About the Blackpool Fringe

ive one, with millions of pounds being spent to turn it back the clock of fortune and once again make it the kind of place you'd want to go for a holiday.

Many of the regeneration projects are impressive, and you can really start to see the transformation, especially along the South end of the promenade where one gets a sense of how it will look.

It is clear the attitude is changing among residents, and change is being embraced. Soon, we will see less of the tacky elements of Blackpool, in their place some more innovative ones. We also have some European influence in the town too; as such you really do get a feeling that Blackpool is starting to catch up with the 21st century.

As a result of this rejuvenation I was inspired to set up the Blackpool Fringe Project. One of Blackpool's main attractions has always been its theatre & shows; the only problem is that the theatre scene in Blackpool is dying a death.

A lot of the theatres have become tacky along with the entertainment they provide, we see billboards advertising the same ol' has-beens doing the same ol' kind of show - usually telling the same ol' kinda jokes... yawn! Not to mention the price of tickets!!!

Primarily, we want to create an interest in theatre among younger people, especially those who would otherwise just go to the cinema. The project is dedicated to providing an alternative, to encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds - with an interest in creative arts - to get involved.

What about the younger generation? What does the theatre scene in Blackpool offer them? What is being done to encourage younger people to go to the theatre?

Well, that's where the Blackpool Fringe Project comes in.

When I lived in London, as a drama student, I was fascinated with the vibe that surrounded fringe theatre. I found it exciting; I loved the fact that it was raw and was able to get away with more than anything in the West End (perhaps with the exception, historically, of the Royal Court).

The best thing, as a student, was that the venue was invariably the upstairs of a pub, so the idea of going to the pub for a few drinks, then catching a play upstairs, or outback, was very appealing, in fact I wish I'd done it more often. It didn't matter if the play I saw was good or bad, I hadn't paid much for the ticket, but it did provide a topic for conversation in the bar afterwards, regardless.

I then lived in New York for a couple of years and again I was inspired by the off-off Broadway scene (NYC's fringe). In particular a theatre company called The Wooster Group.

Experiencing all that really planted a seed in me.

Now, based in Blackpool, my aim with the Fringe Project is to discover, and encourage, local talent; actors, writers, artists, musicians, anyone who can contribute positively to the project and help take Blackpool's arts scene to another level.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon,

Blackpool Fringe Group - A Community Interest Company (CIC Registration number: 6736966)