Biggest Fringe ever closes, winners named
The New Zealand Fringe Festival closed today with an awards ceremony and closing night party in Wellington, drawing to an end the biggest and most successful Fringe in its 19-year history.
More than 100 shows were part of Fringe 08, and while final statistics are yet to be tabled, Fringe 08 director Mark Westerby said that participants and venues are reporting stronger audience figures than ever before.
"We already knew we had the biggest Fringe ever, now we reckon we have had the best," he said. "In the face of major competition for the entertainment dollar, Fringe productions have enjoyed night after night of full or near-full capacity.
"The strong support for Fringe 08 reveals both the high calibre of the New Zealand creative arts community and also just how much interest there is in our local theatre, comedy and arts scene from the public."
The curtain came down on Fringe 08 at a closing night party and award ceremony at The Paramount Theatre, Courtenay Place, Wellington on Sunday, March 2.
Ninety-five eligible productions were considered for 13 categories, with 17 judges from the Wellington arts community deciding the awards and the grand prize of Best of Fringe.
The grand prize winner was the March of the Meeklings, produced by Three Spoon Theatre.
"This production captured the beauty of Fringe: a bold and original plot, inventive production and their marketing saw Wellington awash with red plastic spoons, while their pavement chalking had the town wondering what on earth was going on," said Mr Westerby.
"The Meeklings inherited the earth – well they inherited Fringe 08 at least! Bravo to Three Spoon Theatre, lets hope they're back for Fringe 09.
"And so will we. The Fringe Festival will be back for 2009 – it'll be sublime."