Teddy (he/it/ia; Ngāpuhi)
Whether you’re new to Wellington or you’ve been here for a few years like me, you can’t deny that the Fringe festival is a cornerstone for our city’s cultural landscape. Following on from Edinburgh and Adelaide festivals, Wellington Fringe brings artists and audiences together for a celebration of creativity and expression. 2025 marks its 35th year of providing us with art throughout February and March, continuing to thrive as a platform for innovating bold artistry from Te Whanganui A Tara and travellers across the motu.
If you’re still unsure what I’m talking about, Wellington Fringe is a festival which takes place usually from roughly mid-February until roughly mid-March, where creatives put on show after show for the city to enjoy, usually for pretty cheap, especially if you’re a student! Originating in Edinburgh, Fringe festivals began as a response to mainstream arts events, offering new (often younger and broker) creatives a platform to create and perform their art for audiences where they may not have had chances to before. Fringe Fest transforms Pōneke into a buzzing hub of artistic energy, with performances staged in both our traditional theatres, like BATS on Kent Terrace, but also in unexpected venues like cafes, clubs, gardens and random pop-ups across the city. Wherever you go, there’s bound to be a Fringe show nearby.
Setting it apart from other arts festivals is the diversity and inclusivity that Fringe consistently showcases. Inviting performers from all walks of life and artistic backgrounds results in a stunning variety of shows and experiences; from experimental theatre and cutting-edge dance to offbeat comedy and multimedia performances, there’s something for everyone. The festival embraces the bold and unconventional, creating spaces where creativity flourishes without limits.
Since moving here back in 2021, I’ve participated in every Fringe festival in one way or another. As young theatre makers, this is the peak time of the year where my friends and I are working. Every year the experience has been nothing short of transformative, always offering moments of joy, learning and artistic fulfillment, and of course, despair when you realise that your pack-in time is only six hours and not the eight your production manager promised… (Love you guys!)
It’s also just as rewarding to be part of the audience! Not only are Fringe tickets relatively cheap, attending shows is a great way to learn more about your local arts scene. You’ll discover unique performers and experience unfiltered creativity, and I know that whenever I leave a Fringe show, I feel inspired and excited to make more of my own art. Plus, by attending shows and purchasing tickets, you’re directly supporting artists and helping to sustain Wellington’s vibrant arts scene and our role as the arts capital of Aotearoa.
35 years of Fringe is a milestone that highlights the dedication of the countless artists, organisers and volunteers who work hard every year to ensure the festival’s enduring success. It’s also a reminder of the role that the arts play in fostering connection and understanding, bringing our city together under an umbrella of self expression and creativity.
This year, to those performing, tech-ing, or managing shows, break legs! I hope all of your pitches have been welcomed and supported throughout your creative process, and I can’t wait to see what you all do. Whether you’re a Fringe veteran or you're stepping into a role for the first time, let’s make the 35th anniversary a celebration to remember.
If putting on a show isn’t your calling, become a part of the audience! The sheer variety of performances ensures there’s always something to suit every taste, so hit up the Fringe website, and take a chance on a performance that sparks your curiosity. By the time you’re reading this, Fringe ‘25 has already begun! Regardless of your familiarity with the arts, I encourage you to dive right in and experience what Pōneke’s performing arts scene has to offer, because you won’t be let down. Fringe runs until March 8th, so make sure you get tickets now before you miss out!