Adelaide Fringe 2024 unofficially starts tomorrow night (and officially on Friday) so we’re helping you plan by letting you know about the acts with French and Francophone links. From circus to comedy, wine to music, theatre to cabaret, and art to dance, there are French-linked acts across the whole program. Read on to discover them.
ART WORKSHOP AT ADELAIDE FRINGE 2024
A Fringe Special Paint & Sip – Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso and Travel Themes
A two hour guided painting session to create your own masterpiece inspired by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso or paint a travel themed artworks such as the Eiffel Tower, all while sipping on your favourite drink. See the link above for which themes will be painted on which dates.
Your ticket includes the artist-led painting session plus all art supplies and you get to take your work of art home.
CABARET & CIRCUS ACTS AT ADELAIDE FRINGE 2024
African SafariFRENCH LINK: Some of the African countries represented may be Francophone
Go on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Africa! Embark on a mesmerizing experience with a talented collective of African performing artists as they showcase the vibrant tapestry of their cultures on stage.
Prepare to be swept away by the pulsating rhythms, captivating stories, and rich traditions that make Africa so unique. Immerse yourself in exhilarating music and dance, be moved by powerful storytelling, and witness firsthand the spirit that defines this diverse and captivating continent.
This show promises more than just entertainment – it’s a celebration. Celebrate the magic of Africa, feel inspired by its artistry and traditions, and leave feeling moved and enriched by the experience.
FRENCH LINK: The show features performers from and is inspired by Francophone country the Republic of Guinea
Prepare to embark on a whirlwind journey through the heart of Africa with Afrique en Cirque, a dynamic spectacle created by Yamoussa Bangoura. More than just dazzling costumes and vibrant colours, this show delves into the very soul of Guinea, drawing inspiration from the beauty, youth, and artistry woven into the fabric of daily life.
Witness the stage come alive with high-energy acrobatics, defying gravity and showcasing the incredible strength and agility of young African performers. Be awestruck by awe-inspiring human pyramids, a testament to their teamwork and dedication. Immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of Afro-Jazz, pulsating percussion, and the enchanting melodies of the Kora, creating a contemporary soundscape that sets the pulse racing.
But Afrique en Cirque transcends mere entertainment. It pulsates with an infectious joy of life, echoing the spirit of resilience and strength that defines young Africans. Their passion and talent shine through every movement, inviting you to share in their vibrant energy and celebrate the richness of their culture. This is more than just a performance; it’s a cultural tapestry woven with breathtaking artistry, leaving you breathless and inspired.
FRENCH LINK: The show is set in Paris
The seductive charm of Parisian cabaret meets the thrilling spectacle of the circus, creating an unforgettable escapade for your senses. Step into a luxurious world, a shimmering spectacle where love, lust, and life intertwine. This is a sumptuous celebration, a vibrant homage to the city’s iconic cabaret golden age, reimagined with contemporary circus flair.
Let breathtaking aerials weave a tapestry of desire, witness daring acrobatics ignite your pulse, and be captivated by enchanting melodies that whisper stories of forbidden passions. This is your invitation to escape the ordinary, to slip into a world of exquisite costumes, heart-stopping artistry, and all things risqué.
Don your most alluring attire, embrace the Parisian spirit with an absinthe in hand, and surrender to a night of unforgettable entertainment. Don’t miss this chance to witness Paris awaken before your very eyes!
FRENCH LINK: Cirque Alfonse are from Quebec, Canada
This Quebecois circus troupe behind the shows Barbu and Tabarnak return to Adelaide Fringe for the first time since COVID 19 shut everything down. This time they have an all-ages show called Animal.
Expect a barnyard adventure gone delightfully haywire! This surreal escapade takes you on a journey through a fantastical farm, where chickens have teeth, ducks plot mischief, and cows kick up a storm. Join a whimsical farmer and his quirky animal companions as they defy gravity, bend stereotypes, and ignite your imagination with their signature blend of acrobatic virtuosity and hilarious antics.
We chatted with Antoine from Cirque Alfonse last month. Read that interview with him here.
You can also read our 2018 interview with Antoine here.
FRENCH LINK: Set in a French brothel with French characters
After igniting stages across the nation, Tone & Cheek proudly presents the scandalous return of Club D’amour! This time, peek through the alluring back door…
Step into a legendary French brothel reimagined, where an intimate and immersive experience awaits. Indulge your senses with a flirtatious fusion of dance, burlesque, circus, and live vocals. Fay Rocious, the captivating madam, leads a troupe of Australia’s sexiest talents in a tale of love, lust, and uninhibited desire. Prepare for an unforgettable performance – provocative, hilarious, and a gloriously seductive showcase of the world’s oldest profession.
NOTE: Fringe Membership 241 tickets available on some dates
FRENCH LINK: French Chinese pole artist Mikael Bres has been with Limbo right from the beginning and is part of Limbo – The Return. Read our interview with him here.
Limbo, the award-winning circus phenomenon, returns, reimagined and ready to blow your mind. This intoxicating fusion of cabaret, death-defying acrobatics, and electrifying live music will transport you to a world beyond the ordinary.
Witness awe-inspiring feats as aerialists defy gravity, contortionists twist into unimaginable shapes, and acrobatic dancers push the boundaries of human movement. Imagine a slack rope walker dancing on a thin line between bravery and danger, while a rope virtuoso weaves magic with their agile hands. And amidst it all, a fire-eating songstress adds a touch of sultry seduction to the mix.
FRENCH LINK: Michaela Burger stars in the show – she’s also the woman in red in all the posters around town – she wrote and performed the award-winning show Exposing Edith about Edith Piaf. In previous seasons of Rouge she sings some French language songs.
Rouge the award-winning circus for grown-ups returns to Adelaide Fringe 2024! This intoxicating blend of sensational acrobatics, captivating operatic cabaret (from Michaela Burger), and cheeky burlesque is more than just a show; it’s a subversive celebration of the astonishing, surprising, and undeniably sexy.
NOTE: Fringe Membership 241 tickets available on some dates
COMEDY AT ADELAIDE FRINGE 2024
FRENCH LINK: French swearing taught by a Frenchman
Previously known as Talk Dirty, Stay Classy and So French, So Naughty , this is a fun French lesson like no other. Discover the amazing diversity of the French language and learn the crème de la crème of French swear words.
Led by the wonderfully funny Arnaud, you will laugh and you will definitely swear.
Read our review of the previous show from 2019.
I’m a refugee, get me out of here
FRENCH LINK: The artist is From Ethiopia originally, which is French speaking
In 1998, a young Ethiopian Samuel Gebreselassie was just a child swept away from war-torn Sudan, finding refuge in New Zealand thanks to the UN. Fast forward to today, he’s conquering the Australian comedy scene as both a comedian and producer- and he’s bringing his hilarious journey and unique perspective to your doorstep!
Get ready for an unforgettable show as he weaves his origin story into side-splitting observations about the world all delivered from an “outsider’s” point of view. See him at Adelaide Fringe before he takes his comedy gold abroad!
The self-appointed ambassador for Lebanese-Australian m*dgets
FRENCH LINK: The performer is from Lebanon
Imaan advocates for expatriated Lebanese-Australian midgets everywhere. Get ready for an eye-opening performance that will motivate you to be more equal than others.
An original, risk taking and soul-searching comedian, Imaan possesses an authentically distinct point of view many fear or fail to see.
DANCE AT ADELAIDE FRINGE 2024
I(CE) (S)CREAM Boléro Femme et THE OTHER SIDE
FRENCH LINK: The choreographer of the first piece is Luxembourgish and it is performed to the music of Ravel.
A double bill of two intimate and witty contemporary dance-theatre works at Adelaide College of the Arts.
- ‘I(CE) (S)CREAM Boléro Femme (15-minute solo), is choreographed by award-winning international artist Jill Crovisier. This theatrical and rhythmic work is a personal journey to the sound of Ravel’s Boléro, where the performer, on roller skates, finds her inner voice.
- THE OTHER SIDE (20-minute trio), choreographed by Liat Kedem is a graceful and bold work, performed by a South Australian cast of captivating performers. Watch them take you from moment to moment effortlessly, exploring how we process change as we move through life.
FRENCH MUSIC AT ADELAIDE FRINGE 2024
FRENCH LINK: A show of French music
Join celebrated Adelaide French singer and band, Louise Blackwell and the French Set for an hour of beautiful music, dangerous rhythm and a little moonlight and romance!
Winners of a 2023 Fringe Cabaret Award with Love on the Left Bank, the story of legendary French singer Juliette Gréco, this year Louise and the band will perform a delightful continental mix of songs, venturing beyond some of their French favourites, adding Italian, Brazilian and swing numbers from the American songbook. Featuring Mark Simeon Ferguson on keys, Tom Pulford on saxophone and clarinet, John Aué on double bass and Zed Crawford on drums.
Read our reviews of Love on the Left Bank and Louise’s previous show A night in Paris.
FRENCH LINK: An homage to French cabaret
Be transported to the vibrant Cabaret era of 1930’s Paris from Follie and Faux pas, denial and finally, redemption in this one-woman show, Illusions – a French Cabaret.
Written and performed by chanteuse Anne Millar with Vincent Cologiuri on piano, the show takes us through the lost songs of original 20′ and 30’s Parisien cabaret divas and icons Piaf, Dietrich and Eartha Kitt. Showcasing the unique visual and musical intensity of the era., using wicked, dark humour and raw, cruel anguish to move out of the dark pain of self-delusion into mastery of self, life and love.
FRENCH LINK: French music including songs made famous by legends like Edith Piaf, Yves Montand, and Michel Legrand.
Join acclaimed vocalist Tiffany Gaze and her talented band for “Jazz Under the Skies of Paris,” a captivating journey through the enchanting world of French music.
For centuries, French culture has mesmerized the world, and its influence on jazz music is undeniable. Tiffany, inspired by this rich history, curates a setlist featuring iconic melodies made famous by legends like Edith Piaf, Yves Montand, and Michel Legrand.
Prepare to be swept away by the soulful vocals, captivating rhythms, and undeniable sophistication of French jazz. Witness the harmonious blend of American and French traditions as Tiffany and her band, featuring Jackson Mack on drums, Jacob Phillips on bass, and Solomon Young on piano, paint a musical portrait of Parisian nights.
Piaf and Brel: The Impossible concert
FRENCH LINK: Songs of French singers Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel
Imagine… the legendary voices of Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel, icons of French music, sharing a stage. Impossible? Not anymore! This award-winning “impossible” concert brings their passionate stories and music together through the captivating vocals of Melanie Gall.
Embark on a journey through love and heartbreak, where Piaf’s iconic “La Vie en Rose” blends seamlessly with Brel’s melancholic “Amsterdam.” Feel the raw emotion of “Milord” and get swept away by the timeless classics that defined their careers.
More than just a concert, this is a unique experience that breathes life into the shared inspirations and tragic beauty of these musical giants. Witness the magic unfold as Melanie Gall, with her own powerful voice, channels the spirit of Piaf and Brel, creating an unforgettable evening of song and storytelling.
Read our review of the show from 2020 here
NOTE: Fringe Membership 241 tickets available on all dates
FRENCH LINK: Guitarist Mike Rizk has French and Tunisian background.
Witness history in the making with Flamenco-Electro, a world-first live show that shatters boundaries and redefines what Flamenco can be.
Acclaimed Flamenco guitarist Mike Rizk leads a powerhouse ensemble featuring talented dancers Poppy Arbuckle and Rhianna Dunaiski, alongside the electrifying vocals of “The Voice” finalist Claudia Migliaccio. Embark on a captivating journey through the soul of Flamenco, from its traditional roots to progressive forms, culminating in the ground-breaking fusion of Flamenco and electronica.
Rizk masterfully weaves a tapestry of sound, blending the raw power of Flamenco guitar with the futuristic soundscapes of samples, synthesizers, loopers, and pulsating drum machines. Witness the dancers translate this rhythmic alchemy into their movements, their passion translating the music’s energy into a visual feast.
FRENCH LINK: A Frenchman as lead singer and French music
In the third instalment of their tragi-comédie, Les Flâneurs Volants this time find themselves in Naples where their romantically hapless character Jacques is singing in a bar on a sleazy street in Naples.
In this show, they invite you to become the audience in that bar and “have a slice of pizza spread with French songs, sprinkled with some Italian tunes with Napoli flavour and topped with a little humour.”
Jen de Ness Quintet in Green Tile Tango
FRENCH LINK: Some French songs in the program
Step into the vibrant world of your local Tango club, where hearts beat on the dance floor and stories unfold with every step. Green Tile Tango is a captivating musical brimming with original music, passionate dance, and heart-warming moments in the lives of individuals entwined by fate and their love for Tango.
Dive into their triumphs and heartaches, all woven together through a captivating tapestry of jazz-tinged vocals, slick guitar riffs, and soulful string melodies. Get ready for fun sing-alongs, quick costume changes, and the fiery passion of authentic Tango dancing.
The best acoustic songs of all times…and some of mine – 2500 shows in London – with Loucas Loizou
FRENCH LINK: Some French songs in the show
Cypriot singer/songwriter Loucas Loizou is no stranger to Adelaide Fringe, performing this show every year. His major claim to fame – his first employer was Cat Stevens!
Expect songs by Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Leonard. Cohen, John Denver, Nana Mouskouri, Ralph McTell, The Animals, Dan McLean as well as ballads from Greece, Italy, France and Spain and some of Loucas Loizou’s own songs.
NOTE: Fringe Membership 241 tickets available on all dates
FRENCH LINK: Louise Blackwell (of Louise Blackwell and the French Set) is a special guest
The Adelaide Jazz Club Grand Finale ensemble concert brings to a close a fabulous season of shows over the first fringe weekend. A luxurious feast of re-imagined Jazz and Pop classics.
Louise Blackwell (of Louise Blackwell and The French Set) will be a special guest. You can also see her in her own show Continental Drift mentioned above.
FRENCH LINK: French songs are featured in the program
Summary of Love is a unique musical journey as Art of Just Wood Stone (Taipei) and Wien Times Music (Adelaide) present a concert overflowing with innovation and collaboration. At the heart of this experience lie the core musicians Chuan Shi and Huijie Lin, founders of Art of Just Wood Stone, known for their pioneering approach to traditional Chinese music; and Yanchao Liu, founder of Wien Times Music, brings a European flair to the mix.
During their time studying in Vienna, these talented individuals discovered a shared passion for pushing musical boundaries. The result? Mild classical, a captivating concept that blends the elegance of classical bel canto with the improvisational soul of jazz trios and string quartets.
Prepare to be swept away by a multilingual repertoire spanning Chinese, English, Italian, German, and French as renowned soprano Huijie Lin interprets Chuan Shi’s innovative compositions. Each piece promises a vibrant fusion of genres, infused with elements of improvisation and audience interaction.
Chansons Piaf, Brel & me: musical cabaret about France
FRENCH LINK: All about France and French music
A musical cabaret show in which the German singer tells tales of her time spent in France and sings well-known French songs.
NOTE: This show had promise but unfortunately did not deliver. Read our review of the show before you consider buying tickets.
THEATRE AT ADELAIDE FRINGE 2024
FRENCH LINK: the story in the show includes travel to Paris
In the search for a string of pearls, a daughter travels to her abandoned childhood home and a mother travels from Port Pirie to Paris without ever leaving home. Memories are ignited, then questioned. Fractures deepen until finally a heartbreaking but healing truth is revealed. A profound lesson in what it really means to live each day is if it were your last. ‘Pearls’ will make you laugh, then cry, then laugh again.
A very limited return season of this acclaimed show, performed in the intimate setting of Mrs Harris’ Shop to accompany the powerful, contemplative visual arts work ‘Pearls (Unstitched)’
Read our review of the 2019 show here
NOTE: Fringe Membership 241 tickets available on some dates
ADELAIDE FRINGE 2024 SHOWS ABOUT WINE
In Pour Taste: A comedy wine tasting experience
FRENCH LINK: Wine! Even if we don’t expect wines from France in the show, there will undoubtedly be French varietals
Join comedians Sweeney Preston & Ethan Cavanagh, plus a wine expert, for a wild ride through 5 wines and even more laughs. Leave the snobbery at the door – this is an event for everyone, from “worldly wine wankers” to “clueless chardonnay chuggers.”
Get your questions answered, the hilarious kind that is whether it be pinky etiquette or an education on Tannins.
Your ticket includes 5 tastings and a belly full of laughter. Don’t miss this unmissable combo of goon bag quantity and champagne quality entertainment!
Merricks Watt’s: An idiot’s guide to wine: Volume Two
FRENCH LINK: Wine! Even if we don’t expect wines from France in the show, there will undoubtedly be French varietals
The idiot’s back, but bigger and better than ever! It’s an all-new show bursting with fresh jokes, new wines, same idiot.
This time, Mez dives deeper into the world of grapes, showcasing unique varietals from amazing winemakers. Brace yourself for side-splitting humour, insightful wine knowledge, and six delightful tastings included in your ticket.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just a chardonnay enthusiast, this show is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and tantalize your taste buds. Don’t miss your chance to experience the perfect blend of comedy and vino with Australia’s favourite idiot!
Read our review of Part One from the Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2023 here
Dowie Doole: Chocolate & wine pairing
FRENCH LINK: Wine! French varietals in the pairings
Head to Dowie Doole in McLaren Vale for a wine and chocolate pairing. You will sample:
- Blanc2 Chenin/Sauvignon Blanc matched with a milk chocolate caramel cup
- Grenache matched with a raspberry chocolate ganache truffle; and
- Shiraz matched with a vanilla bean white chocolate.
FRENCH LINK: Wine! French varietals will be discussed
The Mythbusters of wine or stand-up with a wine twist is what Luke Morris promises as he blends science, history, and humour to uncork the facts and fiction about wine, including the true story of Francis Durif.
Read our review of the show from 2019 here
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KEY INFO FOR ADELAIDE FRINGE 2024
WHAT: Adelaide Fringe 2024, the second biggest Fringe festival in the world!
WHERE: various venues in Adelaide and South Australia
WHEN: Friday 16 February – Sunday 17 March 2024
HOW: Purchase your tickets to the shows above via the links given or check out the entire Adelaide Fringe program at www.adelaidefringe.com.au
HOW MUCH: Prices vary depending on the show and the day as well as any discounts you may be entitled to. If you’re seeing a lot of shows, you may find Fringe membership worthwhile as it gives you 241 tickets for a lot of shows in the program.
Which Adelaide Fringe 2024 shows are you planning to see? Stay tuned for another article about the French circus school trained performers at this year’s Adelaide Fringe
