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Bedford Festival Fringe Returns with Record-Breaking Lineup
Prepare to be dazzled! This July, the Quarry Theatre will come alive as it hosts the 17th International Bedford Festival Fringe, boasting a record-breaking 150 events over an exhilarating 11-day period.
A Summer Spectacle in Bedford
From Thursday 18 until Sunday 28 July, Bedford’s Quarry Theatre will transform into a bustling hub of creativity and entertainment. With an eclectic mix of comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance, physical theatre, spoken word, and poetry, there’s something for everyone in the three vibrant venues of the Quarry Theatre.
Pre-Bedfringe Warm-Up Gigs and Edinburgh Previews
This year’s festival is bursting at the seams, so much so that Bedfringe director, James Pharoah MBE, introduced a special ‘pre-Bedfringe warm-up gig’ category. This addition allows festival favorite Ivo Graham to make an appearance on 16 July, as he couldn't fit within the main festival dates. “We couldn’t get him into the festival dates, but we love working with him so have programmed him in on 16 July,” said Pharoah.
Additionally, this year features more Edinburgh previews than ever before (44 to be exact), and nearly half of the events are free or ask for a voluntary donation, making it even easier to immerse yourself in the magic of the Fringe.
Extra Activities and Interactive Fun
The excitement doesn’t stop at the performances. Visitors can also engage in various interactive activities in the Quarry foyer and bar. Have a go at their retro games, contribute to the Bedfrige logo jigsaw, or unleash your creativity with some pink Lego building.
Top Five Picks for Bedfringe 2024
As always, we turned to the curator of Bedfringe, James Pharoah, for his top five tips for newcomers and seasoned festival-goers alike:
1. Frankenstein (on a budget)
Presented by the same creators of War of The Worlds (on a budget), this show promises loads of fun with its one-man cast taking on the classic horror tale. Expect an epic soundtrack, quirky backdrops, cardboard props, and plenty of humor.
2. The Dark Room
John Robertson’s hilarious interactive game show returns. The Dark Room is a unique live-action, text-based adventure game where participants stand a chance to win £1,000. Packed with humor, prises, and audience interaction, it’s a must-see.
3. Tarot
Chortle’s best show of 2019 and The Guardian's sixth-best show of 2022, Tarot delivers an acclaimed sketch comedy experience, dazzling audiences with their nightie-clad antics and razor-sharp wit.
4. Alex McAleer: Mind Reader
One of the stars of Champions of Magic, Alex McAleer, will amaze audiences with his mind-reading prowess. His show is interactive, engaging, and filled with demonstrations of his incredible psychological skills.
5. Cartoonists Go To The Theatre Exhibition
Originally displayed in London’s theatreland, this exhibition of gags and caricatures features humorous takes on various theatrical themes. Meet artist James Mellor on 20 & 21 July, engage in live drawing sessions, and enjoy a slice of satirical creativity.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to become part of Bedford’s cultural heartbeat. For full booking details, visit bedfringe.com.
