“We heard about the Liberty Theatre, which was starting to be used for arts events, and we decided to take it over for Fringe.”
But it is not simply the long-defunct cinema that Martini and her team are rushing to get ready for the opening of Fringe World on January 20.
The plan is to activate the alleyway and loading zone at the back of the Liberty which service many of the other business in Barrack and Hay Streets.
“It’s a rabbit warren, with hidden gems around every corner,” laughs Martini as she shows me around the many spaces inside and outside the building which will soon be overrun by festival-goers enjoying a show and drink and a meal at one of the many food outlets located up and down Barrack Street.
Fringe World is kicking off its Liberty Theatre residency – dubbed Liberty Fringe – with a Comedy Gala curated by A-List Entertainment, followed by QI regular Ross Noble and the UK ragers Massaoke and their “spandex-clad journey through the greatest smash hits of all time”.
The activation of the Liberty Theatre couldn’t come at a better time as Fringe World is fighting to re-establish its place at the centre of the Perth cultural consciousness after two years of disheartening COVID-impacted events.
Let’s get the party started: Massaoke is one of several Fringe World acts who will pump life back into the long-dormant Liberty Theatre.
“It’s really exciting to have eastern states and international acts back in Fringe World,” Martini said.
“Fifty…
