Eurovision hopefuls, drag queens, comedy heroes: The Fringe is back

The Tiger Dublin Fringe is back for another fortnight of innovative theatre, skilled performances, side-splitting laughter and everything in between.

Running until September 20th, this year's programme has tonnes to offer, with 75 shows across 24 Dublin venues.

But which ones are worth shelling out your hard-earned cash on? We've rounded up some of our favourites so far, and previewed the best of what's yet to come. Take a look…

The one we wish wasn't over

Douze
Xnthony
Black Box at Smock Alley

Douze finished its run last night, but we reckon this won't be the last you'll see of Anthony Keigher. Going by the stage name Xnthony (pronounced X-Anthony, doncha know), this pop-loving singer has high hopes of representing Ireland at the 2016 Eurovision, and he wants you to help him choose his winning number. Accompanied by his sidekicks The Penny Slots, Xnthony takes us through a glitter-filled (and vodka-fuelled) set list of potential tunes. From Numbers – who knew counting to one hundred could be so catchy? – to the 'show-stopping' Invincible, this is a charming and energetic show that we can only hope to see recreated in part at next year's Eurovision.

 

The one everyone's already talking about

boy
Sean Kennedy
Black Box at Smock Alley
Sept 15 – 19
Tickets: €14/€12 concession

'When I sing, I leave this world. It feels like crying but it’s different.' So says classically-trained tenor Sean Kennedy, who is bringing his story to life through a mix of song and performance in his one-man show, boy. Using songs as 'emotional vents' to help him tell the audience his tumultuous story, Sean's show is set to be one of the stand outs of this year's Fringe. And with that in mind, you had better try and hunt down a ticket fast because they're already like gold dust.

 

The one where they'll feed you too

Twenty First: Feeding Time
Fringe Lab Rats
Back Loft
Sept 14 – 17
Tickets (inc. meal) €25/€23 concession

You're invited to celebrate the Fringe's coming-of-age with a 21st birthday celebration, along with a host of well-meaning lab rats. Sit down, taste some seriously delicious food and raise a glass. But remember, this is an experiment, so all is not what it seems…

 

The safe bet for date night

SkiddlyWup
Foil Arms and Hog
Smock Alley Theatre
Sept 9 – 19
Tickets €16/€14 concession

Comedy lovers will know Foil Arms and Hog from their hilarious YouTube channel, their sell-out Edinburgh Fringe shows and their appearances on the festival circuit. Now this slick, sharp and totally off-the-wall sketch comedy trio are back with a new show, SkiddlyWup, headlining at Smock Alley for the duration of the festival. Expect to laugh until you cry, and then some.

 

The once-off you HAVE to get to

Hootenanny!
Megan Riordan and James Walmsley
Spiegeltent, Wolfe Tone Square
Sept 20
Tickets €25

Hootenanny! is back to close this year's Tiger Dublin Fringe with a show-shopping spectacle of theatre and comedy. Finish off the weekend in style at this 'gregarious get-together,' curated by Dead Cat Bounce's James Walmsley and Once stage star Megan Riordan. Sure to please even the most hesitant of Fringe-goers.