Overview
Boasting programs where anything and everything can and does happen, fringe festivals are an ode to leaping out of your comfort zone, revelling there and never wanting to leave. New South Wales' largest independent arts fest, Sydney Fringe Festival fits that bill perfectly. Each year, it amasses a jam-packed lineup that's never the same twice, and splashes its playful vibe all around the Harbour City — and, based on its just-announced first highlights for 2023, that's firmly in order again this year.
The full 2023 program hasn't be revealed as yet, but will arrive in advance of the fest's Friday, September 1–Saturday, September 30 dates. For now, however, it has dropped details about a number of headliners, as well as a brand-new hub.
First, the shows. Musical-comedy The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical is one instant standout, and will make its Sydney debut at Sydney Fringe. It takes the story of Joseph Merrick, which has been seen on-screen and on the stage before, and turns it into an all-singing, all-dancing spectacle — and it's playing the fest before making its way to Broadway and the West End.
Also on the bill is GODZ, which heads to Ancient Greece, hangs out with gods such as Cupid and Hercules, and sends them on an odyssey with storytelling, circus and laughs. Or, for audiences of all ages, there's CIRCUS — The Show, which even includes a clown with a six-foot balloon.
Mali Cohen
Sydney Fringe's 2023 lineup spans the return of pop-up musical-theatre club Lola's Piano Bar, Young Henrys' Best Served Loud live music series hitting Parramatta for the first time and free morning concerts courtesy of proven favourite Acoustic Ritual at George Place, too. To kick things off, Fringe Ignite will take over The Rocks with an opening-night shindig, while a closing-night party on Kensington Street will bookend the fest with a celebration of Caribbean culture.
And, this year's fest features a big new spot to hang out thanks to the Spiegeltent Festival Garden at the EQ Showring in Moore Park. The Entertainment Quarter will host Sydney Fringe's big top, which is where The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical will entertain audiences — and 300-seater circus dome The Vault, which'll be home to GODZ.
Elsewhere around town, the Sydney Fringe Sideshow will also be back in The Rocks, and Parramatta's Riverside Theatre will turn into a pop-up cabaret club headlined by Big Thick Energy.
If that sounds huge already, it is, but that's always the case. The festival also released an impact report about the event, as produced by Hawkridge Entertainment Services, which found that the 2022 festival generated over $36 million in economic impact for the city of Sydney and produced over 400 full time jobs.
"Each year Sydney Fringe Festival has gone from strength to strength, hosting big international names and nurturing local talent. Over my ten years as Festival Director and CEO, I've seen Sydney Fringe Festival develop into a world-class event and I'm so proud of what our community has created," said Kerri Glasscock, announcing both the 2023 lineup highlights so far and the impact report.
"Globally recognised for our unique festival model, we've established game changing activations and pilot projects that have driven lasting change within the city, and this new report is evidence of the vital role Fringe and our local artists play in Sydney's economy."
"This 2023 program is set to be better than ever, kicking off with Fringe Ignite and seeing the return of the fabulous Spiegeltent as part of our exciting precinct takeover at Entertainment Quarter."
Sydney Fringe Festival 2023 will take place from Friday, September 1–Saturday, September 30, with the event's full program set to be announced in the coming months. For further information in the interim, head to the fest's website.