The Fringe Unleashed: July 2-13, 2008

Watch out! Here it comes!

This week marks the start of that annual July frenzy known as the Fringe Festival. Between tomorrow and Sunday, July 13 Torontonians will get a chance to see about 150 shows held in 30 downtown venues. Among the performers are seasoned Fringers, coming back to sold-out shows and enthusiastic fans, as well as new theatre companies just getting their feet wet. No doubt it's the same with show-goers: I'm sure some of you have been at it for years, and for some it's going to be the first ever Fringe season (oh goodie, trust me, you are in for a real treat!).

Whichever category you fall into, keep an eye out for our daily Fringe reviews and previews to help you with your play selection. After all it is no easy task, given how many shows there are to choose from (no wonder the gentleman in the photograph looks slightly overwhelmed upon surveying only a sample of last year's Fringe offerings). Fortunately, every Fringe show runs for several days (some even manage a performance every day of the festival), so if you like what one of our reviewers said about a production, you'll likely still be able to catch it.

When you're choosing your shows, I urge to not stop at just a couple. Go for at least a handful. At $10 per ticket (even less if you get a pass), Fringe shows are pretty affordable, and, undeniably, a huge part of the Festival's appeal is variety.

Photo: Fringe Board (2) by jbcurio.