It’s almost time for the 19th annual London, Ontario Fringe Theatre Festival, so get ready to see some inspiring, intriguing, and just flat-out entertaining shows by talented Canadian and international performers.

The 12-day festival will be taking place from May 29th to June 9th. Performances will be showing at various venues throughout Downtown London and the Old East Village. On its opening day, the festival is set to kick off at the Palace Theatre, where most of the attending companies will be putting on a performer showcase.

London Fringe Theatre Festival performers hail from across the country, with some coming from all the way out West and others from all the way out East. Other performers will be coming in from across the world, from countries such as the United States, England, Ireland, Australia, and Japan. Fifteen regional and London-based companies will be in attendance as well.

What kind of performances are put on during the Fringe Theatre Festival? Just about any type you can imagine. The shows cover a wide range of genres, including drama, musical theatre, storytelling, dance, physical comedy, and even magic! Though not all shows are appropriate for children, many performances are suitable for all audiences while others are appropriate for ages 12 and up. If you’re bringing your little ones along, then check to make sure that your chosen show is age-appropriate.

The most unique aspect of the Fringe Theatre Festival is that the artists have the freedom to decide what they want to perform. This creates a festival where you never quite know what to expect. Perhaps the only thing that you can expect is that your horizons will be expanded.

London Fringe became a member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals in 1998, after a group of theatre-loving friends decided that a Fringe Festival would make a good addition to the London arts scene. The very first London Fringe Theatre Festival was held shortly after, in 2000. Since then, London Fringe has grown beyond the annual festival to an organization that has made it their mission to showcase theatre and visual arts throughout the whole year. The festival, however, remains the heart and soul of the association.

You can purchase your tickets for Fringe Theatre Festival performances online ahead of time for a cost of $13 a ticket. Tickets can be printed at home or picked up at the venue 45 minutes prior to the start of the show. If you do not have advanced tickets, then you may also purchase your tickets at the door before a show, though only cash is accepted and there is a limit of four tickets per person. Dedicated Fringers who want to attend numerous shows also have the option of purchasing a pass for five shows, 10 shows, 15 shows, or for all Fringe performances.

Every year, London Fringe Theatre Festival performers put on a unique and unforgettable array of shows that you won’t get the chance to experience anywhere else. Be a part of the action and the magic by taking in some of the performances this year, even if only for one day. It might just help you uncover a passion for theatre that you never knew you had!