Award-winning film and theatre at Lewisham Fringe

Film and theatre festival in Lewisham. Pic: The London Theatre

Film and theatre festival in Lewisham. Pic: The London Theatre

A fortnight of new plays, sketches, comedy, music and film is on offer at The Lewisham Fringe Festival.

The festival, which began on Tuesday and will continue until Sunday 16, is held at The London Theatre, Britain’s smallest purpose built theatre, on New Cross Road.

Artistic Director, Harry Denford said he is “excited” about the festival, as it is a chance for “people to hire a proper theatre cheaply” and “try things out”.

Groups or individuals can apply for an hour-long slot at £20-£60 and receive all their ticket money afterwards. The theatre provides basic lighting and accepts plays, sketch groups, solo shows, puppetry, dance, film and music. Some shows have already sold out.

This year there are 30 performances in total, including: Jenny Coyle’s comedy act, “Qualified to Date”, a one-sided insight into a first date between two strangers on Tuesday 11; Edward Bond’s powerful, anti-apartheid play, “Black Mass”, on Wednesday 12; the world première production of comedy, “Jesus Camp: The Musical” on Saturday 15 and a free play for children, “How Planes Fly” on Sunday 16.

The award-winning Italian film classic “Cinema Paradiso” will be screened with subtitles on Tuesday 11 and a two-day acting workshop will be offered for £110 on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12.

One of Denford’s highlights will be Sarah Kane’s “4.48 Psychosis” (performed Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 at 7pm, £14). This is a controversial work as the writer herself committed suicide before the initial performance in February 1999. It is a play without explicit characters or stage directions and consequently a challenge for any director.

A full list of performances can be seen here. Tickets are available at the door or via the website.

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