The New Zealand Fringe Festival is set to launch its 20th festival in grand style with the launch of the 2010 programme at The Mighty Mighty bar, this Thursday January 28 form 5.30pm to 9pm.
In keeping with the 20th birthday theme, the event promises to have a gigantic cake, some serious flamage and more than a few surprises. And of course, because it’s Fringe there will be some exciting entertainment to help wash down the drinks and food provided.
Much-loved comedian Raybon Kan will MC the evening which will also include stunning masquerade tango dancers, musical comedy from the One Night Stands and video vignettes from the awfully terrific hosts of the Fringe’s very own talk show The Chit Chat Lounge, Derek Flores and Vinyl Burns.
Two very special guests with a long time association with Fringe that have attained significant international recognition will preside over the official programme launch it’s a secret for now! and there will be cake-cutting and eating-of-cake and drinking of special Fringe-cocktails conjured up by the Mighty Mighty.
In 2010 The New Zealand Fringe Festival celebrates its 20th birthday with a strong line-up featuring 80 original and captivating cutting edge productions (up from the initial entry of 75), spanning comedy, theatre, dance, visual arts and music. And for events not easy to fit in a box there’s a new category: ‘What the Fringe?’
Renowned for being the birthplace of great homegrown artistic endeavours, over the years the Fringe has seen the likes of comedians Rhys Darby and Ben Hurley, Flight of the Conchords and Strike Percussion wow audiences before hitting the big time overseas.
Key Fringe 2010 dates
January 28: Programme Launch media event
February 12: Fringe 2010 launches
March 7: Fringe Awards and festival ends