Durham Fringe Festival.

In-between this mad social whirl we were suddenly experiencing, Dr Fred had two attempts at going on a balloon ride which I had bought him as a birthday present and in spite of some amazing weather each attempt was cancelled at the last minute due to adverse weather conditions - its set up to try again in September!! So we had some outings planned but they didn't come off so the next excitement happening was volunteering for the Durham Fringe Festival. I had seen this on line and offered my services as I was beginning to feel a bit cabin fevered and I really felt I needed to get out into the real world and explore a bit of local life and culture - and the idea of helping out at something which was slightly alternative and a new venture appealed to me. I was asked to help with some setting up early in the week and then to work in the comedy club for three nights over the weekend.

Richard Pulsford - A Bit Rich - crazy clever quick fire one liners - heading for Edinburgh Fringe

I had a great time and while I did feel very strange being out n the wide world with other people it was an interesting and fun way to meet some new people and see some great performances. The comedy was very good - all of it that I saw was very clever and well appreciated by the audience which grew as word about this brand new festival spread. My favourite was 'Wishes on the Wind' a small musical playlet performed by two people with fabulous voices and beautiful harmonies. It was well written with a balance of humour and emotion and I saw it three times and loved it each time.

Wishes an the Wind - lovely harmonies...

I also made a quick dash to one of the other three venues showing fringe performances and enjoyed a brilliant play which was basically a skit on Jane Austen called 'Emma' performed by the Menstrual Rage Theatre Company who all originated at the Northern School of Art. Hilarious take on female friendships and very fun and well produced - even in the rain!!!!

The Festival was thought up and actualised by a small group of like minded Durham residents- no mean feat 30 different shows more than 100 performances and they sold over 2000 tickets- it was a massive success and I look forward to being involved next year, I met some interesting people and it was so very good to do something different and so worthwhile.

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