Fringe Archive

Founded in 1995 Venue 45 has developed into one of the festivals most popular independent theatres. In that time over half of shows performing in the theatre have received 4/5 star reviews from the nation al press, 47% have received feature coverage and 7 have been nominated for major fringe awards. Amongst them Leeds University were runners up in The Guardian Student Theatre Awards', Z Theatre Company won The Guild of Great Britain Award for New Writing in 2004 and in 2006 'Sing a Song of Blackbirds' was nominated for the top fringe award of Best Ensemble, The Stage Awards for Acting Excellence, this put them in the top 1% of shows at the fringe in 2006.

We've catered for major productions from Berkhoff's Fall of the House of Usher - 5 stars (1999), to an amazing production from Orkney with 41 cast members - 5 stars and award nomination (2000 & 2003). In 2005 and 2006 Blunderbus theatre company sold out for its full run of 21 shows. Over 75% of theatre companies that have used Venue 45 have returned to perform again.

2007

At Venue 45 Mendhi Nights won critical acclaim, gaining full feature coverage from the English nationals and several 4/5 star reviews. Sell out shows included 45 Minutes (5 Stars), Asbo! the Musical (Z Theatre) and Black Comedy by Peter Schaffer. The Selfish Crocodile (5 Stars) sold out 18 of it's 23 shows in the theatre performing in front of nearly 2000 audience members during it's Edinburgh run. The Perse School was deservedly awarded a sell out show 2007 cert by the fringe.

At Venue 260 sell out shows included, One for My Baby & 2ToGo! 5 star reviews and live coverage from BBC News. 45 Minutes 5 stars, The End of the World and Other Concerns 4 stars, and The Athiest, Wormholes and Arseholes and The Bench all received a selection of acclaimed reviews from the popular press.

2006

Another year of sell out shows and award nominations at Venue 45. Congratulations to Tale on Fire Theatre Company who's show 'Sing a Song of Blackbirds' was nominated for the Best Ensemble, The Stage Awards for Acting Excellence 2006.

Blunderbus Theatre Company again took the 'bums on seat' prize for 2006, their performance of 'The Rainbow Fish' caught the imagination and both morning shows and afternoon workshops (in our sister Venue 260) were a constant sell out.

Award winning Z theatre company again brought their mixture of new writing and musical collaborations - notably 'JFK the Musical' performed to big houses and drew a fair amount of critical acclaim. 'Illiad Fall of Troy' by 'Livewire' followed on from their sell out success in 2005, audiences weren't disappointed as the show sold out yet again. Queen Mary University came to Venue 45 for the 11th year in a row, their new writings 'The Circle' and 'Speakers Corner' engaged audiences both young and old and received credible press reviews. Slippery Rock University from the US have already booked for another run at V45 for 2008 but their performance of 'Dark North' will be remembered not only for it's critical acclaim but also for the companies immense ability to simply enjoy themselves.

This was our first year at Venue 260. 'The Rainbow Fish' workshops were a huge success incorporating the basics of performance with puppetry and face painting in an interactive show for children and parents alike. 'Magpie' by Quirky Productions, 'What Lies Between' by 'Frank Theatre' along with 'Infinite Space' by 'Red Folder Productions' from Switzerland helped make 2006 a good first year with healthy audiences and solid reviews. This gives us a good basis for both returning and new companies who come to this intimate space in 2007.

2005

A BBC online daily diary brought the media spot-light to Venue 45. Troika's performance of 'Edith Piaf' led the way, a huge success gaining 4/5 star reviews from both the local press and London's national daily's.

Blunderbus Theatre Company returned to Venue 45 with a version of the children's show 'Elmer the Elephant'. The 23 show run received several 4/5 star reviews and sold out. Blunderbus are returning in 2006.

'The Flickering Truths of a Cruel and Dirty Bitch' by Laura Griffin received 4/5 star reviews as did student pieces from award winning Hull University's Z Theatre and London's Love Child Productions. Other successes included 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' and 'Don't be Afraid to Try!' a musical collaboration by Charlie Chuck and friends.

2004

Winners of Great Britain New Writing Award - Several shows received 4/5 star reviews from the Scotsman Newspaper, as well as critical acclaim from The BBC, The Guardian, Metro, Three Weeks and Fest Online. One in particular, 'Ofsted the Musical!' performed by Z theatre company and written by 20 year old student David Byrne, was awarded The Writers Guild of Great Britain Award for a New Writing. The show, a total sell out, helped make this the most successful year yet at Venue 45.

This year at the Fringe

The Space UK Edinburgh Festival Dates for 2008 are:

30 July - 23 August 2008

4 theatres, 80 shows, 650 performers and over 1000 hours of performance art in 4 theatres will be hosted by The Space UK at the Edinburgh Festival in August 2008.

Covering all genres, we present a full programme of classical and original theatre. From high calibre childrens shows to award winning new writings, from a mixed array of dance, physical and musical theatre to the usual selection of comedy, sketch monologues and instrumental art.