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Opening Night Gala

A performer stands on a dark stage with one arm stretched above their head. They are backlit by a bright red light.
Tom Noble Creative
A crowded theatre packed with people watching two performers on the stage. There is a projector above the performers with text that reads: Melbourne Fringe Festival. The lighting is dramatic and blue.
NickMickPics
A performer stands on a dark stage with one arm stretched above their head. They are backlit by a bright red light.
Tom Noble Creative
A performer stands on a dark stage with one arm stretched above their head. They are backlit by a bright red light.
Tom Noble Creative
A crowded theatre packed with people watching two performers on the stage. There is a projector above the performers with text that reads: Melbourne Fringe Festival. The lighting is dramatic and blue.
NickMickPics
A performer stands on a dark stage with one arm stretched above their head. They are backlit by a bright red light.
Tom Noble Creative
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A bold beginning to the city's most fearless Festival.

Beneath the glowing arches of Melbourne’s iconic Capitol Theatre, our Opening Night Gala pulses with life. A genre-defying premonition of what’s to come this Festival. A 90-minute spectacle of everything Fringe does best: bold ideas, high-voltage performances, and independent art that hits you differently.

The air hums with anticipation. If the Festival is a rollercoaster of radical art and ambitious ideas, then this is the thrilling first drop. Expect standouts from across the program. Visionary voices, creative fire starters, and cultural risk-takers, all handpicked for a night of glory. Your guide for the night? None other than Fringe star, Sammy J. Our dazzling line-up includes Madame Martha's Parisian Cabaret, Lilikoi Kaos, Amos Roach, Geraldine Quinn, Vidya Makan, Joshua Ladgrove, Piera, Carmen Yih, the cast of Social Beast, and Isabella Valette.

You’ll leave buzzing, bragging, and probably booking tickets in the lobby.

Before the performances unfurl, step onto the purple carpet and bring your childhood heroes to life. Maybe you’ve come as a cartoon hero, a pop culture icon, an everyday person you admired, or an unexpected mash-up of your favourite childhood legends. It’s your moment to honour who made you brave. Why just watch Fringe, when you can live it?

This isn’t just an opening. It’s a rallying cry. Show up for independent art. Participate in this city’s most fearless Festival. Deep breath, dive in.

Optional dress-up theme: Come dressed as your childhood hero.

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    Event Info

    Important Event Information

    Doors open at 6.30pm. Arrive early to get your outfit snapped by our photographers on the purple carpet. 

    The show will start at 7.30pm sharp. Trust us, you don’t want to be late.

    Audio Description and Auslan Interpretation Services

    If you would like to access either of these services, please make a note in the "Access requirements" box in your cart.

    Upon arrival at the venue, please make yourself known to Front of House and they will direct you to either your audio description headset, or the reserved seating for Auslan users. 

    Auslan Interpretation will be provided by FAB Interpreting (Sagenta Cummings and Nicole McRae)

    Audio Description will be provided by Vitae Veritas

    Break Out Space

    A Break Out Space is provided on the level 3 Mezzanine, above the Salon, in the Capitol Theatre. Access can be via lift or stairs. If you require this space please speak for a Front of House staff member

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