2 days Ago
The festival, now in its fourth year, will run from May 1 to June 6, 2025, featuring nearly 30 shows across various genres, including theatre, dance, comedy, and spoken word. This year marks an expansion into Canada Water Theatre, in addition to the regular venues at Theatre Peckham's Main Theatre and Studio 1. The expansion aims to provide more artists with the opportunity to showcase their work while enhancing accessibility for local residents.
Peckham Fringe was established to address the barriers artists face in presenting their work. The festival is committed to amplifying voices, breaking down barriers, and providing a platform for both emerging and established artists. This dedication has firmly established Peckham Fringe as a key cultural event in London's artistic landscape.
The 2025 programme opens with the Tony Craze Award-winning solo performance, Reparations, by Maryam Garad. The piece delves into the internal worlds of a young female shoplifter. Maryam Garad said: "All my stories are influenced by my identity as a Black British Muslim woman.
"I want to write stories that allow people from similar backgrounds to see themselves on the stage. "I hope my work can change the narrative that often sidelines Black and Brown voices." The festival will also feature a variety of other performances, including Hoodminster, which follows the journey of the UK's first female Black Prime Minister, and Brains, a dark comedy about two zombie apocalypse survivors.
Street Smart tells the story of Faiza, a single mother from Peckham with a hidden talent for mathematics, while It's Your Role invites the audience to participate in an improvised adventure based on the popular game Dungeons and Dragons. The festival will close with Brother's Keeper by Selorm Adonu, a spoken word piece that combines Krump dance within a party atmosphere. Selorm, who also acts in the play, said: "Putting on Brother’s Keeper at Peckham Fringe last year has changed the game for me entirely as a creative.
"It’s taught me how to be a better writer, producer and actor, and overall a better artist." The festival is curated each year by Theatre Peckham's Ambassadors, a group of dedicated local community members. Their insights ensure the programming is ambitious and reflective of a range of community voices.
Local writer and performer Jessica Siân said: "As Ambassadors, we bring fresh perspectives that shape the festival into a true reflection of the breadth of artistic talent. "Our commitment to inclusivity and representation is vital in our mission to amplify underrepresented voices." Peckham Fringe has been the starting point for several hit shows, including NO ID by Tatenda Samisu, Bangtail by Lil Wenker, Sunny Side Up by David Alade, and I Love Acting but F the Industry by Faisal Dacosta and Raphel Famotibe.
Acclaimed playwright Roy Williams OBE FRSL, who recently joined as a patron, said: "Fringe festivals like Peckham Fringe are essential for nurturing talent and providing a platform for stories that reflect our rich cultural tapestry." Suzann McLean MBE, CEO and Artistic Director of Theatre Peckham, said: "Peckham Fringe is one of the annual highlights in Theatre Peckham’s calendar. "It is a festival for creatives who have something to say, who want to platform work that is innovative and need the support to do so.
" For the full Peckham Fringe 2025 programme and to book shows, visit the Theatre Peckham website. Tickets range from £5 to £15..
