Charlotte Varcoe
MOUNT Gambier/Berrin’s annual Fringe Festival will kick off tonight with a number of exciting shows.
This week, mega children’s entertainer Mr Snotbottom will take over the Wehl Street Theatre in a hilariously disgusting kids comedy.
Jen’s Hotel will also host two major events this weekend to bring the Fringe to town.
Jinx 80s night and Oz Quo Show will be held alongside Fat Pont on Saturday with Jinx also playing at the hotel tonight.
A Night of Comedy and Curiosity will satisfy fans of Jason Chong who will tackle the big question about how humans share the land.
Other events include Oat Milk and Honey, To The Stage Industry Intensive Workshop, Pizza Pop at Metro Bakery and Cafe as well as Fashion and Dance Gala.
That’s Not Amore will also be held on Sunday, telling a deeply personal and introspective journey.
Curated and performed by Carla Anita Mattiazzo, the cabaret artist will perform the thought-provoking show.
Delving into Ms Mattiazzo’s Italian heritage, the show will weave together stories of struggle, triumph and self-discovery while also allowing the audience to explore themes of mental health, overcoming adversity and breaking societal norms.
This year’s Fringe Festival will be spread across three weeks with the introduction of Fringe Laneways.
With more than 30 events spread throughout the weeks, this year’s Fringe celebrates comedy, cabaret, burlesque, music, theatre and kids entertainment.
Although there will not be a FringeLand and Street Party this year, the laneway events will bring together performances, roving artists, street performers, markets, music and more.
Fringe Mount Gambier artistic director Louise Adams said the event loved to explore different ways it could reach the community, activate and engage the city with the laneways, another way of achieving this.
“There are so many cool laneways across the city, and bringing Fringe performances, rovers, interactive art sessions, markets, bars and street food into these spaces is really exciting,” Ms Adams said.
“Fringe Laneways will happen alongside a program of more than 25 Fringe events across the CBD and internationally recognised video and light projection artist, Jim Coad.
“We are excited to include the Easter Long weekend in the festival dates in 2024 and we anticipate people moving into the region with Easter, Victorian school holidays, and the AFL Gather Round, and we want to show what Mount Gambier has to offer.”
Fringe Mount Gambier will be held from today until April 7 with the full program available online.
