Fringe benefits

The Dublin Fringe Festival is Ireland’s largest arts festival and consistently pushes the boundaries, says Tom Lawlor, one of the Fringe marketing team.

One of the major highlights of the 2007 festival, he says, is La Clique, (pictured) taking place in the Spiegeltent. This features a mix of cabaret, new burlesque, circus and contemporary vaudeville.
The production is sexy, funny, dangerous and has sold almost every ticket in its short two-year history, says Lawlor. Critics, he adds, have been unanimous in their praise. He promises a night of danger, sensuality and unadulterated pleasure. Be warned, though, La Clique is likely to sell out early so book as soon as you can.
Coming to Dublin after a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival is Particularly In The Heartland, an award-winning investigation of the smalltown American mentality in the 21st century.
Three young siblings from Kansas, brought up on Biblical literalism, are desperately trying to make sense of their situation when they find themselves suddenly orphaned, says Lawlor.
Arguably as innovative is The Urban Playground, presented by Prodigal Theatre Company and Yamakasi. The production introduces audiences to Parkour, or free running – the use of a urban landscape as an obstacle course.
Also on the calendar is theatre/dance presentation, Ketzal, a winner of Russian’s prestigious The Golden Mask award. The production is by Derevo.
Moving from a Russian production to an Irish one, drag-artist Panti stars in All Dolled Up, which tells the clearly surreal tale of “the Queen of Ireland, Pandora Panti Bliss”. For those wishing to get up close and personal with Ireland’s top drag queen, the show is not to be missed.
For further information telephone +353 1 828 or visit www.fringefest.com