ABSOLUT Fringe
8 – 23 September
You’d almost worry that the ABSOLUT Fringe is getting a bit too popular for its quirky, subversive boots. But then you see a line-up ranging from a boat trip on the Liffey to living a video game, and you know it still retains its deliciously creative soul after 18 years on the job.
Days before the Dublin Theatre Festival hits town, these guys run riot. Shows that resist mainstream theatre huddle together for a wild 16 days of spectacle.
Spanning dance, theatre, comedy, music and performances that probably don’t have a name yet – the shows are varied, reasonably priced and sometimes free.
Don’t let ABSOLUT Fringe leave town without blowing your mind.
Don’t Miss
The curtain raiser duties lie with Fiona Sheil in her production A Blinding Glimpse of the Obvious; a revelation for anyone who has ever wondered who is really in charge - the mind, the heart or the brain. For the third year running Fergal McCarthy returns to Dublin to continue his love affair with the Liffey in Word River. Macnas has returned for 2012 as well, so expect a night of typical explosive style at this free, outdoor spectacular. Before the festival is over be sure to catch "Ireland's hardest working Man-Band", the LORDS OF STRUT. Overflowing in charm, the lords will light up your evening.
Make a day of it
One of the maddest in a mad Fringe line-up is the Just in Time game. Players act as time-traveling police hunting for a time-travelling criminal. With a countdown of one hour, you'll have to catch her before it's too late. In the evening head to Sugarglass Theatre Company's All Hell Lay Beneath, and lose yourself to dancing, drinking, and discovery. They've been called the theatre company to watch this year, and we can't help but agree. Efterklang, one of the 'most engaging and original bands on the live circuit' has promised to appear, and you can bet we'll be there.
An evening on the Fringe
Pick a show, any show! Sold out at every festival they've played across the world, Briefs is about to rock Dublin. It's Burlesque with beards. Combine a night of Briefs with a classic dinner and a show with tapas at Salamanca. Or make a date with some mindblowing karaoke at Rockeroke. Post-performance, follow the crowd to the suitably cool Dice Bar. As you walk along the Liffey, don't forget to keep a sharp eye out for the eerie prose of Fergal McCarthy's Word River.
