Ventnor Fringe is back - and has got off to a busy start thanks to a huge schedule of shows ranging from comedy to music.
There are magic shows, circus acts, beautiful bunting adorning the parks, and music at every turn.
It's on until July 26 so there is plenty of time to go and check it out, and tickets for several shows are still available.
No stranger to Ventnor Fringe, musical comedian Huge Davies took to the stage at Ingram’s Yard for a practice run of his latest show.
While we won’t spoil it for those who might be watching him at the Edinburgh Fringe next week, Huge joked about his recent insomnia, followed by some audience participation and songs on his signature keyboard.
Speaking to the County Press after the performance, Huge revealed what keeps bringing him back to the Island.
“The audiences are really nice,” he said. “They’re very patient and listen well, which is all you want for 'work in progress' shows.
“You’ve got to try lots of new things and feel comfortable in the room.
“I said some things today that probably won’t make it into the show, but that’s good because everyone understands.”
Also on this week, among more than 100 shows, was the The Mr. Thing Show.
Social anxiety is afraid of The Mr. Thing Show - that’s the takeaway from an hour’s worth of literally everything, from cartwheeling children and audience members wearing cameras, to live jingles and Puppet Steve, who holds an even smaller puppet.
The premise is simple: Owen and Tom host a live TV show with a viewership as big as the number of audience members in the Ventnor Fringe tent.
People are called up on stage to demonstrate party trick talents, all while a narrative unfolds behind the scenes.
The show was messy and maybe even overwhelmingly chaotic, but you would want nothing else other than that while you spend an hour in the company of Alex Horne-esque parody songs, a live rendition of Guess Who, and even celebrity cameos.
One of the most delightfully silly shows was Webber, an irreverent run-through the life and times of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Whether or not the audience were fans of the man himself was of no consequence - they just needed to be armed with a wicked sense of humour.
The appreciative crowd encouraged the actors Grant Sharkey (Webber) and Laura Claire Reid (Margaret Thatcher - yep really!) on their journey through the Lord's illustrious career - a story told in a deliciously bawdy way.
This new musical could have legs. Or maybe, roller skates?
More to follow... the County Press will be at several more of the Fringe events.
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