The Fearless Theatre provides a home to some of our theatrics, circus and comedy, but mind your back because you never know what might pop out of the trees! We have joined forces with some of the most vibrant and forward-thinking producers and artists in the country to bring you unique surprises, circus spectaculars and comedy moments.
See Sideshows for more theatrical entertainment
On Saturday night we are honoured to host the The Pick of The Pleasance. With a theatre in London and currently the biggest venue on the Edinburgh Festival fringe the Pleasance Theatre provides a launch pad for new talent, producing many memorable productions this last decade.
Battersea Arts Centre The award-winning London theatre is renowned for its innovative, accessible and high quality arts. For Nova they are staging four pieces of extraordinary and immersive drama. See sideshows for other Battersea Arts Centre One on One shows.
Gooseparty (BAC) A sonic antipasti of sassy pseudo-fiesta funk, electronica gender anthems, dirty agro railway blues, and a bit of 'the strummy soft stuff for the lovers of the lonely'. It'll be a high octane evening of madcap musical wildness, wilderness and general gooseyness as we all endeavour to find out WHO.WE.ARE.
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Doc Brown (The Pleasance) An underground rapper who worked with De La Soul and Mark Ronson among others. "Looks as if he was born on stage... with an irresistibly amiable demeanour that gives him an effortlessly charismatic aura- he could yet be the Bill Bailey or Tim Minchin of rap." Chortle
Sheeps (The Pleasance) A sketch group comprising Daran Johnson, Alastair Roberts and Liam Williams. From skits to sketches, jokes to gags – there’s something for all fans of contemporary live sketch comedy. Think the Two Ronnies meets Sheeps, then the Two Ronnies Leave. ‘One of the most exciting sketch acts to emerge in years’ Time Out ‘Something very exciting indeed’ **** Independent ‘Terrific’ **** Daily Telegraph
Pappy's (The Pleasance) Winners of Funniest Podcast at the 2012 Loaded LAFTAs and hailed as "The funniest sketch troupe on the Fringe" Scotsman Pappy’s were nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award, won a Chortle Comedy Award in 2008 and have performed across the globe. They have appeared in their own shows on Channel 4 and Radio 4
***** Mirror ***** Independent On Sunday ***** Chortle ***** List ***** Fest ***** Metro
The Beta Males (The Pleasance) “A slick, hilarious sketch show… Genius.” The Sunday Times "Highly inventive and gloriously funny" Time Out “Original sketch comedy. Good writing… an impressive presence.” The Guardian “Hilarious… a furnace of invention… fast establishing themselves as one of the best sketch teams.” Chortle “Everything comedy should be.” Spoonfed
Max & Ivan (The Pleasance) The world’s greatest detective tackles Chicago’s murky underworld in his FINAL thrilling escapade, recently discovered by Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award 2011 Panel Prize Winners Max and Iván. A breakneck, cinematic and hilarious prohibition-era tale of revenge, whisky and javelins. ‘Nothing can stop Max and Iván on their sketch comedy quest for greatness' ***** British Theatre Guide ‘As good as sketch comedy gets’ Broadway Baby 'Nothing can stop Max and Ivan' British Theatre Guide
Late Night Gimp Fight (The Pleasance) Nominated for Best Newcomer in the Edinburgh Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2010 and won a 2011 Chortle Comedy Award for Best Sketch or Character Act ***** Chortle "Sketch Comedy doesn't get much better than this" The Scotsman "Quite brilliant" The Times "All Hail Late Night Gimp Fight" The Independent
Ginger & Black (The Pleasance) Runners-up in So You Think You're Funny and Amused Moose Laugh Off at the Edinburgh Festival. As well as sketch comedy, they perform songs that are dark, contemporary and very funny. They perform on the London circuit and all over the UK's clubs and festivals. Ginger and Black have appeared on BBC Radio 2, The Annie Mac Show and had regular slots on 4Radio's 'The Weekly Show' and Channel 4 Radio.
Delete The Banjax (The Pleasance) ThreeWeeks Editors’ Award Winners 2010: 'Surreal, energetic, hysterically funny, missing this act would be like skipping Christmas.'
Three Weeks ***** Time Out **** Chortle ****
Abandoman (The Pleasance) After recently completing a UK tour with Ed Sheeran appearances on Radio 1, 6Music, and BBC1 the Hackney Empire New Act competition and Musical Comedy Award winners Abandoman will descend on the Nova Festival. They create hilarious musical sketches at lightning speed live in front of their audience no two gigs are ever the same. ‘Flight of the Concords meets 8 Mile’ Chortle “Truly innovative” The Guardian **** Telegraph **** Metro **** Big Issue ****
John Hegley The people's Poet Laureate whose interests include dogs, glasses, guillemots and potatoes makes a welcome appearance at Nova. He’ll be spreading joy, humour and wordy wisdom in his inimitable and tuneful way throughout the weekend.
Teatro-Saurus A company specialising in high-quality mask theatre for families. Since their debut production of Volpone in 2005 they have performed wonderous original shows at various theatres and festivals. OOK! And the Terrible Thing that Happened features mask-maker and artistic director William Tombs and physical-theatre and dance expert Rachel Alexander.
RedSarah All the fun of the circus! RedSarah will be curating extraordinary shows and acts in the little big top, outdoor circus rig, as well as around the festival site. Expect silliness, rudeness, daredevil stunts and awe-inspiring fire shows. Seek out the inspirational workshops for kids and adults: hula hooping, circus skills, trapeze, nipple tasseling (women only!), ‘boylesque’ and pole dancing (men only!).
RedSarah is one of the leading lady's in circus and cabaret in the UK and has produced festival shows for over 10 years.