Dublin Fringe Festival 2025 Celebrates Innovative Productions and Performers

The Dublin Fringe Festival 2025 has announced its award winners, highlighting exceptional talent across various productions. Among the standout performances, Pea Dinneen, an Irish trans playwright, earned the prestigious title of Best Production for her autobiographical cabaret, Raising Her Voice. This distinctive show intertwined personal storytelling with adopted pop songs from the 1990s, offering a candid glimpse into Dinneen’s life experiences. In her own words, she described her journey as that of a “transgender, bipolar alcoholic who can’t drive and who grew up posh and gender-confused.” The production received a glowing five-star review from Chris McCormack of the Irish Times.

The festival also recognized the talents of comedians and actors, with the Best Performers Award shared between Alison Spittle and Emily Terndrup. Spittle’s show, Big, explored life after using the weight-loss drug Ozempic, while Terndrup’s performance in Offspring provided a modern retelling of the classic Frankenstein story. Both productions captivated audiences, showcasing the diverse narratives and perspectives of contemporary performers.

Innovative Productions and Awards

Another noteworthy accolade was the Best Ensemble Award, awarded to Octopus Children by FeliSpeaks (Felicia Olusanya). This production delved into the experiences of a “black Irish midlands culchie” navigating her journey of coming out as gay. In addition to the ensemble recognition, the Fishamble New Writing Award was presented to Hannah Power and Conor Murray for their play Don’t Tell Dad About Diana. This poignant work tells the story of two drag artists who were scheduled to portray Princess Diana on the night of her tragic death in 1997. The play also secured the Bewley’s Cafe Theatre’s Little Gem Award, further emphasizing its critical acclaim.

The festival featured an impressive lineup of events, hosting a total of 85 performances across 356 venues, including 56 world premieres, 67 Irish premieres, and five Dublin premieres. Festival director Bee Sparks expressed pride in the festival’s achievements, noting an enhanced commitment to accessibility. She stated that this year’s festival “marked an increased commitment to making sure the festival is open to all, with new accessibility schemes across the board.”

As the festival concluded, it left a lasting impact on audiences and participants alike, showcasing the vibrant and evolving landscape of Irish theatre. With its innovative productions and exceptional performers, the Dublin Fringe Festival continues to be a vital platform for artistic expression, reflecting a diverse range of human experiences and stories.