By Kasia Ozog
Published: Thursday, February 10, 2022
Adelaide comes alive with colour, culture and energy during the Fringe, and there’s no denying it’s one of the most popular events on the state’s calendar. It’s easy to see why the Fringe is a world-renowned festival. How lucky are we, SA?
The Fringe officially opens on 17 February with the Welcome Ceremony – Kumangka Palti Yerta in Victoria Square/Tartanyangga, which you can watch online or experience live.
The Adelaide Fringe showcases more than 1000 shows during its run and we’ve chosen five we’re keen to check out.
Wow factor
Sky Song
Where: Adelaide Showground
When: 18 February–20 March
Hundreds of drones take to the night sky in illuminated formation, creating captivating images while stories of Australia’s First Peoples are told through poetry and song. It’s presented by Drone art specialists Celestial and narrated by singer-songwriter Archie Roach. The show covers topics like belonging, connection to Country and reconciliation over five chapters designed to inspire and educate audiences. The organisers promise it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Book here.
Interactive
Electric Dreams: VR Swings “Volo: Dreams of Flight”
Where: Front lawns at South Australian Museum
When: 18 February–March 20
This Fringe event is a new take on a beloved childhood playground favourite. Sit on a swing, pop on a headset and strap in for a wild ride by choosing one of four exhilarating 15-minute virtual reality experiences. Each offers different flight sensations.
It’s inspired by the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s flying contraptions and his pioneering work. Swing over mountains, skim along water, fly like a bird and encounter aliens. This sounds like it could make for some great footage, so make sure you have someone on hand to film your ride.
Book here.
Circus/Cabaret
Blanc de Blanc Encore
Where: Spiegeltent, Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 18 February – 20 March
Fringe favourites Blanc de Blanc bring glitz, glamour, a little bit of naughtiness, and a whole lot of talent to their show Encore. Get ready for extravagance, vintage French flair, risqué humour, jaw-dropping aerials, big dance numbers and plenty of wow factor. This is a cheeky show that’s guaranteed to delight adult audiences.
Book here.
Kids and Family
Put on Your Dancing Shoes with Humphrey
Where: Gluttony, Rymill Park
When: 18 February – 20 March
Those who haven’t had an opportunity to experience the magic of Humphrey B Bear, now’s your chance. Those who did but cling to the nostalgia from their childhood, you’re in luck. Humphrey will dance, prance and bumble his way through this one-hour interactive show in the way those who grew up with him know and love, while also captivating and gaining a new following. After the performance, audience members have an opportunity to get a photo with Adelaide’s famous bear.
Book here.
Comedy/Cabaret
Hans: A Night At The SYMPH-honey!
Where: Thebarton Theatre
When: 17–19 March
Quite possibly South Australia’s, err, we mean Germany’s, greatest export, Berlin’s boy wonder and international superstar, Hans, returns to the Adelaide Fringe with the world premiere of his latest show. Featuring his usual fabulous troupe of singers and dancers, this time he’ll also have a live 18-piece orchestra. Covering everything from Beethoven and Beyonce to Mozart and Madonna, you’ll be in the best hands (or Hans) for an utterly entertaining evening.
Book here.
And great news for those who live in regional areas – the Adelaide Fringe is going on tour!
- Murray Bridge Fringe (25 February–6 March)
- Fringe at Victor Harbor (27 February)
- Kingston Fringe (4–6 March)
- Naracoorte Fringe (11–13 March)
- River Fringe, Riverland (11–20 Mar)
- Whyalla UneARTh Festival (19–26 Mar)