Are you ready for a mega Fringe Binge? Our favourite festival is back from January 17 to February 16, with more comedy, cabaret, circus, drag, theatre, music and magic than you can poke a bedazzled ringmasters baton at. While the heart of the action will be taking place at Fringe World ground zero - that is The Pleasure Garden in Russell Square - venues across the metro area will be getting Fringey. This is our list of must-see shows, but there is plenty more to see.
Check out all the fabulousness at fringeworld.com.au.
And happy Fringing! Seventh-generation circus performer Merrik Ashton has learnt that bigger is not necessarily always better when it comes to the size of your big top. The 30-year-old slackwire specialist is branching out from his family’s Circus Joseph Ashton show — which saw him tour WA for 12 years from the age of 11 — to make his producer debut with the world premiere of Lassu at Fringe World 2025. Themed as a cosmic saloon perched somewhere on the edge of the galaxy, the adult cabaret production blends modern and traditional circus skills with singing, dance and burlesque in a more intimate purpose-built setting.
“For us, it’s a smaller big top at only 30m by 30m round because I really do like that spiegeltent energy,” Ashton says, who will also perform in the show alongside Perth-raised wife and singer Maddison. “There’s something really special about performing on a small stage with the audience really close. When these types of shows s.
