Stroud Fringe’s New “Cultural Haven”

Stroud, United Kingdom, August 25, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The venue will transform over the course of the weekend to host nationally renowned performers from the Stroud area, with a few guests from further afield invited along for good measure.

Friday night at the Lansdown will feature a line up of comedians who have been expertly selected by Stroud’s very own nationally acclaimed comedy director, script- editor, mentor and trainer. The acts, who would normally be found in the larger theatres across the UK include Perrier-Award nominated John Gordillo; described as "an inspiration, a consummate performer with an amazing talent, passion and intellect,” Gordon Southern, arriving with his show ‘Long Story Short’ direct from the Melbourne Comedy Festival, and Iszi Lawrence an 'upbeat' comedian 'with nicely improvised material' which sits well within her intelligent, witty and occasionally darkly satirical set. The evening will be musically accompanied by the wonderful house band “Punchlines” who will be improvising a soundtrack to snippets from stand up albums to open the evening and throughout the night.

Those who like their culture a little more dramatic will be interested in a full day of theatrical shenanigans curated by local actor, writer and director John Bassett. He is put together a programme of performances which will delight old and young alike. From Spaniel In the Works “Solider & The Snaggles” a lively performance for children aged 5 and above, to a performance by Stroud’s new improv group Whatever Next!, described as “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” with a Stroudie Twist.

Watch out for performances spilling out onto the streets on the Saturday too, with a uniquely theatrical walking tour of Stroud written by Stroud Scriptwriters Group especially commissioned for Stroud Fringe. The ‘3 Minute Wonders’ tour will start from the Subscription Rooms forecourt at 11.30am and 2.30pm, audiences will visit different shops in the town where they will encounter actors performing.

Spoken Word Sunday at the Fringe will include poetry and spoken word performances hosted by the festival’s very own poet-in-residence Adam Horovitz. The event kiosk off at midday on Sunday with Rick Vick presenting a selection of new voices from the Stroud Ale House Writers. The day will then feature a packed schedule of performances from local artists, such as Richard Austin, Uta Baldauf as well as those from a little further away, such as Gloucestershire Poet Laureate Brenda Read-Brown, and the inventive, imaginative and visionary poet Zelda Chappel.

The event will culminate in a performance of ‘Little Metropolis’, a selection of pieces commissioned by Stroud Fringe, written by Adam Horovtiz and musician Josef Reeve. The performance will include works which interweave voice collages of people who live in the town, focussing on much loved aspects of the area - such as “The Pelican” which explores growing up around the infamous pub.

All of the events are free of charge (with donations very welcome!) and will take place in Lansdown Gallery, Lansdown, Stroud, GL5 1BB over the weekend of August 28th - 30th 2015.

For full listings and times please check stroudfringe.co.uk or pick up a programme from a number of locations in the area.