The city’s artistic pulse quickens as the Sydney Fringe Festival returns in 2023 with a sensational lineup of over 400 captivating events.
From September 1st to 30th, Sydney will transform into a playground of creativity, stretching from Moore Park to The Rocks, and Parramatta to Kensington Street, Chippendale. The Sydney Fringe Festival 2023 promises an immersive experience like no other. With a diverse array of offerings spanning theatre, music, comedy, visual art, film, musical theatre, dance, circus, street festivals, literature, and poetry, attendees can expect a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences.
Breaking away from tradition, the festival breathes new life into the city’s forgotten corners. Abandoned warehouses, historic laneways, and repurposed venues are transformed into captivating performance spaces, providing an exciting backdrop for artistic expression. Expect the unexpected as Sydney Fringe Festival 2023 brings a multitude of highlights to the stage. From free gigs that capture the city’s rhythm to a unique musical tribute to the enigmatic Elephant Man, the festival invites attendees to witness the extraordinary. Additionally, pop-up piano bars promise a harmonious fusion of music and ambiance.
This year introduces new festival hubs that amplify the festival’s essence. In Moore Park, the Spiegeltent Festival Garden blooms at The Showring, housing the comedic spectacle The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical. Directed by Guy Masterson, an Olivier Award winner, this uproarious show combines Beauty and the Beast with the vivacity of The Book of Mormon. Nearby, the Vault, a 300-seat circus dome, hosts the uproarious comedy acrobats Headfirst Acrobatics in their show Godz.
The festival bursts into life with the Fringe Ignite opening night party on September 2 in The Rocks. Historic laneways and sandstone buildings set the stage for a tantalising preview of the festival’s offerings. The Sydney Fringe Sideshow, held every Thursday to Sunday, promises a collection of immersive shows in pop-up spaces. The legendary Lola’s Piano Bar returns, enchanting attendees with its musical theater charm.
Parramatta embraces the festival with a pop-up cabaret club at Riverside Theatre, headlined by Big Thick Energy. The program offers cabaret, comedy, and a pop-up piano bar. The renowned Young Henrys’ Best Served Loud live music series makes its Parramatta debut, offering an exhilarating blend of live music and good times.
The festival scatters pop-up activations across the city center. Acoustic Ritual at George Place presents free morning concerts by local singer-songwriters, while Circular Quay’s Sydney Place transforms into a mesmerising art block party. Darling Quarter sets up a family-friendly circus tent for Fringe Kids, featuring the internationally acclaimed sensation Circus – The Show.
As the festival draws to a close on September 30, Kensington Street comes alive with Caribbean culture. The El Gran Mono collective hosts a closing party featuring DJs, live music, and dance, celebrating the rich tapestry of Caribbean artistry.
Marking Kerri Glasscock’s 10th year as Festival Director and CEO, the 2023 festival promises to be a milestone in creative expression. Discover the full program here.