A Rumbustious Hurrah from Team Totnes Fringe

Here is our piping-hot update from the valiant souls steering the twin chariots of Programming and Fundraising for what is shaping up to be a rather sensational inaugural Totnes Fringe Festival.

First, a doff of the proverbial hat and a thunderous round of applause to our NEW sponsor, the magnificent Ben’s Farm Shop. What a joy to have their wholehearted backing—a name synonymous with quality, community, and curiously good chutneys. Add to this the sterling support of Totnes Town Council, the ever-sparkling Chartsedge Estate Agents, and the theatrical heartbeats at Dartington Playgoers, and you begin to understand why our collective Fringe hearts are doing cartwheels of gratitude.

Plus, everyone who gave so generously to our CROWDFUNDER!! Thank you!

Now, I must draw your attention to the titanic feat achieved by our Programming Team—those spreadsheet sorcerers and logistical wizards who have wrestled with time itself to piece together a schedule of shows so dazzling, so diverse, so downright delectable that we’re still catching our breath. Hours—nay, days—spent in deep debate over acts, scratching heads, re-jigging slots… it has been a labour of love and a triumph of tenacity.

We are thrilled to welcome to Totnes a veritable smorgasbord of performance delights including a lineup of bold new writing from Devon and across the UK, enchanting puppetry for kids, reimagined classics, and electrifying performances in contemporary dance. Look out for Barrel House delights. From Devon with Love, Grumpy Old Woman in the Attic, Death by PowerPoint and Explaining Being Pan to Nan, etc. And at other venues – Be Gay For Gods Sake, Raven, Hansel and Gretal and Welcome to Gaza.

Guiding this merry band of visionaries is our tenacious and wildly talented Director Danielle McIlven, who has led with imagination and daring from day one. Flanking her like loyal lions of logistics and passion are our stalwart leads: Shelley Hodgson, Susie Hudson, Rosie Race, Lucy Matthews, Julie Mullen and Ceni Wyatt—whose energy, enthusiasm, and enviable snack contributions have kept this Fringe flame alight. **Big thanks to Tracie Gillies/Barrel House**forever in our festival hearts.

And let us not forget the beating heart of it all—you, dear Totnes. The mood in the town is one of joyous anticipation, curious delight, and whispered rumours of magical happenings to come. The raffle prizes, donated generously by our wonderful local shops, are the stuff of legends (and very good fudge).

So, sound the trumpets and strike up the kazoo band—Tickets go on sale soon! There will be options galore: weekend wristbands, day passes, and of course, individual tickets for your show-picking pleasure. Watch this space and sharpen your calendars.  Venues include : The Barrel House (naturally), Totnes Castle, Leechwell Gardens, Bogan House, The Royal Seven Stars Pub, Civic Hall, (see the full list in our fabulous FRINGE brochure also coming very soon – look out for them).

The First Ever Totnes Fringe Festival is not just an event. It is a blooming. A blossoming. A belter of a bash. And with your help, it’s going to be utterly unforgettable.

 

Plus there’s a star-studded celebratory preview event at the Barrel House 28th May – get tickets here.

JULY 11th, 12th, 13th 2025, Weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Yours in theatrical anticipation and irrepressible delight,
Team Totnes Fringe
(Programming & Fundraising Division, caffeine-fuelled and joyfully unhinged).