Fringe

Winner

Stanley by Junk Theatre

Stanley by Junk Theatre is inspired by true events and real people. This new piece of writing follows neurotic and generally afraid Stanley Watts (Real name Patrick Watts), a Radio DJ sent by the BBC to be the sole media representative on the Falkland Islands. When Port Stanley, where he lives, is invaded by the Argentinian military, Stanley’s radio station becomes the soul point of communication between the British government and the island troops. Stanley must find unknown bravery, and overcome his biggest obstacle, himself, in order to try and support the islands he has (very slowly) come to love.

Commendation

• Descent
• Bad Energy
• Ending Interval
• The Womb
• How to Urn a Living

Best International Performance

The Bee from my Head by Distinkt Company

Best Dance

Talk by Alauda Dance

Best Family Performance

Little Dragons by Acrosphere Circus

Best Music

Emyr Thomas

Best Visual Arts

Persephone NG

Mini Film

Winner: Water Ways

A film about mental health recovery through surfing. Ashley Braunton is a 3rd generation surfer from Saunton in North Devon ranked 4th in the country for longboard. In this short documentary he talks about his struggle with mental health and how he used surfing, the community and his family as a way to get back on his feet. Also proving the close communities of England are all we need to feel at home.

Runner up: What they can’t see, is left behind.

“Every contact leaves a trace.” (E, Locard. 1920).
The work is an abstract, yet uncomplicated examination and exploration into the concept of Touch DNA which “is DNA obtained from biological material transferred from a donor to an object or a person during physical contact” (Fessa, 2019).

Short Film

Winner of short film: Emma

Ecclesiastes 3:4
A screendance of gestures and words, emotions and relationships, with the bodies of dancers bringing to life this short story.

Runner up: Pillow Talk

Jill just wants to get a good night’s sleep before a big presentation, but it’s not in the cards.

International Film

Winner of international film: Population:1

Jim is the sole inhabitant of an island off the west coast of Ireland. In this interview, he philosophises about his choice to live in such an isolated manner and ponders the mysterious hold that Acaill Bheag has on him.

Runner up for international film: Planet of Rust

Sent on a routine delivery mission to an exoplanet, cosmic courier Pon faces a perilous twist of fate when his spaceship malfunctions.

Local Film

Winner: Kitsch

The filmmaker, alongside his colleague The Camera, is determined to make this film the most artistic film this screening’s audience has ever seen.

Runner up: Happy Place: Jedda

Happy Place: Jedda is an experimental-immersive project. Jedda is an anonymous 51-year-old woman interviewee, whose story is about dealing with childhood trauma and maternal deprivation, discovering empathy as an adult and the joy and acceptance of having a daughter who is married to a woman. The film uses creative visuals to explore an imaginary world of comfort, distracting from negative experiences.

The Ugly Bug Drag Ball by Karma Obscura
During The Ugly Bug Drag Ball’s performance, we got to witness a charming cabaret with a range of different talents. Surprisingly informative, this drag show features a range of different bugs with a host of talents. From the dazzling butterfly to the morbid black widow, the acts were creative, funny and impressive. I highly recommend going to see the show before it gains fame, as I see such a unique style of drag going far.

The Untold Fable of Fritz by Unsettled Theatre
With impressive prop work and puppetry, this tale of love and sacrifice comes alive. Played by only three actors skilfully moulding into a range of different characters, the play is magically resourceful, and fantastically whimsical. It holds a range of emotions – it is funny but also meaningful, and could teach adults, as well as kids a thing or two. Overall a poignant story of what a father will do for his son.

Anatomy of Pain by Disquiet Collective
A powerful insight into living with chronic pain. It’s a harrowing taste of everything that comes with a chronic illness, and how all enveloping it is. The loneliness is palpable – conveyed through the disconnect between the two actors, who were cleverly placed in front of and behind the audience. With one animated and engaged in the visuals on the screen, and the other static and distant. Overall, it’s a well-paced show with a good rhythm, convincing actors and an important story to tell.

Witch Me Back! by Nya Paraplyteatern
A lively performance with an impressive cast – Witch Me Back put together a wonderful English rendition of their originally Swedish play in only 4 weeks, and it was a riot to watch. Very funny, and with a heartwarming message about one little troll trying to assimilate into witch culture, it will leave you feeling warmed. The main character and her adult counterpart complimented each other very well. The other actors also had great chemistry, which would prove vital to the communication of the play. Overall a heartwarming and hilariously funny watch, perfect for families.

Now More than Ever by Alauda Dance
An emotive and dynamic performance with an important message about our endangered wildlife. I found myself so captivated by the movements of the performers that I forgot it was the performers making them, and not in fact a tree or a flower or fox. I wish the performers would have more faith in their communication, as they communicated perfectly their characters without the need for visuals. The sound design was heartfelt, and it made both the group and solo performances shine. And with each reminder of the beauty of nature, I felt uplifted to take action. An overall heartening, important and uplifting experience, and a pleasure to watch.

Anybody Out There by KINGSTON ONSTAGE
A dramatic performance with a wonderful selection of well thought out characters. The play feels like the natural progression of SKINS, with fast moving, relevant storylines about the lives of various uni students. It’s a well paced show with a characterful and resourceful set, and compelling acting from each and every character.

Quiz Night at Vaginus Hemingway’s Cabaret Rathole by Lara Cosmetatos
A confusingly beautiful depiction of existentialism with a wonderfully vibrant host. The performance was captivating, taking you on many turns throughout its run, and bringing the audience into a world in which they might be preparing to see the end. Or perhaps just the end of this waiter’s life as he knows it. The sadness and dread felt very important, even if it was not clear what they stemmed from, and were conveyed beautifully through operatic singing, modern dance and conversations to someone who’s not really there. A thought provoking watch to be sure.

WHATTHEHELLISGOINGON by G.O.W.D
A daring new take on plays altogether, in which the audience is required to take instruction throughout, and occasionally make their own rules. It felt like I was back in acting school as I waddled around the floor like a chicken, and explored the first steps of a Lord of the Flies retelling for adults Overall more like a workshop or experiment, but that’s ok, as you are invited to join the collective if you so wish. And if you’re looking for your next adventure, I suggest you do.

The Roman Invasion of Ramsbottom by Thames Music Theatre
A delightful cross between Narcissus and Coronation Street. With a cast of multi-talented young actors, singers and dancers, this play shines onstage. It had all the classic beats of a story – a hero, a bad guy, a romance and a chorus of cheerleading Romans. Although a simple formula, it had effective storytelling. I must admit a lot of the humour went over my head, but my northern friend was chuckling heartily next to me, and I really appreciated the acting from the comedy duo of soldiers. Overall an incredibly talented young cast, good writing, fun props and great music. A fantastic play for kids and adults alike, and an especially great play for northerners.

Dillon Dance Youth
Dillon Dance is back at FUSE International with an incredible, immersive show about the sickness choking mankind. It’s a captivating show with emotion pouring from each dancer while they tackle these challenging topics. The spectacular lighting, soundtrack and special effects are a highlight of the show, which is overall brilliant, even if the themes were literal at times. A striking watch, and a pleasure to see young talent perform with so much passion.

Creative Youth are excited to announce that applications are open for FUSE International 2024. Returning to Kingston in summer ’24 for the 16th year, the stage is yours for the taking, so explore our participant pages and find out everything you need to know about bringing a performance to the festival.

FUSE International will take place from 28 June – 8 July 2024.

FUSE has venues across the town of all shapes and sizes, and suitable for all audiences. We focus particularly on supporting artists under 27, and have a team of creatives to help your festival experience feel as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

If you’re over 27, but creating work for young audiences, or first began your journey with Creative Youth before turning 27, then please do apply.

How to apply

All our applications (except short performances under 15 minutes) are through Eventotron, a festival management platform.

Key dates for 2024

Applications open: Wed 8 November 2023
Applications close: Mon 8 January 2024
Programming decision: End of Feb 2024

Head to our Participants page to find out more about what we need from you in your application.

Each year, the FUSE International Awards recognise and celebrate the amazing companies and performances who have excelled and captivated their audiences with their work.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful companies and performers who have brought Kingston to life this summer. From theatre, music, cabaret, dance to visual arts and comedy, there has been something for everyone across the town during the festival.

A wide variety of awards celebrate all facets of our multi-arts programme, with each individual show/performance being reviewed by one of our team members.

All companies who win an award win a free registration to take part in FUSE International 2024 the following year. 

2023 Award Winners

We’re thrilled to announce this year’s award winners:

Best Dance Performance

I CAN DANCE

Best Children & Families Performance

ARCO Junior – WAYTCO

Best Ensemble Performance

The Ordinariness of Her – CAPA College/ Momentum Theatre

Best Fringe Performance

Oubliette – Barking Hearts Theatre
Friction Burn – Precipice Theatre
Genderfluid Babe Manifesto – Lu Greco
My Dad Wears A Dress – Maria Telnikoff

Best Music Performance

Thames Youth Jazz Orchestra

The Western Australia Youth Theatre Company has a history of producing award-winning shows that provide actors with professional experiences, developed theatre skills and life capabilities.

We are so excited to be welcoming this heartwarming and comedic theatre to Kingston, attracting audiences of all ages with two versions of the show that delve into Adam’s life as a self described autistic individual.

After the huge success of our FUSE Film event as part of last year’s festival we could not wait to showcase more films this year with our glittering FUSE Film showcase and awards.

FUSE Film focuses on celebrating the work of young film makers and sharing the creative talents of incredible emerging casts and crews.

This year we will be screening all of our shortlisted films and awarding our winners in the following categories:

• Best Short Film
• Best Miniature Film
• Best International Film

You can reserve your tickets for our screening and view the official shortlist by clicking here.

As the UK’s largest multi-arts festival for performers under the age of 27, FUSE International brings together some of the brightest young talent from around the world for 10 extraordinary days of theatre, music, comedy, dance, circus, visual art and more. It is a celebration of new voices, raw talent, ideas in development.

HOW TO APPLY:

Before applying through Eventotron, we encourage you to first read the application information on our website, and read our festival resources page. This tells you everything you need to know about applying to be part of the festival, and provides helpful information such as venue sizes, services and costs, and FAQs.

If you have any questions about applying to be part of FUSE International 2023, speak to our Festival Director, Petra, on fusedirector@creativeyouthcharity.org.