The Final Countdown

The movements of celestial bodies have ordained that 2011 has the latest Easter date for 60 years. And it is the first time ever that the theological and beaurocratic forces have aligned to result in the Buxton Fringe deadline falling on Easter Sunday. For this reason, this Mediterreanly hot Bank Holiday Holy Weekend is a hive of activity at Underground Towers (an undergound tower, aka a hole). No sunbathing or religious observance for us. We're currently in the middle of programming some 65-odd shows into 4 spaces for a period of 7 days. But it will all be worth it as this is by far the best collection of 65 shows we've had so far. There's big name comedians, TV and radio stars, new writing, magic, local music and come interesting collaborations by the Fringe's favourite regulars. We'll be able to confirm our full schedule soon. Don't remember it all happens from the 6th-24th July at Underground Venues (and our overground space at the Arts Centre) in the centre of Buxton. We hope to see you all there :-) Oh yeah - and Happy Easter!

Applications open!

We are pleased to announce that applications for Underground's 6th Season at the 2011 Buxton Fringe are now open. Simply head to the Artist's Area to sign-up and start the process. We've got performance spaces, opportunities and a programme to suit all types of acts, no matter who you are or where you come from. There's never been a better time to join Buxton's most popular Fringe venue - home to the most exciting and the most varied quality entertainment in the Festivals season. Applications remain officially open til April 4th - although late entries up until April 20th can be accepted. The 2011 Season at Underground Venues will run from July 6th - 24th. We look forward to hearing from you all!

Back for 2010

Just a quick note to confirm that Underground Venues will be back for its 5th Buxton Fringe this summer. We'll be running the Paupers Pit and the Barrel Room as spaces from 7th-25th July.

Applications will be open February 3rd 2010. Just head to the main page from then for full info. Applications are officially open until April 10th but we may be able to accept late entries.

Underground sweeps the board at awards

Well that's the 2009 Fringe finally over and early reports have it as our most popular yet with some 3,800 audience members.

The Fringe awards were held this afternoon with Underground Venues acts giving another fantastic showing. Once again we picked up almost all the awards in the comedy and theatre categories as well as several others. So congratulations to:

Love And Other Magic Tricks for Best Production

Neyire Ashworth for Best Actor

Eighteen Stupid Reasons for Best New Writing

Piff The Magic Dragon for Best Comedy Show

Marcel Lucont for Best Comedy Performer

High Jinx for Best Event

and Emma Hopkins for Best Young Musician

And Underground Venues itself were honoured with the 'Fringe 30' award for their Contribution to the Buxton Fringe.

A big thanks for all our performers for making 2009 another successful year - and to all our audiences for coming along.

We'll see you in 2010!

Early Booking Discount!

To celebrate our new online bookings system, we're offering a web-only discount for customers who reserve tickets in advance for our shows.

Just enter the discount code earlybird into the discount box on the booking form to save a cool quid from your booking for every two tickets you reserve.

But hurry! This offer is only running for ten days... so browse our programme, check your diary, call your friends and get booking!

Don't say we never give you anything...

• Full terms & Condtions »

PS. Three weeks exactly until the fringe launch party!

New Website and Programme Launched!

Our full programme for 2009 is now online! To celebrate, we've given the old website a complete overhaul so this also marks the launch of the new Underground website. So why not have a browse around and find out which of your favourites are back - as well as searching out this year’s soon-to-be-uncovered gems.

Rave reviews coming in

Underground Venues will be presenting a large number of world premieres this year. There are also a fair number which a new this year but are getting in a bit of practice elsewhere before they come to Buxton. And the word on the street is that we have some pretty incredible stuff coming our way...

The Truth Is I Can't Stop Telling Lies
Tam Hinton

The Buxton award-winner has been previewing his new show in Manchester. The Manchester Evening News had some rather lovely things to say about it, including:

"Hinton is the creator of such brain-boggling solo performances as the award-winning The Naked Soul Of Kirk Godless and his new show is equally extraordinary, mind-bending and exhilarating."

and...

"I found it utterly compelling as Hinton hurled himself through the minds of a multitude of characters"

as well as...

"At one point, Hinton, remarkably, transformed himself into a terrifying, salivating dog but even that almost seemed par for the course in this strange but rather wonderful show."

Fans of Tam will be in for the treat they have come to expect and those new to the experience should jolly well take this chance to check him out!

• Full review here.

Bane
Whitebone Productions

There is news from Brighton that the company behind Clever Peter have got a truly stunning new drama. It recently previewed there and Three Weeks (who cover every show so should know what they're talking about) said:

"One-man shows rarely come better than this"

and...

"This ceaselessly engaging and extraordinary episode will leave you anticipating the next instalment"

...and gave it a very rare FIVE STAR rating.

• Full review here.

Don't miss either of these shows at Underground Venues this year! Find out more and book tickets from the links below:

• The Truth Is I Can't Stop Telling Lies
• Bane