23rd – 27th July 2025
Free Fringes are good for fringe festivals. It is no bad thing to have a free fringe on ther fringe of a larger fringe festival. It keeps everybody on their toes and also “free” can ensure there is accessibility for all.
The Durham Free Fringe Festival is a new, independent event launching in July 2025 that runs alongside but separate from the Durham Fringe Festival. It offers completely free entry to all performances, with no tickets required and audiences invited to donate at the end if they wish. Inspired by the spirit of the Edinburgh Free Fringe, it focuses on accessibility for both audiences and performers. Events will take place in informal venues like The Holy GrAle and The Station House, and the programme includes comedy, theatre, poetry, and spoken word.
Curated by Aadil Kurji and Chris Neville-Smith, it supports local talent and encourages a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere without the barriers of cost or formality.
According to Chris: “This is starting off as a collaboration between myself and Aadil Kurji. Aadil is a comedian who used to run comedy nights in Bristol, and we’ve seen an opportunity to pool our experience and connections to get a new pop-up venue running and build on the excellent work Durham Fringe has done in making the city into a Festival City.” Read more here.
Here’s the web site to find out more. and check back for any newly added shows or events.
And follow the free fringe on Instagram for up to the minute news and announcements.
STOP PRESS! In addition to the shows listed below, Durham Free Fringe has just grown to six shows with the late ediiton of Durham Improv Jam which plays at The Holy GrAle at 4.30pm on Friday 25th July 2025.
So, what’s on? There’s plenty of variety…
Durham Free Fringe 2025 runs 23–27 July, with all shows free to attend and supported by voluntary donations after each performance. You can pay on the way out (If you want).
Philosophy Storytime: Erotic Tales of and for Lovers of Wisdom
Kathrine Cuccuru presents a playful, thoughtful solo show that combines storytelling with philosophical inquiry. It is witty and accessible, designed for everyone who enjoys both humour and deep reflection.
“True philosophers, lovers of wisdom, are guided by Eros. Revel in these lovers’ sensual tales of erotic education to learn if they will climax in truth or madness. Experimental performance philosophy that unites stories and philosophical practices to make you gasp, laugh, think, and maybe even a little horny.”
Catch it Wednesday and Thursday 23–24 July at 6pm, The Holy GrAle, Crossgate, Durham.
Chris Neville-Smith brings his cult interactive comedy game show to Durham, letting the audience invent a murder mystery live on stage. Expect chaotic fun and inventiveness throughout this Brighton favourite. See it Wednesday 23 July at 7.30pm, The Holy GrAle, Crossgate, Durham.
(Just off the) Bailey Banter
Curated by Aadil Kurji, this mixed bill comedy night showcases a rotating line-up of new and established comedians, delivering a lively and unpredictable evening of laughs. Shows run Thursday and Friday 24–25 July at 7.30pm, The Holy GrAle, Crossgate, Durham.
Caitriona Dowden: Dance Like Everyone’s Dancing
Award-nominated comedian Caitriona Dowden weaves existential dread, the 1518 dancing plague, and modern anxieties into a joyful and surreal comic experience. Performances are Friday 25 July at 6.30pm, The Holy GrAle, and Saturday 26 July at 2pm, The Station House, Durham. Caitriona also plays at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025. More here. “Caitriona spends most of her time worrying about the future and studying our medieval past. Can she learn to live in the moment? Following her double award-nominated debut, she returns to the Fringe with a feel-good show about apocalyptic dread (and the 1518 dancing plague). Chortle Awards Best Newcomer nominee 2025. ‘A unique voice in UK comedy… a highly promising, distinct talent’ (Scotsman). ‘Blissfully esoteric’ (Fest). ‘Medieval nuns get more mentions than you’ll find in an average episode of Live at the Apollo’ (Chortle.co.uk).”
Chris Neville-Smith’s haunting solo show reveals the tragic backstory of the villain from the ballet Coppélia. Blending gothic atmosphere with emotional storytelling, Coppelius comes to life in this intimate performance. Shows are Saturday 26 July at 3pm, The Station House, and Sunday 27 July at 4pm, The Holy GrAle.
The latest line-up in one place…
PHILOSOPHY STORYTIME from Kathrine Cuccuru @aphilosopher_walks.talks.makes Wed 23rd 6.00 + Thu 24th 6.00, Holy GrAle
IT’S NOT CLUEDO from @cns_theatre Wed 23rd 7.30, Holy GrAle
(JUST OFF THE) BAILEY BANTER from @theomniarch Thu 24th, 7.30 p.m. and Fri 25th, 7.30 p.m., Holy GrAle
THE DURHAM IMPROV JAM from @benbradley_123 in association with @shellshock_improv Fri 25th, 4.30 p.m.
DANCE LIKE EVERYONE’S DANCING from @caitrionadowden Fri 25th 6.00 p.m., Holy Grale, and Sat 26th 2.00 p.m. Station House
DOCTOR COPPELIUS by @cns_theatre, Sat 26th 3.00 p.m. Station House and Sat 27th, 4.00 p.m, Holy GrAle
Durham Free Fringe around the Web
Read the North-East Theatre Guide’s preview of Durham Free Fringe here.
This is Chris Neville=Smith’s introduction to Durham Free Fringe.
Connect with the Free Fringe on social media platform BlueSky
We’ll be updating our coverage of the Free Fringe so do check back. We wish this new festival well.
