25 - 28 June 2009
Barnstaple’s 3rd Fringe TheatreFest managed a 30% increase in ticket sales thanks to a programme of exceptional quality that had audiences scurrying from one venue to another on the final day, determined to catch every 'must-see' on the block.
As one audience member put it: "I'm tired and sweaty with a pile of tickets on the table in front of me but feeling happy - can't believe I've seen such a range of work over the last day and a half - I have laughed and sung and shed some tears and have plenty to think about - and all this in Barnstaple!"
So a huge thank you to all who contributed to the quality of the experience: to the tireless generosity of the performers; to the unflagging enthusiasm of the volunteer force; to the welcoming hosts at The Inn on the Square and The Baptist Hall; to the staff of the North Devon Theatres - admin, box-office, technical management, stage-crew; to Park School and Bideford College for the loan of equipment; and to the audiences from Barnstaple and beyond who responded so enthusiastically to such a wide range of work.
There is still much to do in order to develop Fringe TheatreFest to its full potential but we have taken another important step forward on the journey.
"Congratulations to everyone involved in this theatrical adventure which provides audiences with a chance to eat one theatre piece after another - and still, somehow want more."
"What is fascinating about seeing one show after another is that each one offers its own reason for coming into existence and each sets its own standard."
"We all had a fabulous time and are planning to come next year!"
