Alton Fringe Theatre is a local theatre group who take members from the age of seventeen upwards. There are no fees or subscriptions, just a willingness to get involved and contribute to whatever the group decides as to the next project. Alton Fringe Theatre formed in 1988 when a diverse and talented group found themselves working together for an Alton Arts Week ‘all-comers-welcome’ production of
Murder in the Cathedral, under the inspiring direction of Patrick Sandford. Since then The Fringe has produced one or two plays each year, occasionally in conjunction with other groups . It has also put together programmes of readings and songs. Although its main home was the Amery Hill School drama studio until it's demolition it has performed in numerous local venues, including the Alton Maltings Centre, Jane Austen’s house in neighbouring Chawton,at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and latterly at the Wessex Arts Centre, Alton College. The productions are small scale, low budget and performed to small audiences, but always aspiring to high artistic standards. As a result the performances have a character of intimacy and privilege which makes them very special. Plays are chosen to be as diverse as possible, and everyone is encouraged to direct when they find themselves with an enthusiasm for a particular work. There is a core of ‘stalwarts’ who have been in from the start but a large number of other people, including many young performers whose lives have inevitably moved on, have been warmly included over the years. if you are interested in joining us, please don't hesitate to get in touch, best of all after seeing one of our shows.
