West Side Story

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

CAPA return to the FUSE International stage with the electrifying West Side Story, a blistering collision of love, loyalty, and rivalry set to one of the most iconic scores in musical theatre history.

Razor-sharp choreography, soaring vocals, and raw emotional stakes bring the streets of New York alive as two gangs battle for territory and identity, and two young lovers dare to dream beyond the lines drawn around them. A bold, electrifying showcase marking CAPA’s return to the festival with their Pro-Team, and a celebration of young performers at the height of their craft.

About the company

CAPA is a vibrant performing arts training programme in Kingston upon Thames where young performers sharpen their craft in acting, singing, and dance, building confidence, discipline, and stage-ready professionalism. The Pro-Team is its elite performance company: of current students and Alumni. An ensemble of advanced students working at a near-industry level. They rehearse like a company, think like creatives, and perform with a polished, professional edge, bringing ambition, precision, and serious stage energy to every production.

Why she left me

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

When William loses his wife to suicide, a mysterious figure appears and offers him a a chance to live with his wife again. But is this offer too good to be true?

‘Why she left me’ is a play about love and loss and how one man must find the courage to confront how he truly feels.

About the artist

Arran is a writer and director based in London. He makes theatre that explores different spaces and the human condition.

Dance Showcase

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

Experience an unforgettable evening of dance, showcasing extraordinary young talent across a wide range of styles – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
From Contemporary to K-Pop, Musical Theatre to Lyrical, Ballet to Tap – this vibrant showcase bringing together diverse styles in a true celebration of movement and creativity.

Join us for one special night as we shine a spotlight on both group routines from local dance schools and captivating solo pieces from independent performers.
See the future dance stars of tomorrow today!

About the companies

Siheung City Youth Foundation and K-SH-Y present… Awakened by the Passion of Youth: Five Movements of Korea

A 20-minute K-Culture performance presented in Kingston upon Thames by seven of Korea’s leading female dancers.
This work explores the spirit and energy of Korea through five interconnected movements — Seon, Han, Heung, Haeng, and Hanguk — each reflecting a distinct emotional and cultural rhythm of Korean identity.

Beginning with the quiet elegance and flowing aesthetics of Seon, the performance unfolds into Han, the deeply rooted emotion of longing and resilience carried within Korean culture. From there, it bursts into the vibrant energy of Heung, revealing the passionate and celebratory spirit often described as the heartbeat of the Korean people. The journey continues through Haeng — movement, expansion, and connection — expressing how contemporary K-Culture transcends borders through rhythm, performance, and collective energy.

Blending street dance, commercial choreography, and contemporary performance, the piece captures both the traditional sensibilities and modern dynamism of Korea, offering an immersive stage experience that introduces audiences to the emotional landscape of Korean culture today.

LSS

LSS will showcase the history of street dance, through different styles of dance within the street dance umbrella. They have an added surprise to wow the audience with their Acrobatic dancers taking the stage. The performance will consist of high energy, character and great dance moves to get the audience clapping and dancing.

Onyx School of Performing Arts

Onyx School of Performing Arts is an inclusive and nurturing performing arts school based in the heart of Kingston, offering structured triple-threat training in dance, acting, and singing for children aged 3–11. We offer a range of dance styles including ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop, alongside phonics booster sessions designed to support early literacy development for children aged 3–5.

As a registered exam centre for Trinity College London and I-PATH, we are proud to maintain a 100% pass rate, with all Ofqual-regulated exams achieving distinctions.

In addition to weekly classes, we offer exciting holiday camps and unforgettable birthday party experiences, creating opportunities for every child to build confidence, creativity, and a love for the performing arts.

Lucinda Walsh School of Dance

Lucinda Walsh School of Dance was established in February 2010 in Tolworth, Surrey. Examinations are taken under the syllabus of the International Dance Teachers Association. Previous performances include performing at the formula 1 Grand Prix sprint day on the Silverstone circuit, the London E-prix at the London ExCel and performing on the Videopolis stage, Disneyland Paris. Pupils regularly perform in pantomimes, amongst other amateur shows and take masterclasses with industry professionals to further their dance journey. Training available in: Acro, Ballet, Break, Cheer, Contemporary, Freestyle, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Tap.

Vital Signz Dance

Vital Signz Dance is a vibrant hip hop and street dance academy located in the heart of Kingston Upon Thames with a speciality in Hip Hop Theatre. Previous adaptations of beloved classics include Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Neverland, Twist, and Descendantz, along with the award-winning Wizards Tale.

Studio K

Studio K is a fun & friendly dance studio offering classes for kids and adults in Richmond in a variety of dance styles and levels. Experts in street dance styles with competitive teams for kids and teens.

Bharatham Fine Arts Academy

Bharatham is a newly established dance studio based on the high street of Tolworth. Usha Ragunathan dedicating her quality time to establish Indian classical dance to young generation. She is a post degree holder in dance and her experience span over 18 years. Her students has been performing in local Heritage events, charity shows and classical functions. This help her students motivation and the self-confidence with public performance. She is keen to help the community and the young minds through classical education.

There Is Rice At Home

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

On the eve of her best friend's funeral, a police officer comes face to face with a charming stranger who introduces herself as Death. And like her, she has questions begging for answers.

There Is Rice At Home is a riveting story of friendship, grief, and love.

The cast is led by award-winning Bola Stephen-Atetebi, whose critically acclaimed work includes Esther's Revenge and Reminiscing with Adunni Alaalo. She is joined by Abiola Akindele who brings her essence to the character after a successful run at the Women’s Writers Festival, London.
There Is Rice At Home returns to England after three successful shows, including closing The Alliance Française Accra Performing Arts Festival in Ghana.

What if Death showed up at the funeral, and had receipts?

There Is Rice At Home is coming to FUSEInternational in Kingston, and it's not like anything else on the programme.
Inspired by real personal losses, this play questions normative expressions of grief, and the pretences that complicate our relationship with friendship and loss.

Come and see the award-winning Bola Stephen-Atetebi and Abiola Akindele tell a story for the books.

Written by Inyang Edoho and Joewackle J. Kusi
Directed by Emmanuel Okocha Produced by Jude Chibueze Meju
Stage Management by Evidence Adu

About the company

Instinct Pictures is a dynamic theatre and creative production company based in Lagos, Nigeria, committed to telling bold, emotionally resonant, and socially conscious stories that connect deeply with audiences across cultures.

Founded by Emmanuel Okocha, the company has grown into one of the emerging voices in contemporary African theatre, known for producing impactful stage works that explore identity, migration, race, human relationships, social realities, and cultural intersections. Driven by a passion for authentic storytelling, Instinct Pictures creates productions that combine minimalist yet powerful stagecraft with compelling performances, innovative direction, and emotionally engaging narratives.

The company’s work reflects the complexities of modern society while preserving the richness of African experiences and perspectives. Through theatre, live experiences, creative collaborations, and cultural exchange, Instinct Pictures continues to use performance as a tool for dialogue, education, reflection, and global connection. Since its inception, Instinct Pictures has actively participated in prestigious theatre and arts festivals both locally and internationally, earning recognition for its originality, consistency, and artistic excellence. The company has showcased productions at notable festivals including the Lagos Fringe, Lagos Theatre Festival, Brighton Fringe, Wandsworth Arts Fringe, and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, where the company has continued to expand the reach of Nigerian storytelling to global audiences.

Scenes from A Palm Tree in London were featured during the ongoing Philadelphia Fringe Festival, further strengthening the company’s international presence. Among its notable productions are Shadows, Sour Grapes, A Palm Tree in London, and the emotionally charged stage production Second Thoughts. Instinct Pictures’ productions are known for addressing timely themes with honesty, vulnerability, humor, and emotional depth, creating intimate

The Skins (or the Revenge of Princess Diana)

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

When Jen discovers an underground lair of alien creatures with plans of world domination, she must do everything in her power to thwart their efforts before undercover extraterrestrial ‘Beryl Stump’ is elected the next UK Prime Minister. With the help of Princess Diana’s diary and the noble efforts of her wonderful audience, Jen might just make it.

This anarchic comedy blends puppetry, pop-culture parody and a deep love for Princess Diana to create a fast paced and delightfully absurd performance. It's not one to be missed.

★★★★ "It rings with soul and sensation." – Binge Fringe for Halfway Down's previous production 'Saint'.

About the company

Halfway Down Theatre is a small, Brighton based theatre collective made up of predominantly queer artists. With a keen interest in stories of hope, they focus on amplifying LGBTQA+ voices and tales of taking action against unfairness. As a rule, they try to keep things funny.

Last year, with our show 'Saint', they were awarded the 'Keep it Fringe' fund and went to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where they did a 10 day run at The Space, Surgeons' Hall. Here, they were short-listed for Binge Fringe's 'Queer Performer Award' after receiving a glowing review.

Rulebook To Society

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

Rulebook To Society is a raw, autobiographical musical exploring what it means to grow up neurodivergent in a world built on unspoken rules. Blending spoken word, alt-pop and theatre, the piece follows a young woman navigating systems that misread, misunderstand and punish difference – from school to mental health services and beyond.

Both painfully honest and darkly funny, the show unpacks identity, survival and the pressure to conform, while asking: what happens when you stop trying to follow rules that were never made for you?

Developed through platforms including Chickenshed’s RISE Festival and performed at conferences and live events, Rulebook To Society is an urgent, emotionally charged work-in-progress that refuses to stay quiet.

About the company

Hannah Whitfield is a London-based creative activist, writer and performer. Her work combines theatre, spoken word and lived experience to challenge systems, amplify neurodivergent voices and explore themes of identity, trauma and inclusion. She is the founder of Legally Detained, a creative platform using storytelling and performance to advocate for systemic change across arts, education and mental health spaces.

Photographer credit: Caz Dyer

Retardant

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

"What's your favourite TV show?"

For one autistic Irish trans man, it's Skivvies, an iconic teen drama entering its fifth season. After moving to Belfast to pursue his own coming of age dreams, he gets caught up in the messy hedonism of Gen Z queers. As his gender and sexuality waver, the TV glows brighter than the city lights and the line between fiction and reality starts to blur…

This is staying up all night refreshing Tumblr. This is that 4am deep conversation you regret the next day. This is a house party mirrorball fever dream about obsession, psychosis and doppelgangers, because what's scarier than a crazy trans person?

About the company

Isaac Quinn (he/him) is a theatremaker from Northern Ireland. His debut play "Retardant" premiered at the Leicester Curve with the National Student Drama Festival in 2026, after a work-in-progress tour across the North of Ireland. He's the co-creator of A Derry Queer Open Mic and a part of Theatre and Dance NI's INVEST Fellowship. His work focuses on the lived and made up experiences of being transgender, queer, disabled, and working class.

Pride In Kingston: Afterdark by Unapologetic

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

This year, Unapologetic ignites something long overdue, bringing Pride to Kingston for the very first time. Pride in Kingston: Afterdark opens the weekend with a bold collision of performance, identity, and unapologetic self-expression. Expect a night that leans into the shadows and thrives there – raw talent, fearless voices, and boundary-pushing artistry across dance, cabaret, singing, and powerful duets that refuse to be softened or silenced. This is Pride stripped back and turned up: electric, defiant, and unfiltered. Step into the dark and witness a celebration where queerness is loud, powerful, and impossible to ignore.

About the company

Unapologetic is more than dance, it’s a fearless movement redefining what the industry looks and feels like. Built to amplify underrepresented LGBTQIA+ voices, it creates powerful platforms where artists are not only seen, but celebrated in their full truth. Our work has lit up global stages and collaborations including YouTube HQ, Pride in London, Sony, Cardiff Mardi Gras, Latitude Festival, Comic Con, and BBC Three, MTV, The Brits, Royal Variety Performance, alongside artists such as Madonna, Dua Lipa, Kesha, Years&Years, Kim Petras, Boy George, Billy Porter, and Sara Aalto.

Every project is rooted in bold expression, pushing boundaries and challenging expectations through work that is raw, provocative, and impossible to ignore. With a commitment to community, visibility, and artistic excellence, Unapologetic is shaping a future where individuality leads, diversity thrives, and every artist is empowered to take up space – loudly and without compromise, unapologetically!

Manuel: A Journey Through Gender

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

A performance hangout on all things gender, where Manuel will take you through their personal journey. Expect humour, audience interactive storytelling, unscripted conversations, lip-syncs, karaoke, and live costume changes. A shared experience between audience and performer in which everyone can question, play with, and deconstruct gender. See you there!

About the artist

Manuel is a queer, trans non-binary multidisciplinary artist – performer, writer, comedian, and facilitator. Their work is rooted in live performance, delving into the mediums of theatre, drag, cabaret and relational aesthetics. They create inherently queer performances, using personal narrative to speak to queer and trans existence.

They’ve been named one of Paper Magazine’s Paper People, and have performed across Rich Mix Shoreditch, Omnibus Theatre, New Diorama, and the National Theatres of Rome and Sicily. Manuel’s favourite things include: self-adoration, karaoke, lemongrass tea, ‘The Boss’ by Diana Ross, 70s and 80s fashion, costume jewellery and downtown Lisbon.

if not this then that

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

"We are in a time of paralysis.
And nobody can understand why.
We all know that something is deeply wrong within our society.
But we are unable to act.
We are increasingly interconnected.
Yet power seems further away than ever before."

"Does this sound familiar?
Good.
Because we have been here before."

An entrepreneur pitches for investment.
Someone is a victim of deep-faking.
A debate erupts on the ethics of viral content.

‘if not this then that’ is a play performed entirely by the audience. No performers. Just you, a screen, and a story we all share. It’s about agency, control, and the colonial origins of modern computing technology. A play about us — and how we got here.

It’s up to each individual whether they follow the instructions. But someone must — for the play to progress.

What people are saying:

"Very thought-provoking — lots to talk about after the performance!"

"Super interesting! Never seen a production with that kind of engagement before."

"Loved it! Really great!"

About the company

Wild Guess is a performance collective based in Scotland, which creates bold, experimental, and politically responsive work, founded by Harry Walker whilst taking a Masters course in theatre and performance at the University of Glasgow in 2024.

Harry is an emerging theatre-maker and poet with a record of devising, producing, and presenting politically urgent work across England and Scotland. He creates experimental performances that use participatory mechanics to dismantle the traditional audience-performer hierarchy, turning spectators into co-creators of the event. His practice is grounded in research-led development and seeks to reconfigure theatrical performance as a collective act of dialectical co-authorship, to interrogate systems of power and explore post-capitalist futures.

His work has been presented at Camden People's Theatre’s SPRINTFEST 2025, the Old Hairdressers in Glasgow, and Resolution 2026 at The Place. Wild Guess producer, Enea Orsolini, is a trained dramatist interested in live art, queer theatre and accessibility, originally from Rome. Enea is an experienced producer and has produced shows for Wild Guess, including ‘if not this then that’ at the CPT, as well as performance events in Glasgow, such as ‘What Happens When’ at The Rum Shack.

Artwork by Lily Clay

Have Your It Way

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

"Our impact is measured in how our creations empower people to express their individuality with strength and purpose!"

No it's not! You can't measure impact that way! That doesn't mean anything at all!

This quote featured in an email exchange Theo had with a watch company named after a nuclear bomb, it was written by a Large Language Model.

Have Your It Way is a silly, serious, unsettling piece concerned with the proliferation of bullsh*t in publicity, exacerbated by LLMs, and the meaningless language of faux-creativity, initiative, and entrepreneurialism that has crept into our daily lives. From never ending LinkedIn posts to 1,000 slide Powerpoint's, from impossible to parse emails to Amazon authors, generative slop is waging a war on meaning.

Have Your It Way is a surreal, spiralling, rapid-fire monologue that blends readings from various brand guidelines with a story of a floating orb and an orgy in a fast-food restaurant.

Suitable for haters of Ai aged 16+!

Previous praise for the writer:

"Theo Moore has written the contradictions of real life into every moment of the show; how the good and the bad, the funny and disastrous, tend to sit together because life goes on even when things go wrong. Fundamentally, that is the feeling that makes this play so impactful" ★★★★ (Theatre & Tonic on Everytime We Touch at Theatre503)

About the company

Brightmouth are producers of critically-acclaimed experimental theatre and comedy. Their work has been seen all across the UK, in theatres such as Soho Theatre, Underbelly Edinburgh, Camden People's Theatre, The Lighthouse Poole, and The ShowRoom Chichester.

Divine Tides

Posted on: May 25th, 2026 by

About the show

What becomes of a dream that dares to fly too close to the sun?

In Divine Tides, Icarus rises from his fall. Beneath the watchful gaze of the gods, our children fly and dance in the air, weaving circus and acrobatics into a living myth from their imagination, whilst trying to resist the Sirens call from the deep.

Divine Tides explores, love and hate in its most fierce and fragile form through beautiful and dramatic aerial acts. Here, light and shadow dance, spin and twist as one, moving with the tide, teaching that with every child’s decision shapes their own destiny. Step beyond the edge of Olympus… and become part of the tide.

About the company

Acrosphere is an aerial acrobatics company bringing world level coaching to locals. Their classes range from pre-school to adults, wishing to learn unique skills from highly qualified and experienced coaches from the circus industry. They strive to create an inclusive environment to introduce the world of circus arts into more rural areas where access is limited. Each class or workshop aims to help individuals unlock their physical and creative potential.