Sharjah has burst onto the global Fringe scene with the launch of its first Fringe festival on Thursday 16 January, transforming the city into a vibrant family entertainment canvas painted with a diversity of acts spanning the genres of theatre, comedy, circus, dance and children’s entertainment.

Whacky comedy and gravity-defying performances unfolded across a trio of venues as Sharjah Fringe marked its debut edition with a host of standout acts born on Fringe stages around the world.

A stellar lineup of theatre artists, comedians, musicians, acrobats and dancers took to the stage at the scenic locales of Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba and Al Noor Island where they will continue to delight residents and visitors of all age groups, until 1 February.

More than 600 shows, consisting of 35 ticketed shows and 30 roaming street shows staged by over 50 artists, will be held across these destinations and The Flag Island, providing over 1,100 hours of entertainment, art, creativity, and fun for all ages.

The first day of Sharjah Fringe Festival saw Ireland’s Fidget Feet Dance Company’s Hatch, weave craft workshops and Irish language in a spectacular aerial dance performance, while Africa’s Black Blues Brothers entertained with hilarious dance challenges, fire and somersault routines, human pyramids and soulful tunes.

Carrying on the African theme was African Signatures, another lively dance show that traces ancient African footsteps through stories of the past merged with the present and the future.

Though armed with just a guitar and a distinctive singing voice, Australian duo Jamie MacDowell and Tom Thum regaled audiences with a riotous combination of folk-pop songs and virtuosic beatboxing.

Kids and adults alike enjoyed a double dose of bubble fun with Pop the Bubbleman’s Fantabulous Bubble Show featuring smoke-filled bubbles and giant bubbles while Maxwell the Bubbleologist fused science and art to create tornadoes and even fire inside bubbles!

Meanwhile, the fast-paced comedy, I Hate Children Children’s Show, combined hilarious fun and magic to woo young audience members onto the stage.

Joining this diverse international cast was UAE’s very own group of award-winning comedians whose offbeat observations in Sketchy Behaviour had the audience erupting in laughter.

Sharjah Fringe is presented by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.

Tickets for the Sharjah Fringe are priced from AED 35 – 50 and can be purchased online at www.sharjahfringe.com or from box offices in Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba.