THE TALISMAN Fringe is celebrating one year of entertaining audiences in Kenilworth.
The Talisman Theatre launched its fringe event in May 2022, born out of its successful ‘Tea with the Tali’ initiative, which saw the Talisman produce weekly audio plays when theatres were shut throughout the covid lockdowns.
As restrictions were lifted and theatres and other public venues began to reopen, the Talisman Theatre sought to branch out to reach new audiences, by developing a theatrical experience that would provide something new and different in Kenilworth.
With the aim of putting the arts right at the heart of the local community, the Talisman Fringe takes place on the first Thursday of each month at the Holiday Inn.
Over the last year, it has given a platform to a whole host of talent, including budding actors, directors, local musicians, dance troupes and community groups.
Two such groups who have performed at the Talisman Fringe are Fiery Feet Dance Studio, a Leamington based dance school offering a wide range of classes to young people, and Side by Side, a charitable theatre organisation involving adults with and without learning disabilities or neurodiversity to produce unique and inclusive theatre.
The next show on Thursday (May 4) is set to be a birthday special where audiences will be treated to three contrasting short plays and music from two brothers from Kenilworth School, who are members of the National Youth Orchestra.
All performers at the Talisman Fringe are voluntary with a real passion for delivering great quality theatre, music and improvisation.
Rod Wilkinson, Talisman Fringe Co-Ordinator said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating one year of the Talisman Fringe offering a wide range of artistic talent to new and growing audiences. Over the last year, we’ve been able to incorporate drama, comedy, dance, improvisation and a broad spectrum of music styles into our shows, which offer something for everyone.
“Each month we are seeing lots of new faces, people we haven’t seen at the theatre before with our 7.30pm performance often sold out due to huge popularity. There is a small creative team responsible for running the Talisman Fringe and each of us are passionate about broadening our outreach and attracting a new and diverse array of talent to come and perform with us. We are always on the look out for new groups and local artists to get involved.”
Anyone interested in performing or getting involved should get in touch with the Talisman Theatre via their website www.talismantheatre.co.uk/fringe or go along to the next Fringe night to meet the team.
Tickets for the next performance of the Talisman Fringe can also be booked online on the Talisman Theatre’s website.
