The first ever Afflecks Fringe Festival

Article published: Thursday, April 5th 2012

This Sunday saw the launch of the very first Afflecks Fringe Festival. Hosted mainly by the purpose-built Three Minute Theatre, the extensive programme of events also covers Matt and Phreds, The Frog and Bucket and Nexus Art Café.

The variety of acts on the bill is a great selling point of the festival, with live music, comedy, cabaret, monologues and burlesque among the listings. You could be forgiven for failing to understand the flyer – timings are only randomly specified, but each evening show starts at 7.30, with doors opening at 7pm.

The festival runs until 15 April and, although the flyer doesn’t always give away the nature of the acts, some swift Googling soon sheds light on what you can expect to see. The Three Minute Theatre (or 3MT as they are more economically called) is always inviting, with owners John and Gina more than happy to explain the programme of events, so it’s worth dropping by to have a chat with them about what’s on. They’re perfectly located for a drop-in and their door is always open to new visitors.

Slick, polished evenings of seasoned performers on show this will not be and if you’re put off by the idea of a show starting 45 minutes after the advertised time, then this festival is not for you. But if live acts that are eclectic, fresh, energetic and eccentric, staged in a wonderfully bonkers venue is something that appeals, then do give the festival a go.

Over the course of the festival, Mule Culture will be sending reviewers to each of the 15 shows, so look out for our verdict on the acts over the next couple of weeks.

Lucy Allan

If you would like to write theatre reviews for Manchester Mule, email Lucy at lucy.allan@manchestermule.com

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Comments

1. HI Lucy,
   7.00 pm is doors open. Events never start before 7.30pm and we are currently monitoring how starting at 8 will improve the difficult situation customers are having with the parking charges in and around Oldham St. Free parking now starts at 8 on Oldham st. It used to be 6.

   The reason for abbreviating three minute theatre to 3MT Venue is to avoid fear of the word ‘theatre’. It has worked since we changed the title. Although, we are now experiences difficulties with an opposition to applying for intellectual property on ‘3MT’ by 3M.

   I hope this explains a few things.
   Thank you
   Gina

   Comment by gina on April 8, 2012 at 10:29 pm

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