11.52°C With a record-breaking number of submissions this year, the growing reputation of Colchester Fringe saw an increase in applications from around the world and across the UK. Here is just a selection. Book more through the Fringe website, and for Mercury Theatre shows through their website.
Re:Re:Reincarnation (Headgate)
Shout it from the rooftops, GUMBO are back! The Fringe’s favourite wacky, quirky, original Japanese troupe present a tale of one woman reincarnated across three different lives. Guaranteed to give you images you will not see anywhere else.
Men Don’t Blush (Headgate)
I love the sound of this production from Spain. Ignacio, a man who has never felt part of everyday society, stares at a tomato, and his day spirals into a surreal journey of imagination and identity. It sounds highly original, as many international productions do.
Red Bastard (Colchester Arts Centre)
From Los Angeles arrives one of the top clowns in the world. Something interesting must happen every ten seconds, and it will. Multi-award-winning physical theatre not to be missed.
The Night Ali Died (Mercury Studio)
If you saw A Year and A Day at the previous Fringe, then you will want to catch this show by creator Christopher Stainton-Clark. Ali is wanted dead by a vicious London gangster, and the night he sneaks out of police protection sets off a domino effect. Award-winning stuff. See also his Pub Tales.
MUTTNIK (Mercury Studio)
An outstanding prospect, this one. In 1957, Soviet scientists sent a dog into space. Now hear her story. Coming from Florida, the show makes its UK debut, and I cannot wait to hear it.
Fruitopia (Headgate)
From Edinburgh, a circus show that explores the comedy potential of fruit on stage. Is there such a thing? Let’s find out.
Neil Frost: The Door (Headgate)
Inspired by photographs taken in front of his Nan’s door, this autobiographical comedy captures life in the 80s and the power of fancy dress. It sounds wonderful.
#FATKARY: The Corrido of a Tragic Ex-Fat Woman (Headgate)
Mexico comes to the Fringe. The show explores what it is like to be a morbidly obese woman on the border between the US and Mexico. Food, interactive elements, folk music, dance and installation make for something truly intriguing.
MAN, A One Woman Show (Mercury Studio)
From London, step into Man: A One Woman Show. I love shows that play with identity and gender, and the reviews for this one have been excellent. It promises to be quite an experience.
Sadomusical (Dragonfly Lounge)
Crime Scene Improvisation is back after a sell-out run last year, and this new piece is created by performers Lee Apsey and Jayda Fogel. They take suggestions from the audience with the added challenge of being strapped to electro-shock devices, drinking hot sauces and being beaten by an old woman with a stick. Go on, I dare you.
Book your tickets
Colchester Fringe runs from 24th October to 2nd November 2025 across multiple venues in the city. Explore the full line-up and book tickets at colchesterfringe.com, and support the fantastic mix of national and international talent bringing their work to Colchester.
Paul T Davies, Keep Colchester Cool Theatre Editor.
Photo: Man – A One Woman Show
