Since 2017 the Pump House has hosted the Watford Fringe Festival, and each year since its inception the festival has grown in size and significance. They've welcomed Musical Plays, Comedians, Jazz, Folk, Indie Music, Rock Music, Musical Theatre, Belly Dancing, Workshops, Readings, Orchestras, Poetry, Musicians, Children’s acts, Magicians, Art, Khatak Dancing, Choirs, DJ’s... I've even performed there a few times myself!
This blog hopes to provide a platform to archive and reflect on the wonderful creativity inspired and support by the the Watford Fringe Festival. My reviews obviously reflect a personal opinion, but I hope they also offer a chance for people to continue the conversation around the myriad and marvellous performances the Watford Fringe provides space for.
I won't be able to review every show, but I will review as much as I can. If you'd like to add anything or respond to a review, feel free to use the comments box.
My ambition as a reviewer is to offer a description of the shows I see, and also a subjective insight into what it was like being in the audience. To that end, I won't be using a start rating system, which is often reductive and divisive. I want to be as fair, honest and open as I possibly can be about the range of shows I'm able to watch. Not everything will be to my taste, but I don't intend to denigrate or belittle anyone courageous enough to publicly share their creativity. I hope this blog will be a lively, vibrant space for up to the minute engagement with the Watford Fringe as it runs, and also a positive, reliable resource for archiving and thinking back on the exciting diversity of the Watford Fringe.
So thank you for visiting the blog, I hope you enjoy it. And even more, I hope you buy your tickets to this year's Watford Fringe, get along to the Pump House and its partner venues, and enjoy the show!
Much love, Alex
