Packing a Punch at Buxton Fringe!

Punch and Judy over three decades ago

Back in the early 1980s, Punch and Judy was one of the very earliest shows at Buxton Fringe. So it is fun to see this knockabout entertainment back  for 2015, this time in a version brought to Buxton by FoolSize Theatre at Underground Venues.
Having just submitted our Fringe programme to the printer, we’ve been looking closely at all our categories and can tell you that the For Families section, while by no means one of our largest, is significantly bigger than it was last year and full of gems.

Punch and Judy is just one of a number of family shows at Underground Venues including ComedySportz, in which two improv comedy teams battle it out for laughs, The Kagools, offering fast-paced physical comedy and sketches, and Fringe Award-winning Victorian magic duo Morgan & West.

Over at the Arts Centre Studio, also managed during the Fringe by Underground Venues, acclaimed local company REC Youth Theatre presents Grimm Tales, featuring some of the world’s most enthralling fairytales, and Dame for a Laugh entertains tots with Nana & Nunu – The Big Sneeze!, featuring a cuddly but snuffly aardvark!

The Pavilion Gardens is enchanting at any time but never more so than during the Fringe, when it hosts a number of fantastic children’s shows and workshops. Look out for HandMade Theatre’s Flying the Nest teaching us all about birds with the help of a giant nest, and The Magical Storytelling Yurt, courtesy of High Peak Community Arts. Fringe regulars Stone and Water are also back inviting us to make Tiny! Pirates, plus the odd mermaid. While you are in the Gardens, don’t forget to pop into our Fringe Desk at the entrance to the conservatory for a free balloon and badge.

The fun continues with shows as diverse as Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury in a double bill with Cox and Box from talented young people’s company, PB Theatricals, and the irrepressible Theo the Mouse, back with an all-new circus-themed show. 

One of our Fringe reviewers described kids’ shows as his ‘guilty pleasure’. I can confirm that they are lots of fun for all ages so let’s spread the word about these top quality shows and performers. It’s also worth remembering that there are a host of little smiley faces dotted about the Fringe what’s on listings. These are not just because we are so happy – they are used by performers to suggest events in all sections that might be suitable for families. Our very own Fringe Sunday at the Pavilion Gardens bandstand on the afternoon of July 12 is just one of these so do bring your kids along to discover why Buxton Fringe is one of England’s very friendliest Fringes whatever your age.

Buxton Fringe

Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
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Twitter: @buxtonfringe