Top Theatre Festival Picks of 2017!

It’s all about the festival when it comes to experiencing theatre in the UK. With the UK holding the world’s largest theatre festival in August, this 70 year old event has inspired many after to follow suit and create a programme of works designed to entertain, educate and inspire.

Take at look at the top 2017 picks here:

London International Mime Festival 2017

9th January- 4th February

Known for featuring world renowned artists in their fields, the London International Mime Festival takes over Jackson’s Lane, Sadler’s Wells, the Barbican, Southbank Centre, Soho Theatre and many more venues to bring audiences an exciting line up of physical theatre, circus, puppetry, mask, live art and object theatre. Visit here…

The Vaults Festival
25th January-5th March

Returning for it 5th year, the Vaults is the go to Festival for watching exciting theatre voices of tomorrow. The month long programme witnesses the atmospheric Waterloo Vaults transform into a cultural hub of activity. Audiences can expect comedy, cabaret, theatre, film and live events. Visit here…

Manipulate Festival
27th January-5th February

Produced by Puppet Animation Scotland, Manipulate offers a platform for Scottish based artists to perform pieces of visual theatre utilising puppetry and animation. Taking place in the Traverse theatre, Manipilate celebrates craftsmanship and innovation. Visit here…

Adelaide Fringe Festival
17th February-19th March

The Southern Hemisphere’s largest open access arts festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival has only grown in popularity in the 6 decades it has been in existence. A month long festival showcasing the very best theatre, audiences can expect to witness a varied programme including comedy, cabaret, physical and visual theatre and dance. Visit here… 

Move It 2017
10th-12th March

The UKs largest dance movement, Move It amongst the years has gained an impressive reputation as the go to dance event to experience unrivalled performances, experience dance classes with leading professionals, and network with fellow performers. Around 240,000 dance enthusiasts will attend the 3 day event at the Excel. Visit here…

Paris Fringe Festival
18th-28th May

Now in its 2nd year, the Paris Fringe Festival showcases new writing from both French and international artists. The ethos of the festival is to celebrate innovation in the arts and to bring shows on that may not be currently available in the capital. Visit here…

BE Festival
June

The Birmingham European Festival encourages cultural exchange, encouraging international and local artists to contribute to a programme of theatre, dance, music and circus. BE NEXT, an initiative engaging young Birmingham based performers, will allow for new pieces to be showcased on the last night of the festival. Visit here…

Camden Fringe
August

An alternative to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Camden Fringe offers artists the opportunity to put on their works to supporting audiences without the added pressure of the financial and logistical aspects of taking their show to Edinburgh. A broad spectrum of shows are programmed including comedy, poetry, opera, new writing and musicals. Visit here…

Manchester International Festival
29th June-16th July

The bi-annual event is all about combining genres to create pieces of new work. Taking place in various theatres, galleries and concert halls, MIF celebrates innovation. Shows confirmed so far are Fatherland; (written by Frantic Assembly’s Scott Graham, Underworld’s Karl Hyde and award winning writer Simon Stephens) and What is the City but the People (created by Jeremy Deller and the Islington Mill). Visit here…

Galway International Arts Festival
July

Located on the harbour, Galway will play host to 2 weeks of theatre, music and visual art. The programme will welcome international artists to bring critically acclaimed pieces to the picturesque city. Visit here…

Rooted Moon Festival
August

Located on the tranquil Italian Island of Sardinia, Rooted Moon bring a unique atmosphere to the theatre festival scene. Theatre companies are encouraged to put forward works that cross cultural boundaries and have a sense of universality at their heart. Expect puppetry, mask, physical theatre, dance and comedy. Visit here…

Written by Lucy Basaba.