The third annual Oxford Fringe (Oxfringe) ran 1-13 April 2009. It took place in 27 venues across Oxford, with 147 events over the fortnight including music, theatre, comedy and literature. Oxford is a university city roughly 60 miles north-west of London, UK. It's full of history and tradition, and home to some stunning architecture which looked particularly lovely in the good weather this year's fringe was blessed with.

Oxfringe began in 2007 as two literary events. It expanded quickly in 2008 to around 60 theatrical, literary and music events, and more than doubled in size in 2009. Andrew Chapman, Deidre Ruane and J-P Stacey originally set it up; Heather Dunmore and Sarah Jones ran it in 2009.

Oxfringe 09's explosion in popularity was evident from extensive publicity visible all over Oxford and by the addition of a major corporate sponsor, brewers Brakspear. Banners, posters, flyers and programmes were everywhere, and it was clear that a lot of effort and time had been put into marketing. It was hard to walk into a pub, bar or restaurant without seeing some promotion. And during the days, pedestrianised Cornmarket Street was busy with performers handing their flyers out to the public.

Audiences were mostly made up of locals, and it was unfortunate that Oxford University was on holiday. But Oxfringe was cleverly timed to coincide with The Times Literary Festival and the Jazz Festival, bringing a larger number of culture-seeking visitors to the city even than usual. Audience sizes were generally quite good, and the smaller nature of Oxfringe made it easier for shows to compete against each other than at larger festivals such as the vast Edinburgh Fringe.

Overall it came across as very well-organised, and impressive in the effect it had on the city. Venues ranged from full-time theatres such as Oxford Playhouse and Burton Taylor Studio to more unusual locations including Oxford Castle and Borders bookstore. There were free events for children at weekends. Ticket prices tended to be around £4-£6, so that on the whole the fringe was accessible to everyone.

END

(c) Matthew Rose 11 April 2009

Matthew Rose is a writer and producer living in London. He took a show to Oxfringe 09 and reviewed theatre for Fringe Report.

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2011

www.fringereport.com