Tag Archives: Bedfringe

Bedfringe 2026 Interview: Dungeons & Dragons with Sunjai Arif

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“I took a break from doing a solo festival show last year because I fell out of love with the show I was working on.”

WHO: Sunjai Arif

WHAT: “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist”

Dragons are alive and well, thriving in our world. They are pillaging every day and must be stopped. Join Sunjai Arif’s band of adventurers to stop the Dragon in an interactive and raucously chaotic comedy show that is not to be missed. Success is essential, failure is likely in the most hilarious fashion.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 24 July 2026 @ 21:30 (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

Yes, this is my first time at the Bedford Fringe. I was looking for friendly festivals to try out a new show format and the Bedford Fringe was recommended to me by several other comedians. After applying the organisers got back to me to say they loved the concept of the show and were keen to host it. I thought “If they like me, I like them” so I booked it in.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I took a break from doing a solo festival show last year because I fell out of love with the show I was working on. I had written a very heavy but importantly, also funny show (there were puppets) about generational family trauma. In the end I felt I was unable to perform the show respectfully enough to my relatives, both living and deceased so I just stopped doing the show (I blame the puppets).

Tell us about your show.

This current show is simply an exercise in pure joy! One of my favourite past times is playing Dungeons and Dragons so I wanted to bring that to stage and get audiences involved. At its heart, the game is about communal story telling, which is something rooted in human biology. We can’t stop telling stories and doing it together in a big group makes it even better. I’m not very good at promoting myself (I am only answering these questions the day before my show in Bedford) but hundreds of audience members this year have told me how much they love the show and they can’t all be wrong.

What should your audience see at Bedfringe after they’ve seen your show?

My show is the last one on Friday night so have a good rest Saturday morning then take your kids to see Max Fulham’s Monkey Business at 3pm. After that, dump the kids (if they’re under 14yrs) to see his other show: Memory foam at 9pm. Don’t go if you’re scared of puppets. I need to leave Bedford after my show but if I was hanging around I would go check out Paul Foot’s show on Saturday at 7.30, I always find his view on the world; whimsical, wonderful and witty.

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Bedfringe 2026 Interview: Avoid Excessive Cleavage (and Other Advice to Ignore)

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“I work hard, knock on doors and try to put myself forward, whilst simultaneously battling crippling imposter syndrome and a world determined to make anyone over 40 feel like they’ve had their chance!”

WHO: Jules O’Brian

WHAT: “Avoid Excessive Cleavage (and Other Advice to Ignore) is a warm, witty stand-up show about ageing, expectations, and the endless stream of “helpful” advice we’re all supposed to follow as we get older.

Now in her fifties, Jules O’Brian finds herself on the receiving end of guidance she never asked for: what to wear, how to behave, how to age gracefully, and which inspirational quotes she should apparently be living by. From well-meaning strangers to glossy headlines and social media wisdom, everyone seems keen to explain how life should be done. Jules has had enough.

“Razor-sharp observations – Jules has it all: intelligence, wit, and utterly hilarious.” JO ENRIGHT

With sharp observational comedy and a quietly rebellious edge, she dismantles the rules, clichés and motivational nonsense that clutter modern life. Expect big laughs, moments of recognition, and a quietly rebellious take on the rules we’re all expected to follow.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 25 July 2026 @ 13:00 (50mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

It is, but I’ve gigged in and around Bedford a lot, and always have a lovely time with the audiences. I work with Castle Comedy quite a bit and their Bedford shows are always fab.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The past couple of years have been a bit of a whirlwind. You know how, when things are actually happening, you just take them in your stride and crack on – then you look back and go, “Ooh that was quite a time, wasn’t it?!” Well…that. Like anyone else who wants to do well, I work hard, knock on doors and try to put myself forward, whilst simultaneously battling crippling imposter syndrome and a world determined to make anyone over 40 feel like they’ve had their chance! But I was 52 in 2024, and that’s when things started to happen. I was flown out to Switzerland to perform over there, I got booked to do Altitude Festival in Austria, my show really started to come together, regular appearances on BBC radio started back then, and I’m travelling all over the country all the time! (My little Hyundai i10 is small but mighty – she’s seen my breakdowns at 1am when there are motorways closures but no diversion signs or map updates… I shudder just thinking about it!)

Tell us about your show.

So my show is called “Avoid Excessive Cleavage (and other advice to ignore).” Once I turned 40 – and I think this is happening to women even younger now – I started getting bombarded by advice I’d never asked for about how I should be aging: mostly, it boils down to DO NOT AGE! However, if you must age, stick a big paper bag over your head so we don’t have to see your wrinkles, laughter lines, droopy knees…the list is endless.

The title comes from a genuine piece of advice in one of those articles, “Avoid excessive cleavage; just wear a nice blouse.” So patronising! So I wrote a show about how much I hate the anti-aging industry, even though I buy into it a lot of the time.

I don’t have any answers and I’m definitely not telling anyone how they should choose to age! I just have fun with the whole thing, instead of driving myself mad.

My absolute hero Elizabeth Hurley makes an appearance (in cardboard cutout form), and I just have a right old laugh with the audience about how bonkers some of the advice we get given actually is. “Hide laughter lines”? Yeah…god forbid anyone knows you’ve been enjoying yourself!

What should your audience see at Bedfringe after they’ve seen your show?

Hasan Al-Habib is also in The Quarry Theatre Studio with his show “Stuck in the Middle (East) With You.” He’s very funny, very clever, and very much deserves a full house.

Pat Monahan, again, 23rd July in The Quarry Theatre Studio. I just love Pat. Audiences adore him. It’s impossible not to have a good time when he’s on stage. And he makes it look effortless – like he’s just messing about. Actually, I hate him. What am I talking about? It’s not fair that some people are just so damned good at comedy!

And on 26th July you’ve got the Best of Castle Comedy: Angela Barnes, Laura Smyth and Josh Pugh. All of them disgracefully good at comedy. Definitely go. I’m not at all offended that it’s “The best of Castle Comedy” and I gig for them a lot, and I even mentioned them in this interview, and I’m not on their list. No, really, I’m fine. It’s fine!

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Bedfringe 2026 Interview: Stevie Vegas: Circus Skills Workshop 2026

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“I love that it is all contained in the one venue, and just wish the car park was slightly bigger :-)”

WHO: Stevie Vegas

WHAT: “Stevie Vegas is a fool-time Entertainer (Juggling / Comedy / Magic) based in nearby Rushden and very much available for your next Party/Event!

He will be providing a Drop-in Circus Skills Workshop in THE GARDEN which everyone (Adults & Children) are welcome to attend.

Why not come along and learn a new skill such as Juggling, Diabolo, Devilstick, Platespinning, Pedal-Racing, Toothbrush Twirling, Stilt-Walking, Poi Spinning and much more?

Stevie is a regular on the UK Pun Circuit (Pun Championships / Pun-off / Punnit) so you are never too far away from the next prop-based gags while he amazes with awesome Juggling skills too!”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 26 July 2023 @ 12:30 (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

I love BedFringe. I began by going along to tons of shows for many years, and was approached by James at an after-party where he presented me with a framed portrait of that year’s brochure to say thanks for all my patronage! I took the chance to tell him about my Circus Workshops and have been hired every year since 🙂

I love that it is all contained in the one venue, and just wish the car park was slightly bigger 🙂

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Taking part in lots of Comedy Shows (Comedy Karaoke, UK Pun Off, UK Pun Championships), releasing 3 books (2 x Jokebooks and one Board Game Strategy) all available on Amazon (search for Stevie Vegas as Author). Performing my usual Circus Workshops in another 200+ venues. Best stop and have a cup of tea as all this sounds quite tiring 🙂

Tell us about your show.

A giant Circus Skills Workshop held in the garden. Many people return year after year to enjoy the new puns and magic along with learning or improving their skills and people of all ages/abilities (you just need some enthusiasm and perseverance) are warmly welcomed to this Pay what you Want event (bucket to donate at the end if you don’t wish to purchase a ticket in advance).

What should your audience see at Bedfringe after they’ve seen your show?

Pauline Eyre – Anyone for Tennis is awesome. Her show tells a great story of her time being a Line Judge at Wimbledon.

Tricky Teddy is the show that is on after me, and that’s why my show was put in the timeslot it has, as it would definitely flow on nicely (NOTE: I don’t see them listed for 2026, although James told me this is why he had given me this timeslot, so it would be worth checking before printing this recommendation!)

Monstering the Rocketman was one of my fave shows at EdFringe 2025. Henry Naylor’s one-man shows are always captivating and a great social commentary. This one’s about Elton John v News of the World and how badly they treated him.

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Bedfringe 2026 Interview: DEATH* by Powerpoint

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“The title of the show is something that had been rolling around in my head for years, but I hadn’t quite worked out what the show itself was going to be; that was until one of those “now I get it” moments arrived in the most unlikely of places.”

WHO: Liam Gifford

WHAT: “After a particularly bad dream during childhood left him terrified of death, Liam sets about seeing if he can finally make peace with the one human experience guaranteed to come to us all.

A show 38 years in the making, DEATH* by PowerPoint fuses a fear of the end with wonderings of what’s next and a grave sense of humour, all delivered through the most exhausting medium: PowerPoint.

DEATH* by PowerPoint is the first solo show by Liam Gifford, a theatre-maker who has created new works and directed existing ones at theatres across the UK and in Europe.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 26 July 2023 @ 17:00 (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

Although this is my first time visiting Bedfringe, I’ve been a longtime admirer of the festival, so it’s a real thrill to have been invited to perform this year. I can’t wait to meet everyone who takes part in and supports the festival, and I’m looking forward to catching as many shows as I can too.

As someone who has been involved with fringe festivals in North Devon and Hampshire, I’m also excited to learn more about how Bedfringe is run. Having performed, presented, and been a punter at many festivals across the UK, I always find myself learning something new each time, and I’m sure there will be plenty for me to take away from my experience at Bedfringe.

Having first presented my show in 2024, performing DEATH* by PowerPoint at Bedfringe will be a great opportunity to see how it lands with a brand‑new audience. It has been warmly received by a broad church of audiences since its first run, and I’m really looking forward to hearing what everyone who comes along on Sunday 26 July thinks of it.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Since 2025 I’ve continued to develop DEATH* by PowerPoint, alongside a range of other theatrical projects, everything from fringe shows to mass‑participation performances.

One project I’m particularly excited about is a new show called DUKED: A DofE Story, which will have its first outing at Fringe TheatreFest in June 2026. I’m especially thrilled about this one because I’m creating it with my partner, Jo. We’ve been together for years but have never actually made something together, despite both being writers living under the same roof.

The biggest project I’ve been working on is The Big Movement – a monumental mass‑movement initiative by ZoieLogic to get thousands of men moving for men’s mental health, reminding men they’re not on their own. Over the past 12 months we’ve performed at The Old Bailey, hosted our own all‑male dance evening, and continued to be championed by Angela Rippon CBE – who even introduced our work to Hugh Jackman live on The One Show!

Tell us about your show.

DEATH* by PowerPoint centres around me trying to find peace with the inevitable through a mixture of honest anecdotes, grave humour, and some modern (and some not so modern) pop culture references. All of which is “delivered with delicate, sensitive wit” and “full of heart” to ensure that audiences can consider their own relationships with death.

The title of the show is something that had been rolling around in my head for years, but I hadn’t quite worked out what the show itself was going to be; that was until one of those “now I get it” moments arrived in the most unlikely of places. From that point on, the show developed pretty quickly. It had its first run of preview performances at Fringe TheatreFest in North Devon, followed by a further run the next year at the inaugural Totnes Fringe, along with one‑off performances at a range of arts venues.

One of the greatest joys for me is how positively the show has been received, despite being about a topic many people shy away from: death. The feedback I get often centres on how refreshing people find the show, and how it has helped them rethink their own relationship with death and even start open conversations with others in their lives.

What should your audience see at Bedfringe after they’ve seen your show?

The programme – as it is every year – is packed with fantastic shows!

On the day I’m performing, Sunday 26 July, I’m particularly looking forward to meeting the other performers in The Quarry Theatre Studio and catching their shows. Top of the list would have to be Poems from The Daily Mail (poetry on a sunny Sunday?! Yes please!), Hasta La Vista… Bibby! (fingers crossed I get to help recreate a blockbuster), and Ruby Carr: BITE ME (I love stand‑up, and Ruby’s show looks brilliant). And in between all of that, I’m hoping to get outside and see The Reverbs Ukulele Band in the (hopefully) summer sun.

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Bedfringe 2026 Interview: The Untold Fable of Fritz

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“This Fringe Festival has been monumental in both the show’s and company’s growth through the years. We can’t wait to bring the show back to the studio where it all began.”

WHO: Paige Canavan Smith

WHAT: “A Piece inspired by Philip Pullman’s short story, ‘Clockwork’.

Unsettled is back! With a new cast, bigger script and a brand new puppet – come join us at Bedfringe, where it all began.

A Piece inspired by Philip Pullman’s short story, ‘Clockwork’. White snow seeps down from the mountain tops of the Neuchstein region, freezing over the valleys and the hearts of all the people that live within it. At the foot of the tallest peak, resides the inhabitants of Brutzenvien and their King. Through this everlasting stone-cold ice age, the King’s son soon falls ill and the King makes a pledge to do all in his power to save his heir. But how far will he go?

This is a devised show that uses a clothing rail in every way possible and 3 actors playing around 15 characters in under 50 minutes. An imaginative exploration into a magical world. With dance sequences, puppetry and live music, this show is a creative explosion!

The only way to describe this show is if Narnia, Monty Python and Tim Burton were a 45-minute play … with puppets.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 24 July 2023 @ 15:00 (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is our third time at Bedfringe! As a local to Bedford, I have always felt it was important to bring my work home and connect with my community. It’s amazing to champion the arts in your hometown; there is a sense of pride that comes alongside it. Bedfringe is actually the place where we first debuted this show, The Untold Fable of Fritz. This Fringe Festival has been monumental in both the show’s and company’s growth through the years. We can’t wait to bring the show back to the studio where it all began.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We have been busy building our work and practice. The Untold Fable of Fritz has adapted. We have a lovely new cast member, Emma Read, joining us alongside an amazing Stage Manager, Beth Scott. We are so excited to perform with our new puppet, designed by Mikayala Teodoro. And we also found out recently that we were successful with our Arts Council bid, so we can expand the tour and the outreach programme we deliver alongside.

Tell us about your show.

We take the audience on an epic adventure through magical woods, avalanches and meeting kooky and fun characters, but at the heart of the story is a father’s journey. hHe has to realise what is most important in his life – his power or his son. We hope this show makes you laugh, cry and maybe contemplate, what is important in your life?

What should your audience see at Bedfringe after they’ve seen your show?

You should check out:

– Katie and Ben, The History Hunters
– The Musicians of Bremen

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Bedfringe 2026 Interview: The Vampire Run

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“The other big lesson is about networking. When I was younger I hated it, it all seemed so phoney. Recently I’ve discovered the key just seems to be finding stuff you like and making a genuine connection with the creator.”

WHO: Jonathan Laury

WHAT: “A dark and stormy night. A vampire’s castle outlined by lightning. An hour to find and kill the dreaded fiend… And one idiot trying to manage the escalating chaos.

Join a fast-paced, hilariously deadly choose-your-own adventure. Three players at a time must decide how to approach a variety of obstacles to reach the vampire’s chamber, BUT one of the players is evil, and the audience must decide who before it’s too late.

This is the debut solo show from award winning writer and performer Jonathan Laury. Think something like Knightmare meets Traitors hosted by the lovechild of Vincent Price and Little Alex Horne. Sellout shows at the Lambeth and Brighton Fringes, and described by audiences as ‘Brilliant, slick, funny, 10/10 would go again’ and ‘My favourite theatrical experience of the year.'”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 23 July 2026 @ 21:00 (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

It is my Bedfringe debut, which is exciting. The show’s been at the Lambeth and Brighton Fringes, and will be off to Edinburgh shortly after Bedford. No shade to those other fringes, but this will be by far the nicest venue The Vampire Run has been on in!

I love how packed the schedule is for Bedfringe, there doesn’t seem to be a moment wasted, with shows covering every genre. As a performer and creator Fringe festivals are great opportunities to meet amazingly creative people working on all kinds of different shows. There’s great camaraderie between performers. Having gone to a few Fringes just as a punter too, that’s a whole different experience. It’s like opening a treasure chest and grabbing any shiny things you can see!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The last couple of years have really been about rediscovering my creativity. When I first started performing I didn’t even think of creating my own work. A lack of confidence dogged the start of my creative career. But having taken a bunch of wonderful courses (clowning with Spymonkey and Mick Barnfather, Improv with Hoopla, Stand-up with Logan Murray, Creating solo shows with Rachel Mars) I’ve unlocked a huge new passion and drive. I just want to make my own silly stuff now, and fortunately the response has been really positive.

The other big lesson is about networking. When I was younger I hated it, it all seemed so phoney. Recently I’ve discovered the key just seems to be finding stuff you like and making a genuine connection with the creator. Forget any sense of wondering what they can do for you. Just be an unabashed fan of other people’s cool stuff.

Tell us about your show.

Count Maximillian Von Drakuhl is the most fiendish vampire that has ever existed. He’s killed all my poor audience members for starters, which is just plain rude. I’m going to help them get their revenge on the Count.

The audience faces all kinds of obstacles in their journey through the vampire’s castle, and can choose whether to tackle each one with their brain, their muscles, or their charm. Different choices lead to different rooms… or death. BUT! Death isn’t the end. the audience’s worst nightmares become manifest in one of the castle’s rooms. Oh, and one of the audience members is evil and must be found!

It’s a choose your own adventure crossed with the kind of social deduction you find in The Traitors and Secret Hitler. There’s also a whole level of improv, clowning, character comedy and silliness provided by me. And of course there’s the kind of stomach churning horror that can only be provided by my audience’s imaginations!

What should your audience see at Bedfringe after they’ve seen your show?

Dave Bibby is a Bedford legend and a top chap, make sure you see Hasta La Vista… Bibby!
For more nerdery, Juliette Burton is amazing. And who doesn’t love dark history podcasts? Weird in the Wade is the one for you!

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‘Tricky Teddy’s Mischief and Magic Show’ (Bedfringe, 26 July 2025)

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“The duo’s caustic stage partnership has notes of Martin and Lewis at their most dysfunctional.”

Editorial Rating: 5 Stars (Outstanding)

Krisgar is one of Bedford’s best, best-known, and best-loved children’s entertainers, and there’s a reason – he’s really good. There’s a big crowd in this afternoon, and for all the noise and barely stifled chaos, a loud buzz of excited expectation. Within moments of taking the stage, our attention is rapt like a gift going through Rowan Atkinson’s bit in ‘Love Actually’ when Alan Rickman’s in a hurry. Krisgar’s commanding onstage presence is a product of his comic rapport with the irrepressible Tricky Teddy. The duo’s caustic stage partnership has notes of Martin and Lewis at their most dysfunctional.

At 7 years, Daughter 2.0 is not at all too auld for this level of properly funny silliness. In her notebook, the one with Wizbit on the cover what I paid crazy money for on eBay, she wrote: “Tricky teedys mischief and magic show was really funny. when I walked in I saw a chair on the stage and I heard loud music. I saw a table for mdgice tricks and comedy. And during the show I saw a puppet which was a teedy and I saw a magic magishon. My favroute bit was when they tried to make cake but didn’t have the ingediants. The part which made me laugh the loudest was when the puppet said we are here for the cash! I hope I remember the part when they did tricks forever.”

Here is quality family entertainment worth getting excited about. Here are some properly memorable silly bits, one properly jaw-dropping-OK-seriously-HOW-did-he-do-that? bit, as well as multiple moments of spontaneous joy. Get your magic coats on and go see this!

Reviewer: Dan Lentell

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EdFringe Talk: Arthur Miller’s Elegy for a Lady

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“Bedford punters are the best…. they know good theatre when they see it.”

WHO: Bob Paisley

WHAT: “This intimate play follows a conversation between a shopkeeper and a man searching for a gift for his dying mistress. 

Secrets are shared in intimate exchanges through which the Man questions how well we ever really know the ones we love.  The two strangers share a small miracle which, if only for a brief moment, allows them a closeness always hoped for but seldom fulfilled.

Starring Bob Paisley and Patty Whitlock

“Kansas City audiences enjoy a rich, diverse local theater scene. Paisley’s (Central Standard Theatre’s)efforts have been a huge part of that…” ROBERT TRUSSELL”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 24 & 25 July (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Nope… I’ve been coming to Bedford since 2010. We’ve brought productions of THE EVENT, DRIVING MISS DAISY, THE ZOO STORY and BILL CLINTON HERCULES.
Recent shows at Bedfringe include

2004 – I SEE YOU WATCHING (Just Like Hollywood) and ONE AND THE OTHER (Canada).

2003 – SUZI OF THE DRES and PAUL ROBESON (Winner Pick of the Fringe)

It’s wonderful for us to contribute to this incredible festival. I’m constantly amazed at the work James Pharoah has done here. The variety, the quality, not to mention the proximity to the Edinburgh Fringe. And the Bedford punters are the best…. they know good theatre when they see it. This year, more variety for us… something old – something new.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Mostly making plans for 2025…

Central Standard Theatre brings 2 productions to Bedfringe this year:
Summer 2025
Arthur Miller’s ELEGY FOR A LADY – Bedfringe, Fundy Fringe (CAN)
BLOODY, BLOODY KANSAS – Bedfringe, Camden Fringe (Hen & Chickens Theatre, London)

Sept-Oct 2025
FARGONE – Roots Mbili Theatre (Sheffield) – 2 week residence in Kansas City

5 Nov, 2025
Singer/songwriter Sarah McQuaid in Concert in KC.

Lord help me, I’ve become a producer…

Tell us about your show.

Arthur Miller’s Elegy for a Lady is, I believe, is a nod to Miller’s brief marriage and obsession with Marily Monroe. This short play (45 minitues tops) delves deep in the psyche to examine some of humanity’s most base emotions… Love.

This intimate play by one of theatre’s master playwrights follows a conversation between a shopkeeper and a man searching for a gift for his dying mistress. Secrets are shared in intimate exchanges through which the Man questions how well we ever really know the ones we love. The two strangers share a small miracle which, if only for a brief moment, allows them a closeness always hoped for but seldom fulfilled.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Our Sister Show, BLOODY, BLOODY KANSAS… Murder most foul! A story ripped from the headlines of 1873 Kansas. More than you probably want to know about the American Wild West.

Based on the true story of the West’s first known serial killing family, the Bloody Benders, this bold new play shatters time and space to reveal the chilling legacy they left behind. At the center is Mary York, a grieving widow turned relentless detective, piecing together a puzzle of violence, justice, and memory.

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Bedfringe 2025 Interview: Resurrection: The Musical

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“We wondered how our pirates would react to our world. This was the begginings of the story.”

WHO: Ian Britten-Hull

WHAT: “Based on the first novel in The Buccaneers Legend trilogy, telling the story of four revived pirates. On a stormy night, an eighteenth-century ship emerges from the mist. Its ghastly crew disintegrates after a lightning strike, giving rise to four new buccaneers with no memories of their past. This is a story of four people on a tempestuous voyage of emotion as they come to terms with who they once were, their own self-discovery and the realization of their own empathy as they navigate the modern world, fighting injustice and ultimately seeking the greatest treasure of all, Life!

The musical features thrilling sword fights, a reimagined folk music score, and a plot rich with twists and mystery. It also addresses contemporary social issues like mental health, John Rackham’s “brain fever,” Mary Read’s gender identity confusion, and Anne Bonny’s history of abuse within a sensitive and fantastical context.

“The show had energy, colour, and spectacle with an array of familiar and rousing musical numbers. We commend you for your enthusiasm and commitment to staging such a complex production” ★★★★★ BALDOCK ARTS & HERITAGE CENTRE”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 25 & 26 July 2025 @ 16:00 (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is our first time at Bedfringe and we are really looking forward to it. One of the most important aspects of Bedfringe is that it gives local theatre companies such as ours the chance to prove what we can actually do without having to pay exorbitant theatre hirer charges. Production costs today are sky high and if small theatre companies don’t get funding, then unfortunately they cannot survive for long. This is such a shame as there is so much talent and wonderful ideas out there. Bedfringe gives all those talented people with wonderful ideas a chance to bring their shows to local people. For those who enjoy live entertainment, please come and support Bedfringe and those performers taking part. Theatre companies and performers shows are not any lesser because they are at fringe festivals rather than the West End, in fact many great shows that are now extremely popular started life with humble begginings at fringe festivals. A good example of this is the West End show “Six,” which started out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. By comeing to see a fringe show, you are actiually taking part in the beggining of the history of a production! Come and see how it all started.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Since 2024 we have strived to widen our reach and to expand our projects. AMA Theatre Co. is also a platform for anyone wanting to get involved in theatre. In fact we have just had two students working with us on work experience and we have now offered them some creative work going forward. We are very concious that with ever tighening of the purse strings, visists to theatre and live entertainment can be restrictive. Although we don’t recieve any funding and we are non-profit making, we keep going by producing a certain amount of corporate work such as team building days, event and festival shows through the summer and pantos during the winter. These projects help to subsidise other shows like Resurrection and help us keep ticket prices as low as possible. Our aim is always to produce shows that entertain and educate for reasonable prices as well as to constantly be open to learn new ways of working and listening to our audiences.

Tell us about your show.

Everyone will remember 2020 when we were all in lockdown and they said “work from home!” Well, we did! We turned our lounge into a studio theatre, complete witha broadcasting suite and we learned how to broadcast live shows over the internet. We also produced a variety of pre recorded shows and plays too. One of which was called “The Buccaneers.” We wanted to produce a show with the tag, “It’s time to live again,” so we could all start looking forward to restrictions being lifted. Then in 2021 we researched the real pirates and we discovered a poigniant and totally different story than most people are familiar with. Yes, there were murderous cutthroat pirates hellbent on theiving riches, but there were also those who resorted to piracy just to survive after the war with Spain. A lot of these people led awful lives with abuse and dire poverty. Piracy gave them a family and a means to survive. We then thought about our world today, and the negativity of populism, threats of war, rasism and prejudice. We wondered how our pirates would react to our world. This was the begginings of the story. I wrote the first novel in 2023 and in 2024, after several try out performances, Resurrection, the stage musical was born. It sees four historical pirates, John Rackham, Anne Bonny, Mary Read and a ficticious pirate, based on several real ones, Jock McTavish, reborn in our modern world. At first they have no memories, but as their memories return, they not only remeber their days as pirates, but more importantly the people they used to be before their souls got lost beneath the rough exteria of the pirates they became. The scenes of their past are represented through reimagined Irish and Celtic folk songs, (Anne Bonny was Irish) Ultimately, they decide to become a force for good in our modern world and fight against oppression and chapion empathy and understanding. We always try to make our shows as visual and exciting as possible and we are really proud of our pirate ship set! The show is faced paced and also pays reference to some modern issues such as John Rackham’s Bipolar and Mary Read’s gender identity. Of coures, no pirate based story would be complete without the odd sword fight!

What should your audience see at Bedfringe after they’ve seen your show?

One of the wonderful things about Bedfringe is that there is so much varied entertainment from theatre to comedy, children’s shows to music! If you love drama then BRAVE Youth Theatre are presnting their adaptation of Mcbeth on 26th at 3pm at the palace theatre. If you need a good laugh, then straight after us on Satday 26th Max Fulham: Full of Ham is on in the Quarry theatre. We are looking forward to seeing Kaye Leidoskope and her two shows for children. These are also interactive and take place in the Garden.

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Bedfringe 2025 Interview: The Oberons

Posted in *Written Interviews, Bedfringe 2025 by

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“We’ve combined our talents to weave music seamlessly into the world of illusion.”

WHO: Emily Yarrow

WHAT: “Step into a world of mystery and wonder with The Telepath and The Conjurer.

This extraordinary show blends mind-reading, magic, music and breathtaking illusions in a spellbinding performance that will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality. Watch as The Telepath delves into the minds of the audience, revealing thoughts and secrets with uncanny precision, while The Conjurer astounds with impossible feats of magic and sleight of hand. Punctuated at pivotal moments by Emily’s soaring vocals,  together, they create an unforgettable experience full of amazement, intrigue, and edge-of-your-seat excitement.

(Prepare to be astonished as the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary right before your eyes.)

“Really beautiful! I loved it” PENN AND TELLER”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 27 July 2023 @ 16:00 (50mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

Yes! Our wonderful friend and director, the marvellous Rhys Morgan of Morgan & West highly recommended us applying to be part of the Bedfringe as it is well-run, well-attended, well-marketed and a truly wonderful experience.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In 2024, we had the amazing opportunity to work and develop our show on cruise ships and in various venues on land across the country.

We met in 2023 and wanted to stay together so we had the idea of combining Marc’s music and my singing to be an act by itself. We managed to swing eight cruises together in 2024, with Marc performing his magic shows, and myself performing my singing songs, and us offering our act as an extra show on board. These contracts, along with our dates on land, gave us so much in the way of practice and feedback, learning what worked best, which props to use, lighting, technical details, what to add, what to take away – and we are still tweaking and honing to this day and probably will never stop!

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a unique fusion of magic, mind-reading and live music – designed to bring you an experience you won’t see anywhere else. We’ve combined our talents to weave music seamlessly into the world of illusion. You can expect world-class magic, jaw-dropping sleight of hand and mind-reading that will have you questioning reality, all set to the power of live opera and smooth jazz. With plenty of audience interaction and surprises along the way, this show is where music meets mystery and you’re part of the magic.

What should your audience see at Bedfringe after they’ve seen your show?

If it’s more magic you’re after, then we recommend Matt Daniel-Baker – just atonishing, and The Most Perfect Magic Show EVER – just brilliant!

And comedy, Esther is hilarious in her show Slagbomb, and the wonderful Patrick Monahan who is fabulous.

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