Croydonites Fringe Festival 2024
Amy Gwilliam’s "Frankie Foxstone aka The Profit" brought her ruthless, satirical property developer to life with a hilarious walking tour of Croydon.
The first-ever Croydonites Fringe Festival took place in Croydon town centre from October 31 to November 3, 2024. With over 20 performances scattered across venues like The Front Room, The Venue on Middle Street, Studio 55, and The Green Dragon, the festival was a mix of theatre, comedy, music, and more. It felt like a fresh, exciting step forward for the local cultural scene.
Jessie Wren-Jacobs presented "This Porno Does Not Pass the Bechdel Test," a feminist tragicomedy that mixed humour with commentary on sex and ethics.
Na-Keisha Pebody’s "LEI-LDN" followed Chardaye, a young woman on a journey from Leicester to South London, blending spoken word and comedy to explore identity and belonging.
Will BF’s "Moon Team IIIV" offered a hilarious sci-fi mockumentary that poked fun at beloved movie franchises.
One of the best things about this festival was the variety. Whether you were into thought-provoking theatre or just wanted a good laugh, there was something for you.
Tom Marshman’s show “Section 28 and Me” dived into deeply personal reflections, exploring the impact of growing up under Section 28.
Dick Denham’s "Tricky" shared surreal observations on British culture and queer life in Croydon through stand-up comedy.
"Queer Croydon" brought drag, burlesque, and cabaret to the stage, celebrating the local LGBTQ+ talent.
What made it even better was that these weren’t your usual big stages but small, cosy venues that made every performance feel personal and immersive.
Minifigure at The Green Dragon
The Croydonites Fringe Festival wasn’t just about performances; it was about showcasing Croydon’s creativity and culture. Backed by Croydon BID, Croydon Council, and Arts Council England, it aimed to make the arts accessible to everyone. What stood out was its vibe. This wasn’t a corporate event. It celebrated local talent and authentic stories, making it feel connected to the heart of the community.
"We Can Be Heroes" was a joyful, colourful celebration of Croydon’s community spirit, with 30 locals lip-syncing to well-known tracks.
As a photographer, being part of this event was a privilege. Every moment was unique. The energy, creativity, and human connection of the festival were a joy to document. It felt like freezing a little piece of Croydon’s cultural history in time.
Big Mob Walkabout - a parade of hyper flexible interactive slinkies.
I think that the Croydonites Fringe Festival proved that Croydon is bursting with creativity and talent. It’s exciting to think about how this festival will grow in the coming years. Events like this remind us of the power of art to bring people together and inspire fresh perspectives. I can’t wait to see what’s next—and hopefully to be there to capture it all again.
"Improv The Dead" combined zombies and improv, with the audience playing a big part in steering this hilarious and unpredictable adventure.
