The Lambeth Fringe Festival is making its return this September and October to mark its 10th anniversary. This year there will be something for everyone with over 200 acts performing over the four weeks. The performances will range from comedy to improv to music to family events and beyond. This year Lambeth is going to continue to focus on providing support and exposure to under-represented groups. To ensure you don’t miss out, this article highlights the top five must-watch shows.
Comedy Bandits: Most Wanted | 26 September – 24 October | The Railway Clapham
On the first Friday of the month (6 September and 4 October) there will be a comedy night featuring headliners that have been on Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week. Alongside the Comedy Bandits: Most Wanted show is a free version of the show called Comedy Bandits. These performances will also be at The Railway Clapham but will be every Wednesday and Thursday during the festival’s run. There are plenty of comics to come along and see so make sure to stop by.
Educating Rita by Willy Russell | 24 September- 27 September | Network Theatre
To mark the play’s 45th anniversary a new production is coming to the stage after debuting at the Donmar Warehouse in 1980. The play follows the relationship between a 26-year-old working-class hairdresser from Liverpool and Frank, a middle-aged university lecturer. The play explores themes of freedom, transformation, Britain’s class system, the flaws of institutional education, and the complexities of personal growth and relationships. This production is being produced by the Network Theatre Company that produces their own version of contemporary and classical theatre.
Skysteamer to Athens: Steampunk Storytelling Extravaganza | 4 October | Vauxhall City Farm
Writer and director C.J. Carter-Stephenson is bringing his novelette Skysteamer to Athens to life using puppetry, props and an immersive soundscape to transport you back to a fictional 19th century where the power of steam is starting to transform the world. This fast-paced story was inspired by the work of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells and received an honourable mention in the Writers of the Future contest. This is a show suitable for 5+ and is an engaging story-telling experience for the family.
The Tenant’s Republic | 11 October | The Bread and Roses Theatre
Written and directed by Kwami-Teye Canacoo, this satirical comedy explores the difficulties and the pitfalls that come with having a terrible landlord. The play follows Donovan Pearce while he struggles with unemployment, relationships and chasing his life-long dreams, all the while dealing with an awful and negligent landlord. When he decides to get his own back things take a turn he could have never expected. The play is performing for one night only at The Bread and Roses Theatre and tickets start at just £10.
Syncing | 12 October | The Bread and Roses Theatre
Syncing is a parody show based on the remaining members of NSYNC learning to cope without their leading man Justin Timberlake. Blending slapstick humour, pop culture nods, and wildly dramatic moments, this play delivers a hilarious look at the chaos of staying relevant in the music industry—especially when the only member who ever made the group famous is gone. This a short burst of musical fun lasting only 45 minutes and with tickets from only £8 there’s no reason not to join in the fun.
With a packed schedule full of diverse, dynamic, and daring performances, the Lambeth Fringe Festival’s 10th anniversary promises to be its most exciting yet. Whether you’re in the mood for sharp satire, family-friendly storytelling, classic theatre, or side-splitting comedy, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to experience the creativity and talent on show across Lambeth this autumn.
Words by Gemma Mcdonald
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