Fringe Week arts festival next up at Rugby Theatre

David Bradley at Rugby Theatre. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Featuring a Harry Potter star, an Edinburgh Fringe comedy show, gripping drama and more, a week-long arts festival is back at Rugby Theatre from 2-10 May. Rugby Theatre’s Fringe Week will see a variety of acts appearing at the historic town centre venue, with tickets starting at just £10.

The festival kicks off with Michael Mansfield KC, one of Britain’s most influential barristers, who represented victims and families in landmark cases such as the Hillsborough disaster, the Stephen Lawrence inquiry and the Birmingham Six miscarriage of justice (2 May).

Michael Mansfield. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Next up is BAFTA-winning actor David Bradley, celebrated for his iconic roles in Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and Doctor Who. In this intimate and entertaining event, performed in support of Birmingham Children’s Hospital, David will reflect on his remarkable career, with behind-the-scenes stories and plenty of good-humoured name-dropping along the way (3 May).

Drama comes next, with a powerful one-man play that brings the life of Richard Burton vividly to the stage. Performed by local actor Lloyd Richards, Playing Burton (6 May) explores the passion, brilliance and contradictions of one of the greatest actors of the 20th century.

Lloyd Richards. Photo courtesy of the artist.

On 7 May, audiences have the opportunity to watch three short plays in one evening, including brand-new drama written by members of Rugby Theatre’s writers’ group. Black Box Productions, named after the minimalist, stripped back set, is a perfect way to experience theatre in the making, bringing fresh voices to stage.

Spoken word is next on the bill, with live performances from two powerful and distinctive poetic voices. Two Voices, One Evening of Poetry (8 May) sees local poet Ann Atkins, along with best-selling author and poet Charlotte Faulconbridge, bring sharp humour, fierce honesty and energy to the stage.

Poet Charlotte Faulconbridge. Photo courtesy of the artist.

In Having a Baby – The Sh!t They Don’t Tell You in Books (9 May), comedian Lou Cox performs a preview of her Edinburgh Fringe comedy show, with a no-holds-barred whirlwind of witty anecdotes and graphic storytelling about the emotional rollercoaster that is the journey to motherhood (suitable for ages 18+).

Comedian Lou Cox. Photo courtesy of the artist.

To close the week, the Rugby Irish Community Drama Group are performing The Field by celebrated Irish playwright John B Keane. In a small, rural community, a routine land sale sparks a fierce and dangerous battle. For ‘The Bull’ McCabe, the field he has worked for years is more than land – it’s pride, identity and survival (10 May, matinee added due to popular demand).

The cast of The Field. Photo courtesy of the artists.

“We are thrilled to yet again be bringing an eclectic mix of drama, comedy and spoken word to our stage, in order to showcase even more local talent and visiting acts,” say Rugby Theatre’s joint artistic directors Emma Bright and Mark Tolchard. “Fringe Week really does offer something for everyone – we hope to see you there!”

Fringe Week runs from 2-10 May. Tickets are available from the Rugby Theatre box office on 01788 541234, or www.rugbytheatre.co.uk.