Dublin Fringe Festival 2025 Unveils 85 Innovative Performances

The Dublin Fringe Festival is set to commence on September 6, 2025, featuring an exciting lineup of over 85 events across the city. With more than two weeks of performances, the festival showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions, including theatre, comedy, dance, music, and spoken word. Under the direction of Bee Sparks, who previously served as the festival’s programmer, this year promises to deliver “joy, community, brazen truths and blazing dance floors” as it marks its 31st year.

The festival will feature 650 artists participating in 492 performances, including an impressive 56 world premieres, 67 Irish premieres, and five Dublin premieres. Notably, the festival is expanding its reach by utilizing unconventional venues. Collaborations with Guinness’s experimental Open Gate Brewery and Roe & Co distillery will host six performances as part of the Creativity on Tap series.

The National Leprechaun Museum will present a unique show titled **Hungry Grass/Stray Sod**, which explores the intersection of Irish and Ugandan cultures through the lens of a bisexual Irish person meeting a Ugandan lesbian in a foreign land. Another innovative production, **Holdings**, by Clara McSweeney and Mel Galley, will utilize various communication methods—including phone calls, online platforms, and postal services—to encourage audiences to engage with Dublin in a different light.

The festival also highlights important social themes, as seen in **What Are We Waiting For**, a production at the Loughlinstown Community Rooms, where members of Men’s Shed collaborate with writer Colm Keegan to explore mental health and masculinity. Additionally, the CoisCéim Dance Theatre will present **Performing Memory** at various civic spaces, aiming to enhance community engagement through art.

The lineup includes a variety of productions that cater to diverse audiences. One notable performance is by Holly Hughes, who combines personal storytelling and stand-up in her one-woman show titled **How I Was Radicalised and Became … Karen**. The show humorously tackles the archetype of the “Karen” as it examines the fight for justice, prompting audiences to reconsider its implications.

In a compelling narrative, spoken word artist Felicia Olusanya, known as FeliSpeaks, will present a new show that reflects on her experiences growing up as a “black, Irish, queer culchie.” This production integrates music and spoken word to create a rich tapestry of identity and belonging.

Another striking entry comes from trans woman Pea Dinneen, whose musical cabaret shares her personal journey. The festival also highlights youth involvement with productions like **The Shape of Quiet Feelings**, where children aged eight and older explore themes of change. Additionally, **Pick’n’Mix!** will see children collaborate with comedians to create a live musical in just 60 minutes.

The festival’s offerings include works that challenge societal norms. **Good With Faces**, created by acclaimed theatre-maker Oisín Kearney, delves into contemporary issues surrounding families and abuse. Meanwhile, Emily Terndrup reimagines Mary Shelley’s horror classic in a visceral dance-theatre piece that explores the chaos and beauty of creation.

As the festival unfolds, several productions will address themes of migration and identity. **Curious Industries**, an intergenerational Belfast company, presents a documentary play that weaves personal stories with historical narratives, reflecting on the experiences of Italians who emigrated to Northern Ireland and beyond.

Notable performances also include **Itch**, which features aerial artistry exploring the life of a queer Catholic youth in post-Troubles Belfast, and a solo show by UK drag artist Wet Mess, promising an avant-garde take on identity and transition. Comedian Caroline McEvoy brings her perspective on sibling rivalry and neurodivergence in Northern Ireland, while a reimagining of Thomas Middleton’s Jacobean tragedy melds black identity with contemporary music.

Other highlights include **Chop!**, a humorous solo performance by Cian Kinsella, tackling masculinity and climate issues, and Seón Simpson‘s unique blend of stand-up and theatre that addresses mental health and teenage trauma. The integrated dance company Croí Glan presents a hopeful take on climate change, advocating for action through movement and art.

The festival culminates in various interactive experiences, such as a courtroom drama that invites audience participation in a satirical exploration of social politics. David Rawle‘s new play, **Amsterdam**, will resonate with those familiar with the complexities of friendship and love, set against the backdrop of the Dutch city.

Dublin Fringe Festival runs from September 6 until September 21, 2025, promising an enriching experience for all attendees. With its commitment to innovation and community engagement, the festival continues to be a vital platform for artistic expression in Ireland.