October 2025 sees the return of the Faversham Fringe festival and a month of shows at the Arden Theatre, the Alexander Centre and the Guildhall. Running from the 3rd to 26th October, this festival is now in its 9th year of operation and with tickets from as little as £5, it is a brilliant opportunity to watch a range of performances in Kent. Spanning the genres of drama, comedy, music, cabaret, poetry, improv, drag and family shows, there really is something for everyone, and what’s fantastic about this festival is that performances are scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. I for one can’t wait to head back and forth to Faversham throughout the month, taking in as much local theatre as I can. Whether it’s your first Faversham Fringe or you’ve been heading to the festival for the past few years, it’s going to be an exciting few weeks.
Headline performances
The first of the headline performances for this year is former double act Fiasco Job Job, made up of Arthur Smith and Phil Nice, who are presenting their reunion show ‘Oof!’ at the Arden Theatre on Sunday 12th October. Stand up comedian Mrs Smith also takes to the stage with ‘1,2,3 Eyes on Me!’ on Sunday 26th October.
Shows to look out for
Festival Director Ribs Norman is back with ‘Mumorial’ on Friday 24th October. I watched this show last year on the final day of the festival and was moved by how emotional and amusing it was.
Julie Flower’s ‘Grandma’s Shop’ makes its festival return, with the performer taking audiences through the story of her grandmother Hilda Flower and her second hand shop in Sheffield. Childlike wonder fuses with fun characters in this lively and nostalgic show! Julie also joins forces with Sarah Davies in ‘Twinprov: The Improvised Surprise Party’, which sees the pair set out to do some party planning.
Actress, comedian and improviser Abigail Paul is bringing ‘Miss Communication’ to the festival for the first time, fresh from a European tour and performances at Brighton Fringe in 2024. I’ve been a big fan of Abigail’s work since the performer made her Edinburgh debut with ‘Involuntary Momslaughter’ and audiences have so much to look forward to with this comedy show.
Ryan James Abbott and Haus of Heels dance company are returning to the festival with ‘The Last Haus of Heels’. Think 1 hour of electric choreography, covering commercial, contemporary, vogue and musical theatre jazz styles, and that’s what you can expect from the company’s next dance showcase. This is the group’s fourth Faversham Fringe and it is sure to be an exciting hour of dance!
Becky Brown’s new play ‘Chapter 11’ is set in the 1920s and follows what happens when an acclaimed adventure novelist’s ghost writer dies. With one chapter of his next book left to write, the writer enlists the help of his butler. I like the sound of this new piece of writing, which covers a somewhat under explored topic.
Booking tickets to see Faversham Fringe shows
I am currently interviewing lots of Faversham Fringe acts, so be sure to come back here in a couple of weeks to find out more about some of the shows on the schedule. For further information about this year’s festival and to purchase tickets, head to the Faversham Fringe website.
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