Discover the Fringe Stage at Kaleidoscope Festival 2025

This year, the Fringe Stage is where the magic happens – the kind that sneaks up on you and sends you back to your tent grinning from ear to ear. Expect belly laughs, spontaneous dancing, and maybe even a turn in an improvised Shakespeare scene. You might even find yourself dropping the mic! Whatever you’re after – razor-sharp stand-up, wildly creative theatre, or the chance to dance to live music – you’ll find it here.

The comedy line-up is totally bonkers (in the best way). The irrepressible Shappi Khorsandi is heading in from London to open the show. She’ll be sharing stories from her life and how everything finally made sense with her ADHD diagnosis. Shappi’s instantly recognisable – you’ve likely seen her on QI, Mock the Week or I’m a Celebrity – and her mix of warmth, wit and wonderfully chaotic reflections is always a hit.

Then there’s the brilliantly sharp Andrew Maxwell, serving up political punchlines and plenty of laughs. You might know him from Roast Battle, QI, or that viral moment where he nailed the Brexit border debate in one killer line. He’s bold, clever and endlessly entertaining.

Next up is Darran Griffiths, a rising star and a fresh force in British comedy. With Jamaican roots and Essex charm, he blends Caribbean confidence with cheeky humour. He’s supported the likes of Mo Gilligan and Judi Love, and his 2023 Fringe debut Inconceivable made waves for all the right reasons. Thought-provoking, cheeky, and refreshingly candid – Darran is one to watch.

You’ll also catch Alexandra Haddow, whose fearless and funny take on modern life has been lighting up stages across the country. She’s sharp, self-aware, and absolutely hilarious – the kind of act you discover by chance and rave about to your mates for weeks.

But it’s not just about stand-up. Four Forty Theatre are here to shake up Shakespeare with their Comedy Double Bill – two riotous 20-minute plays performed by four incredible actors. Whether you’re a Shakespeare nerd or haven’t touched the stuff since school, it’s clever, chaotic, and laugh-out-loud funny.

Fancy giving the mic a go yourself? Step up for Hip Hop Karaoke – a crowd favourite where you can rap over classic beats and maybe even become a legend (or at least have a great story to tell). Whether you’re spitting bars or cheering from the sidelines, the energy is sky-high.

And if dancing’s more your vibe, don’t miss the feel-good, feet-moving magic of the Beatles Dub Club, where classic Beatles tracks get a reggae and dub makeover. Joyful, nostalgic, and utterly irresistible.

The Fringe Stage is all about discovering something new, having unforgettable experiences, and saying “yes” to whatever happens next. Swing by – you never know who or what you might fall in love with.