Culture

17-27 March
The 2011 Dunedin Fringe Festival has attracted over 50 comedy, music, dance, theatre and visual art acts, including its biggest ever line up of comedy acts! Have you heard of Wilson Dixon? Raybon Kan? Irene Pink? Justine Smith (my personal fav)? Ben Hurley or Steve Wrigley? If you haven’t, I have nothing to say to you; do you ever even laugh? Go see them all! Check out local comedic talent at any of Anti-Social Tap’s three shows; Anti-Social Tap’s BIG NAMES, Fresh Talent stand-up and Du Bist Ein Uber Show! More local talent: Once Was from Dunedin’s The Theatre As Is, Sunday Roast, and the dance piece Chocolate Zucchini Cookies.
 
 
My pick of the festival would have to be Mates and Lovers; Sir Ian McKellan just went to see it in Wellington, no shit, this exact production, and if it’s good enough for Sir Ian... Based on a book written by Otago’s own Chris Brickell, Mates and Lovers follows two actors as they explore 300 years of the private (and not so private) lives of men who love men in Aotearoa. There really is something for everyone at the Dunedin Fringe Festival, so pick up an orange Festival Guide; they’re everywhere. It starts this Thursday. Go!