Kent and Medway-based fans of the arts have just a few days left to catch the final performances at the 2026 Medway Fringe Festival. Founded by local creative Ron Riddell, the person behind Chatham’s very own Spotlites Theatre, the festival has been taking place since 4th July and features more than 50 unique acts spanning comedy, theatre, music, spoken word and community arts. My focus is on Edinburgh at the moment, but I couldn’t let this event pass, without acknowledging that there is a new fringe festival happening locally across various Medway venues.
Theatre events
It’s no secret that theatre is my focus on the website and here are the events happening this weekend in this category.
Thursday 16th July
Pierrepoint: The People’s Hangman
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Venue: Spotlites Theatre, 338 High St, Chatham, Kent, United Kingdom
No Frills Theatre Company presents a play about English hangman Albert Pierrepoint, who executed an estimated 435 people in a 25-year career with HMP Prisons between the 1930s and 1950s. Catch the show at MedFringe before it heads to the Edinburgh Fringe this August.
Saturday 18th July
Spotlites Night at the Musicals
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Venue: Spotlites Theatre, 338 High St, Chatham, Kent, United Kingdom
A 90-minute showcase featuring new and old songs from musicals that is brought to life by a community cast.
I am Dyslexic & Proud
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Venue: The Bohemian, 2 High Street, Chatham, Kent, United Kingdom
An evening with Sam Rapp The Dyslexic poet, featuring a Q&A and poetry. A personal insight into dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, slight ADHD and everyday life.
Kit the Musical by Julian Ng
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Venue: Spotlites Theatre, 338 High St, Chatham, Kent, United Kingdom
A new musical by Julian Ng about the life of Christopher Marlowe, the famed Elizabethan playwright.
Make the most of the festival this weekend
You can browse the full festival programme via the MedFringe website and performances finish on Sunday 19th July. Beyond the theatre genre, there are various stand-up options for comedy fans across the weekend.
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