The Free Fringe Ltd

Free Fringe shows are free to performers and free to audience. Please help us keep it that way and allow access to the arts for everyone.

Every August in Edinburgh The Free Fringe delivers 6,000 hours of quality comedy, theatre, cabaret, music, children’s, science, horror and spoken word for zero pounds.

At the Free Fringe the performer has paid nothing to us or the venue. There are no tickets, and the audience pays nothing either unless they want to donate at the end. Most do, some cannot afford to, and that’s all good.

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Hothouse Theatre Pod 01

This is a brief report to our members, friends and supporters, to let them know what we've been up to over the last 12 months.

It contains short audio extracts from some of the projects with brief introductions.

This is the first episode of our new Hothouse Theatre Podcast, and it will be followed up more in the future featuring full episodes of audio dramas, poems and short yarns. Watch this space!

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Nottingham Playhouse

The legendary Nottingham Playhouse panto reaches new heights with a giant of a show – Jack and the Beanstalk!

When Jack exchanges the family cow for mysterious beans, he begins an epic adventure when they grow into an enormous beanstalk. Join Jack as he bravely climbs to discover a land above the clouds, where a ferocious giant lurks in his castle. Will Jack outwit the giant and leave with his magic harp? And can he bag the golden egg-laying goose that will change his family’s fortunes forever?

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Nottingham Arts Theatre

After being raised at Hardup Hall by her father, the Baron, Cinderella finds herself with a new step-mother and two step-sisters. They treat Cinderella like a servant but she has a few friends to help her along the way including; Buttons & Moz, a teenage mouse! Prince Charming is holding a very big party for everyone in the town but the Baroness won’t let Cinderella go until she has finished all her chores.

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Nottingham Playhouse

Meet the newest duckling on the pond.

To everyone’s surprise, they’re nothing like the rest of the family.

As the seasons change, the duckling heads out on a mission to find some new friends. Along the way they encounter some crafty creatures and have exciting adventures before discovering that the best thing to be, is yourself.

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Theatre Royal, Nottingham

TV fashionista Gok Wan will lead the cast of Peter Pan as The Magical Merman along with TV personality and actress Denise Welch as Captain Hook, children’s TV favourite Paul Chuckle as Starkey, comedy ventriloquist, & BGT Finalist Steve Hewlett as Smee along with Kate Stewart as Tink, Molly Farmer as Wendy and Aiden Carson as Peter Pan.

This family treat will include all your favourites from Neverland including Tinker Bell, Wendy, John and Michael Darling. With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, Peter Pan will take your whole family on a magical trip to Neverland like never before!

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Lace Market Theatre, Nottingham

The miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, learns to appreciate the need to value people above wealth and possessions in Dickens’ timeless classic, and to understand that the human spirit can rise above any adversity.

With a story line faithful to the original book, sing-along carols, a Greek-style chorus, and fast-moving changes of scene and character, this version broke box office records when first performed at the then Derby Playhouse.

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Robin Hood Theatre, Averham, Nr Newark

A rollercoaster of a comedy show for all the family; a hilarious, rip-roaring adventure encountering swashbuckling pirates, tropical islands and high seas. Experience the epic adventure of Treasure Island as you've NEVER seen it before. Set sail with Long John Silver and some other characters you may not expect and prepare for a belly laughing journey to the Caribbean and back. X marks the spot this Christmas! Arrrghh!

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Nottingham Playhouse

Led by Deaf actor and creative Donna Mullings, be prepared to explore all things that make panto fun like slapstick comedy, the art of audience interaction and recognisable stock characters.

This workshop is designed for families, so parents should book and stay (and are thoroughly encouraged to get involved!) Deaf and hearing should expect a fantastic time!

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Djanogly Theatre, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham

Join us for this magical Christmas show for kids as we take you out to sea to meet a little whale...

Noi lives with his Dad and six cats by the sea. One summer, while his Dad was busy at work, Noi rescued a little whale that washed up on the beach. A friendship began that changed their lives forever.

The following winter his Dad takes one last trip on his fishing boat. Noi is alone once more and longs to see his friend again. He waits and watches, watches and waits…

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The Place Activity Centre, Sherwood, Nottingham (16th Dec)
Bakersfield Community Centre, Nottingham (18th Dec)

This Christmas Hothouse Theatre's Christmas offering is a unique night of seasonal stories to get you into the mood for the holiday.

Featuring a rehearsed reading of Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales, the evening will bring together local writers and performers sharing their favourite festive tales.

There will also be an open mic section.

This evening is a Bring Your Own Bottle event.
It is also a pay-what-you-can (suggested donations £5).

Ticket available from the venue, on the door or online
The Place Activity Centre, Sherwood, Nottingham
(16th Dec) click here

Bakersfield Community Centre, Nottingham
(18th Dec) click here

Nottingham Central Library

This ever popular experience is for people who love to make theatre really quickly.

Join Participation Producer Tia Elvidge for a fun filled day putting together a potted pantomime for sharing with friends and family in the afternoon.

A whole panto in one day? It can’t be done. Oh yes it can!

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Nottingham Central Library

This ever popular experience is for people who love to make theatre really quickly.

Join Participation Producer Tia Elvidge for a fun filled day putting together a potted pantomime for sharing with friends and family in the afternoon.

A whole panto in one day? It can’t be done. Oh yes it can!

click here

Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham

Flying High Young Company from Arnold, Nottingham invites you to come and follow Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion along the Yellow Brick Road to self-discovery where the Wizard of Oz is not all he seems. This is a retelling of a well-known story with original songs by professional musician/actor, Jack Quarton, also from Arnold. Through creative storytelling with a modern eco-friendly twist, The Wizard of Oz is performed by a vibrant young company who had sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer. This a show for all the family and not one to be missed.

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Nottingham Central Library

Join Participation Producer Tia Elvidge for a fun filled day pulling together a potted pantomime for sharing with friends and family in the afternoon.

A whole panto in one day? It can’t be done. Oh yes it can!

click here

National Justice Museum

As we celebrate the end of 1968, and Nottingham is in the full throes of the swinging sixties. The vibrant melting pot of music, art, social unrest and change. After four years of bringing the grooviest sounds and hottest bands to our little city, The Dungeon club is closing down, and Mike Rophone, the owner wants to make sure it goes in style.

Where better than the former County Gaol, whose own dungeon lurks beneath the court. The perfect venue celebrates the last hurrah for The Dungeon Club.

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