17/07/2020
The launch of Reading Fringe Festival and plenty of other regular events mean that this is another weekend worth staying in for. This is your Weekend Update!
FRIDAY 17 JULY
7pm – The Digital Fringe kicks off with RFD launch: Jollyboat Pirates. It’s hosted by BBC Berkshire’s Michelle Babs Jordan, who’s joined by award-winning comedy bards Tommy and Ed aka the Jollyboat Pirates, who present their best comedy songs from a 10 year career as one of the most popular acts at Edinburgh Fringe.
https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/rfd-launch-jollyboat-pirates/
8pm – another online edition of MISSION:IMPROVable from Mad Monkey Improv. Expect all the usual improv games you know and love as these talented comics create hilarious hijinks on the spot.
https://www.facebook.com/madmonkeyimprov/live
9pm – MORE improv with Festival Launch Night: Hell Yeah! A supHer group of London’s hottest q***r improv talent - Ariane Barnes, Rosie Bergonzi, Kemah Bob, Vera Chok, Sadie Clark, Laura Evelyn, Francesca Renèe Reid and Katy Schutte, and hosted by Monica Gaga. Prepare for laughs, laments, liberation and no scripts.
https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/hell-yeah/
SATURDAY 18 JULY
2pm – Front Room Theatre present Not So Quiet on the Welsh Front. A World War, evacuated children, a woman with a secret and a beautiful stranger combine to become a radio drama told from a Brummie teddy bear’s perspective. Followed by a live Q&A with writer/star/director Natalie Wilcox.
https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/not-so-quiet-on-the-welsh-front/
5pm – We’re Live At Five: Taking Theatre Online, the first Reading Fringe panel featuring creatives talking about their craft. Today it’s theatre with Doug Kirby (Stage D'Or Productions), Adrian Tang (Exit Pursued by Panda) and Ian Renshaw and Helen Manners (The Culture Conspiracy). Moderated by South Street Arts Centre’s John Luther.
https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/live-at-five-taking-theatre-online/
5:30pm – Time for more Love In The Time Of Corona. Join local singer Nicole Monique Johnson (and hopefully her new cat poster) in her home studio for songs, stories, and chat. Maybe make some new friends.
https://www.facebook.com/events/307541597076660/
6:30pm – It’s Twin Sun's Virtual Party And Club Night! Reading-based DJ, production & songwriting duo Twin Sun bring all the energy and fun of their DJ Sets at everywhere from Glastonbury to Oakford Social Club direct to your home for Reading Fringe 2020!
https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/twin-suns-virtual-party-and-club-night/
SUNDAY 19 JULY
11am – Time for Mischief and Mayhem in Moominvalley. Magical puppetry, an ingenious pop-up book set, original music and interactive play will delight young audiences and encourage them to immerse themselves in a unique participatory story-telling. £10 per ticket, streaming on the Fringe website.
https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/moominland/
1:30pm – Crayola the Queen is back in town (virtually) for Crayola's Rainbow, a blend of interactive story-telling and song to create a playful, family friendly drag show to inspire and delight audience members of all ages!
https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/crayolas-rainbow/
5pm – We’re Live at Five – From Düsseldorf to Reading Fringe Digital. Today’s panel is all about the Reading- Düsseldorf connection, with Hedda Schattanik and Roman Szczesny (Apartment Monologue) and Fiona Leonard and Kelly Burke (Blue Goat Theatre). Hosted by Andrew Taylor of the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra.
https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/live-at-five-from-dusseldorf-to-reading-fringe-digital/
7pm – Reading Pride and MyUmbrella LGBT+ present another edition of Under the Brolly LIVE! The regular team will continue to discuss + identities and issues, share their experiences and interact with you lovely, lovely people.
https://www.facebook.com/events/904343346754745/
7pm – Back to the Fringe, and back to Nicole Monique Johnson, for The Stories Your Mother Will Tell You – a series of songs and stories of a time not so long ago in America. Expect Gospel, Folk, Classical, plus acapella anthems, rhythm and rhyme.
https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/the-stories-your-mother-will-tell-you/
8pm – Things get smooth at Purdy's Pop Up. Singer-songwriter PURDY hosts her popular Henley based Pop Up Jazz Club from the jazz club with her amazing band. Combining songs from her original albums with timeless tunes that have inspired her. £10 per ticket.
https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/purdys-pop-up/
And if that's not enough, there's plenty of on-demand content from the Fringe and, of course, on Reading Culture Live!
https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/whats-on/
https://www.readingculturelive.co.uk/events/
