14 ADELAIDE FRINGE RECS 2025
Tis the eve before Australia’s biggest arts festival where many artists prepare for the 2025 season of the Adelaide Fringe. It honestly feels like Christmas every time it’s fringe season, so, as a gift to you, I present the 14 shows I’ll definitely be seeing this year and you should too!
There are very strong themes across the board of: exploring childhoods, neurodiverse representation, feminism, girlhood, trauma bonding, religion, and existentialism, truly witnessing the Amelia thematic universe. These shows hold topics near and dear to my heart and it’s incredible to also be in a position where I am able to see so many shows this year. The Fringe has a long way to go in regards to neurodiverse accessibility within their biggest locations such as The Garden and Gluttony, which is why a lot of these shows are mostly in independent theatres that continue to give back to the arts community here in Adelaide. There has been an influx in relaxed performances outside of the Family and Kids genre (finally!), but still a lot of work to go for sensory rooms that aren’t “chill areas” or lumped together with parent changing rooms (I’m looking at you, The Garden).
I digress, this list is full to the brim with great artists and great shows that if you can make it to one of them you’ve made an artists day. The Fringe is an excellent way for you to support both experienced and rising artists local to Adelaide and all over the world. Go out there! Support as many artists as you can this season to keep artists coming back to our wonderful city.
Emma Holland - Don’t Touch My Trinkets
Comedy • Stand-up
Fri, 21 Feb - Sun, 02 Mar
Let me take you on a tour through my personal gallery, there’s all kinds of treasures and wares. No touching, no oversized bags, no fountain pens and no flash photography (unless I look really good).
Emma Holland is an absolute hoot! Ever since her “fisting a wiggle” joke and her endlessly hilarious performances on Thank God You’re Here I’ve been desperate to see her live. AND, what is a fringe season without seeing a fellow girly detailing her trinkets? It’s a rite of passage, I say! This is the only stand-up show on my list so if you’re a comedy gal, go see this comedy gal!
Emma Holland - Don’t Touch My Trinkets is performing at Hetzel Room at The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum.
One Of These Things First
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Devised
Thu, 20 Feb - Tue, 25 Feb
A girl dreams of being a ballerina, then a cowboy, then a CEO. A boy dreams of learning the drums. But it's too late for all of that. They’ve grown up. The time has passed….
Or has it?
What if we did it all? Right now. In 60 mins. With nothing but an empty stage.
And props. LOADS of props.
Focused on the impossible nature of childhood career dreams, it is an epic, messy work. Ironic and physically demanding, it is a visual feast that endeavours to capture the beauty, challenges, and complexities of pursuing dreams at an age where nothing seems possible anymore.
Reclaiming childhood dreams! There truly is beauty within a child who dreams of being everything, but immense tragedy in the adult that they become. I love when adults take time to engage in their childlike endeavours, I think it’s so important for everyone as children have so much genuine compassion and excitement for everyone and everything. Go see this show if you wish to feel like your childhood self again.
One Of These Things First is performing at Studio Theatre at Goodwood Theatre and Studios.
Dance Nation
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Comedy
Mon, 24 Feb - Sat, 01 Mar
Clare Barron’s play dives into the chaotic and transformative experience of adolescence, following a group of middle schoolers on a competitive dance team striving for national glory. Beneath the surface of sequins and routines lies a raw, visceral exploration of identity, ambition, and the messy reality of growing up. With dark humor and surrealism, it unpacks the intensity of puberty—shame, joy, rage, and self-discovery—while challenging societal expectations, especially for young girls. The characters’ experiences blur the line between childhood and adulthood, embodying the awkward, monstrous beauty of transformation. It’s a celebration of resilience, vulnerability, and the unbridled power of youth.
The comeback season! I love this play with all of my heart and was so honoured to have worked on it last year (and now for the Fringe!). As an ex-dancer, the dance world was always both heartwarmingly close in community and incredibly isolating. Dance Nation is jampacked with pubescence goodness, coming of age, and discovering who you are in an environment that just wants winners. Plus neurodiverse rep in the cast and crew!
Dance Nation is performing at the Dance Studio at Flinders University Drama Centre.
Savages
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Thriller
Sat, 22 Feb - Sun, 02 Mar
A school camp. Seven friends. A game, a campfire story, and a monster.
Ten years on, at the St. Nicholas of Myra Primary School reunion, six young adults discuss the events of that night. A decade has passed since last they spoke. Plied with nostalgia and with drink, they begin to tell each other a long-forgotten story. Savage children. A boy who slipped through the cracks. And a campfire story made madly, impossibly true.
Fresh off a 2024 Adelaide Fringe debut and subsequent creative development, 'Savages' is a new Australian play that asks us, what happens when the adults look away? And who is responsible for the children?
When I read the description of this show, it reminded me of “Life Is Strange” and truly that was enough for me (it’s my most recent hyper-fixation :D). Savages is to be performed by 6 students of the 2023 cohort from ACArts, which means a great opportunity to support recent, Adelaide theatre graduates as they become the next great artists.
Savages is performing at The Mercury Cinema.
In Motion
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Circus
Fri, 21 Feb - Wed, 26 Feb
Blurring the lines of circus, dance and theatre, follow a story of grief and self-discovery to explore the ups, downs and at times absurdity of rebuilding ourselves after loss. In an exploration of the unpredictability of feelings and our expectations of them, Virago Circus' new work pushes the boundaries of circus and physical theatre, presenting the complicated process of grieving embodied through a series of movement acts in a show where live art meets life. Starring Nicole Walker, Stephanie Ianella, Rachael Howes, Stella May, Sam Matthewman and Jasmine Warland, join us for a night of aerial, dance and storytelling in a circus theatre show unlike you've seen before, as we ask: when we find ourselves in the passenger seat of life, should we fight for the wheel or try to enjoy the ride?
THE Jasmine Warland!! I always love it when shows challenge the genre they’re within while creating new and extraordinary work, and this show fits that bill! Expressing the complicated feelings of grief and coming to terms with loss through the mix medium of circus , dance, and theatre is a wonderful concept and one that shouldn’t be missed this season.
In Motion is performing at Ukiyo at Gluttony - Rymill Park.
I Still Have No Friends
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Theatre
Fri, 07 Mar - Sun, 16 Mar
A huge cracking explosion and a blinding white light.... a lone figure sits shaking in the darkness...
A group of 15 teenagers are stranded inside during their youth leadership conference. There are no adults. They don't have long before food and water will begin to run out. Who will lead and who will follow? What really happened outside? Who are these kids, really? Most importantly, who survives?
Odd Sockz Theatre makes an impact with their debut show with a dark, gritty and thrilling story about unusual situations, strong leadership and the turmoils of adolescence.
This show was originally developed and staged by SAYArts, and written by Alby T Grace.
Support the next generation of artists! PLEASE! I love anything that puts people in situations where they become completely different people. There are quite a few shows this year with younger yet stellar casts and it’s always so amazing to see them starting to put theatre out into the world. Literally you are obliged to see this because the future of arts is in their hands!
I Still Have No Friends is performing at The Mercury Cinema.
Gull - or - The Most Lamentable Comedie Called Love
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Comedy
Sat, 01 Mar - Sun, 09 Mar
A tongue-in-cheek Restoration Romp of bastardized history by Australia’s pre-eminent multi-award-winning “trans-queen” playwright & personality, Glace Chase.
At the outbreak of the plague in 1665, a breeches girl and boy-player gate crash the mansion of a leading conservative and his vapid wife in a desperate bid to escape the city. But a libertine and pantomime dame have the same idea and they’ll all have to battle it out in this epic night from hell…
With Chase’s trademark brilliant wit and outrageous daring, Gull updates Shakespeare’s cross-gendered comedies with a provocative twist for today’s feminist and queer sensibilities.
Presented by graduating actors of South Australia’s leading actor training institution, the internationally renowned Flinders Drama Centre.
Glace Chase is a GOD. Having worked on a previous production of one of her earlier works “WHORE”, I can definitely say that you’re in for a ride if you go see this show. Plus, the cast is amazing! If you’re down to absolutely piss yourselves laughing, then this is most certainly a fringe show for you! And you’ll be supporting future actors.
Gull - or - The Most Lamentable Comedie Called Love is performing at The Arch at Holden Street Theatres.
PSYCHOPOMP
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Clown
Fri, 28 Feb - Sun, 16 Mar
The God Between Life and Death, Conductor of Souls, Usher of Oblivion, is visiting living souls for the first time through the vessel of a lowly mortal - Poppy! Existential as heck, real Stygian energy, a divine exploration of the meaning human beings bring to their own precious, fleeting existence.
With the support of The Mill, Poppy has enlisted a dream team of local Adelaide theatre-makers, artists and Intense Characters to bring the full production of PSYCHOPOMP screamingly to life. Audiences can expect bodily functions, games, storytelling, all through the eyes of an insensitive, arrogant god and a upsettingly human intermediary.
I LOVE THIS CONCEPT SO MUCH. A clown, theatre performance centred around existentialism and what it means to be alive? I’m there yesterday! I love any mythology and ideas of an afterlife and PSYCHOPOMP truly just gives off the exact energy I need to feel like I’ve outlived my Percy Jackson phase but actually it’s just shifted to conductor of souls clown core.
PSYCHOPOMP will be performing at The Breakout at The Mill.
I Think I'm Dying [But I Don't Want To Go To The Doctor]
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Comedy
Tue, 04 Mar - Sun, 09 Mar
Step into a world where chaos meets comedy, and life’s messy moments take centre stage. This heartfelt and hilarious show dives into the ups and downs of living with ADHD, tackling anxiety, forgetfulness, and the universal struggle of feeling like an imposter in your own life. A touching exploration of grief, acceptance, and the resilience it takes to navigate life’s curveballs.
With sharp wit and raw authenticity and just a touch of goofiness, you will leave with a fresh perspective on embracing your quirks and finding joy in imperfection. Don’t miss this exciting new work that turns life’s struggles into moments of shared understanding and celebration.
DISABILITY REP! It’s absolutely amazing to see more disabled led shows at the Fringe this year, so much so that hopefully the Fringe can get better at improving their accessibility each year (disabled people deserve to see shows too!). There is truly something so beautiful about the concept of this show and fully embracing your quirks while allowing them to still be comedic. Please go see this!
I Think I'm Dying [But I Don't Want To Go To The Doctor] is performing at the Circulating Library at The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum.
FIRST LOVE IS THE REVOLUTION
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Drama
Tue, 04 Mar - Sun, 09 Mar
Step into a wild, surreal world where love defies nature’s laws. "First Love is the Revolution" is a darkly comedic, poignant tale of first love that transcends boundaries. When Basti, a teenage boy, and Rdeca, a young fox, meet, they’re drawn into an intense and untamed connection. As their unlikely bond deepens, they face the chaos of primal instinct and rebellion, blurring the lines between predator and prey, human and animal.
This daring, unconventional love story explores identity, desire, and the raw thrill of youth, inviting audiences to experience love’s wild, unsettling edge.
Presented by graduating actors of South Australia’s leading actor training institution, the internationally renowned Flinders Drama Centre.
And the second show I’m working on this Fringe! This is a wild one (no pun intended), let me tell ya! This show is incredibly strange and filled to the brim with great one-liners and chaotic themes that it is truly something you don’t want to miss out on. Plus the cast is amazing! The crew is amazing! The vibes are splendid in this show!
FIRST LOVE IS THE REVOLUTION is performing at The Barbara Hardy Garden at Holden Street Theatres.
Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Musical Theatre
Tue, 04 Mar - Sun, 09 Mar
Step onto the court of this contemporary turmoil that entangles the timelessness of Shakespearean drama with hot, sporty, girl power like you’ve never seen before.
Supported by the Adelaide Tour Ready Award, Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence is coming to Adelaide Fringe to give you electrifying dance-party experience of modern-day musical theatre.
A cautionary tale where deadly ambition meets treacherous scheming when a Netball team of gutsy misfits train for their Inter-School Comp. This show is underpinned by the synth-pop genius of PROJECT BEXX, presented by Crash Theatre Co as they assemble an all-female powerhouse team of WA artists.
See you on the court, b**ch!
If you have not heard of this show by now I have feeling that you have been off of Instagram for quite a long time (and honestly, period! Work that social media detox!). I’m usually quite hesitate towards Shakespeare reimaginings unless they’re ridiculously unique, which, with this show having so much pizzazz, it’s hard to not give it a try. Shakespeare but on a Netball court? Sign me up!
Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence is performing at The Kingfisher at Gluttony - Rymill Park.
Margret, You're A Virgin!
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Drama
Thu, 13 Mar - Sat, 15 Mar
Nearly-graduated high-school student Margret is met with a life-changing discovery; despite never having had heterosexual sex, she finds herself pregnant. This mystery and miracle trials her bonds with family and friends, puts her faith to the test, and forces her onto a profound journey of self-discovery while on the cusp of her adolescence. 'Margret, You're A Virgin!' weaves a tale of bewildering surprises and deep introspection, exploring the sacred and the secular, the seen and unseen, and begs the question: What do you believe?
There is truly nothing better than religious themes reworked into a modern play about a teenage girl in the 21st century. Iconic! I’ve been hopeful they would bring this play back for the Fringe after their successful staged reading in July (that I missed! *cries*), so to say I’m excited is an extreme understatement.
Margret, You’re A Virgin! Is performing at Theatre Two at The Parks Theatres.
DOWNSTAIRS
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Theatre
Tue, 11 Mar - Sat, 15 Mar
A love letter to the nervous system.
Mentally ill (and won’t shut up about it) Isobel Pitt takes you to the place where memories are stored, emotions are processed, and anxiety is waiting to welcome you with open arms.
Hopeful, heartfelt, and occasionally humorous, this multidisciplinary show sheds light on what is really at play during a panic attack.
The visuals, the title, the description, nom nom nom! I happened to just stumble across this show while skim reading the Fringe program and I haven’t booked a ticket that quickly in what feels like forever. Mental health can be a tricky subject to portray in theatre, however, I have a strong suspicion that DOWNSTAIRS is going to be an honest and refreshing take.
DOWNSTAIRS is performing at the Main Theatre at Goodwood Theatre and Studios.
Administration
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Disability Led
Wed, 19 Mar - Sat, 22 Mar
A one-person darkly comedic play about growing up autistic (and not knowing it).
Stumbling into a therapist's office with a stack of paperwork, (and stories to match) Addy recounts what it was like to grow up in a small town Catholic school. Through vignettes from Addy's life, we come to realise the impact your environment can have on coming to accept who you are. We experience how someone may learn to abandon their childhood curiosity and natural expression in favour of an exterior mask: the polar opposite of the internal world.
'Administration' welcomes you into a space where we can come together and laugh at some shared experiences.
MORE DISABILITY REP!! I’m so hype for this show and I firmly believe every human being alive should see this. Theatre is my safe space, and for a lot of autistic artists too, so it’s always incredibly vital and important for our voices to be heard on the stage. Plus, I’ve heard it’s an absolute hoot! If you want to support disabled artists, this is definitely one to go to.
Administration is performing at The Breakout at The Mill.
