 July & 21 July @ 2pm – 4pm with PCO member James Mellor, so do come along and say hello.
James is a cartoonist based in Bedford whose work has appeared in Private Eye, The Spectator, The Daily Telegraph and numerous other publications.
He will be answering questions, talking about his work and live-drawing some topical events from the day’s news.
“We need to keep an eye on numbers so do book your free ticket below to guarantee access to one of the sessions.” Full booking details can be found on the Bedfringe website at bedfringe.com
