Tallinn Fringe opens with over 80 performances across Tallinn

The tenth Tallinn Fringe Festival opens in Tallinn on Tuesday, bringing more than 80 performances to theatres, bars, venues and other locations across the city, ERR reported.

The month-long festival runs from August 18 to September 18 and features comedy, theatre, circus, music, dance, cabaret and other forms of performance.

“The tenth edition of our Fringe festival is a very special moment for us. What began as a small experiment has grown into a festival celebrating independent artists from Estonia and around the world,” Tallinn Fringe chief organiser Dan Renwick said.

“Fringe is always a little unpredictable, and that is what makes it exciting. Tallinn will fill with artists from around the world, bringing their ideas, stories and performances. Last year, one festivalgoer set a record by seeing 12 performances, and I am fairly sure that record will be broken this year,” he added.

Organisers said audience interest has also increased. Ticket sales before the festival are 20 percent higher than at the same point last year.

Tallinn Fringe uses an open-participation format, with the programme created through cooperation between participating artists and venues. Performances take place across Tallinn, allowing visitors to create their own festival route. The programme includes local and international artists, as well as performances with a wide range of backgrounds, styles and approaches.

The opening day features “Stars Bar & Karaoke Open Mic”, an event combining humour and music. That evening will also include “Love is a Lube”, a combination of a talk show, cabaret and therapy session.

The evening will end with “Please The People: Comedy Challenge Show”, in which three comedians face various challenges and a dance battle.