Fringe World Festival launches with British shenanigans and MARVELous pop cultural nods
Perth’s Fringe World Festival 2026 officially kicked off earlier this week, lighting up the city and keeping the good summer vibes happening from now until February 15.
The Fringe World program this year is packed with performance, cabaret, comedy, circus, theatre and more across 110 venues and featuring thousands of artists.
The launch marked the start of one of Perth’s biggest cultural events, expected to draw huge crowds and transform the city into a vibrant arts playground for over three weeks.
Among the standout shows – and given a sneak preview at the launch – was ‘London Calling’, a dandy production making its West Australian premiere at the iconic Ice Cream Factory in Northbridge. Fresh from a sell-out season in Adelaide, this eclectic spectacle blends magic, aerial circus, comedy and cabaret with all-star performers from around the world.
One of the acrobatic stars did something very original, and balanced not one, but three pieces of luggage on the tips of their toes as they lay back and let their legs do the juggling. It was quite a sight, especially with a cool backdrop of swinging London shifting in the background.
Hosted by Paul Dabek, ‘London Calling’ is a variety show featuring stunning aerial acts, jaw-dropping juggling, hypnotic hula hooping and circusry, offering audiences a high-energy, internationally acclaimed show that has been praised for its dazzling variety.
Media also got a taste of another show on opening night, ‘MARVELous: A Risque Parody’, which is a rather cheeky meets raunchy parody of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, also staged at the Ice Cream Factory. Part comedy, part satire, and all dance, live vocals, stunts and pop cultural nods, ‘MARVELous’ turns familiar superhero tropes into bold, laugh-filled performances with an adult edge that’s quickly become a crowd favourite since opening.
Together, these shows helped usher in a lively and eclectic Fringe World season full of creativity, surprise and fun for Perth audiences this summer.
For the full Fringe World program and to purchase tickets to shows, visit fringeworld.com.au.
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